The bifold aluminum ramp design allows quick use simply by releasing a spring-loaded latch on either side.
The tongue-chest provides storage for a variety of trailer-related accessories.
By relocating the spare tire and jack, the tongue-chest is mounted at the front.
There’s nothing that frustrates me more than a task that cannot be completed due to the lack of proper gear. At the beginning of my career as a builder and renovator, this resulted in an unrelenting pursuit for all the necessary tools that could accommodate a variety of jobs. As my "toolbox" filled up, the search for equipment greatly dissipated. However, with winter looming, it felt like it was finally time to bite the bullet and acquire a big-ticket item I had avoided for way too long.
When a car or truck needs servicing, it’s easy enough to schedule an appointment and simply drive the vehicle to the shop. The same cannot be said when servicing a riding lawn mower or sub-compact tractor. Without a trailer to haul these smaller vehicles to a service centre, either a pick-up must be scheduled (which can be very pricey) or a trailer can be rented for the day. Either option left me feeling overly reliant and somewhat vulnerable.
The procrastination to find my own trailer would end this fall.
Before starting my search for the best trailer option, it was necessary to establish the hauling-weight requirement. My John Deere 1025R with cab, loaded with the summer front bucket and rear planer implements, resulted in the greatest potential weight, at roughly 3,500-4,000 pounds or so. As such, a trailer with a single axle rated at 3,500 pounds would not suffice. And although a single, 5,000-pound axle was available, it seemed reasonable that a trailer with tandem 3,500 axles would provide the greatest weight buffer.
After first searching on Kijiji to get an idea of used trailer costs, it became apparent that inheriting someone else’s trailer issues may not be in my best interests. Armed with several used examples, I then began perusing dealers for new trailer options. I quickly learned there are many makes and models from which to choose. To better acquaint myself with what was out there, the good people at AutoQuest would help me throughout the trailer-buying process.
Amanda Cannon, administrative assistant at AutoQuest (as well as a talented singer-songwriter) was kind enough to answer my every question while walking me through the trailer decision-making process. "AutoQuest carries a variety of quality trailers — enclosed cargo, dump, toy haulers, aluminum utility, equipment and snowmobile trailers," she says. "Although we are both a used car dealership and a trailer dealership, trailers have been more of the primary focus the last couple of years."
When asked what trailer makes were offered by AutoQuest, Cannon said "We carry Stealth, Diamond C, Pace, RC, Southland and Stronghaul. For many of our manufacturers, we are one of their largest dealers in North America and the largest in Canada. We stock and carry a large selection of enclosed trailers — these can be custom-ordered with many, many options."
Although my primary objective in acquiring a trailer was to transport my tractor(s), it was also practical to consider the possibility of hauling lumber or other such materials to and from future job sites. As such, a longer trailer than initially considered would be a good idea. My objective of course was to find a trailer already on site, to avoid any unwanted delays. And after walking the lot with Cannon, one brand stood out above the rest — Stronghaul. The sleek look of the diamond-patterned aluminum construction tickled my fancy. And of all Stronghaul trailer options available on site, two styles were contemplated: the 82-inch by 16-foot flat-deck, 14-foot plus two-foot (3,500-pound tandem axles), and the 76-inch by 16-foot Aluminum Utility Trailer (3,500-pound tandem axles, 15-inch sides, bifold ramp). Ultimately, the latter was chosen for overall suitability.
"The 76-inch by 16-foot Stronghaul was a good choice for you because of its aluminum construction, payload and size," Cannon explained to me. "Aluminum trailers are great for our climate — they will not corrode, preserving appearance and thus holding on to their value too. The size and payload are also best suited for your intentions. Furthermore, these trailers are built in Manitoba, and come with a five-year warranty."
Once the trailer was fitted with a spare rim and tire, I hooked it up to my GMC Sierra the very next day and made my way back home. The following week, the trailer was put to the test — my John Deere 1025R was due for a pre-winter check-up and servicing. Without a hiccup, the tractor was easily driven up the bifold collapsible ramp. Once properly secured, tractor and trailer made the short journey to the local John Deere service centre. In the interim, prior to picking up the tractor after servicing two weeks later, a few slight modifications were made to the trailer: the spare tire was relocated from the middle-front to the passenger side of the trailer, and the jack was mounted closer to the front edge of the tongue. This allowed enough space along the top of the tongue to mount a diamond-tread aluminum tongue-chest that provides a storage area for a variety of trailer essentials such as straps and hitch accessories, among other things. This trailer was the perfect choice.
With this 76-inch 16-foot Stronghaul now at my permanent disposal, my trailer envy and anxiety have subsided. Cannon and the entire AutoQuest team made my trailer-buying experience very enjoyable, despite my initial trepidation regarding the process. And the next time a trailer is required, I need only look in my own yard — no more renting or borrowing, ’cuz I have my own. Self-sufficiency can never be overrated.
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