mini/compact utility trailers

[garagesapien]

I'm currently in the market for a compact utility trailer, and I'm wondering if anyone here has experience with mini or small utility trailers. I'm specifically looking for something very compact that can be easily towed by a small SUV like a Porsche Macan. My intended use for it is transporting small trees, plants, and yard stuff, and possibly the occasional large garage tool. For instance, if I come across a great deal on a used 80-gallon American-made air compressor
Does anyone know if these trailers in the below links or similar trailers can be stored vertically against a wall to save space

https://www.northerntool.com/products/ultra-tow-40in-x-48in-aluminum-utility-trailer-kit-1060-lb-load-capacity-49804

1090 lb. Capacity 40-1/2 in x 48 in Utility Trailer

Amazing deals on this 1090Lb Capacity Utility Trailer at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[The Cobbler]

basically there's nothing stopping any trailer from being stored against a wall , except for maybe one with hydraulic oil for a dump or something.
just know that the smaller the trailer is, the tougher it is to see behind a car, and the more difficult it is to back up.
when I had my 16' enclosed trailer I could literally back it up onto a dime in one go , my 8' dump trailer I often have to re orient while back up since it has a short tongue on it

 

[Firebrick43]

I'm currently in the market for a compact utility trailer, and I'm wondering if anyone here has experience with mini or small utility trailers. I'm specifically looking for something very compact that can be easily towed by a small SUV like a Porsche Macan. My intended use for it is transporting small trees, plants, and yard stuff, and possibly the occasional large garage tool. For instance, if I come across a great deal on a used 80-gallon American-made air compressor
Does anyone know if these trailers in the below links or similar trailers can be stored vertically against a wall to save space

https://www.northerntool.com/products/ultra-tow-40in-x-48in-aluminum-utility-trailer-kit-1060-lb-load-capacity-49804

1090 lb. Capacity 40-1/2 in x 48 in Utility Trailer

Amazing deals on this 1090Lb Capacity Utility Trailer at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

Having hauled several 80 gallon compressors on trailers twice that size, I would say it would be quite hairy for such a top heavy load on such a narrow and small axle.

 

[jonesg]

I'm currently in the market for a compact utility trailer, and I'm wondering if anyone here has experience with mini or small utility trailers. I'm specifically looking for something very compact that can be easily towed by a small SUV like a Porsche Macan. My intended use for it is transporting small trees, plants, and yard stuff, and possibly the occasional large garage tool. For instance, if I come across a great deal on a used 80-gallon American-made air compressor
Does anyone know if these trailers in the below links or similar trailers can be stored vertically against a wall to save space

https://www.northerntool.com/products/ultra-tow-40in-x-48in-aluminum-utility-trailer-kit-1060-lb-load-capacity-49804

1090 lb. Capacity 40-1/2 in x 48 in Utility Trailer

Amazing deals on this 1090Lb Capacity Utility Trailer at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

watch videos on youtube, those mini trailers are customized many ways.
I found a 4x7 trailer for $250 , but its too heavy for standing up.
add into price a spare wheel and spare carrying bracket, plus trailer jack....ratchet straps and cargo net.
that $450 trailer actually costs $600. then you need decking, add another $100.
I added LED lights to mine, another $40.

 

[mike93lx]

Harbor freight trailers have been used by many, usually with good success if you recognize their Limitation.

I had a similar bent sheet metal 40x48 that I mofidied into reasonably useful little utility/canoe trailer.

A huge limitation is backing up. Those short trailers are damn near impossible to keep straight and once you start jackknifing, you have to pull forward to reset.

For your usage, I'd recommend considering renting a pickup (uhaul, home depot, etc) when the need arises. Getting something small enough to stow vertically will make it a difficult trailer to actually use

 

[gtae07]

I have a 5x8 wooden deck one from TSC, and it's great for this purpose. A little challenging to back with, especially in a vehicle with poor direct rear vision, but manageable. Just make sure you get a removable rear ramp (this one comes off with 2 bolts). My previous 4x6 could not fit plywood or 2x very well and to make the ramp removable I had to cut it off and reweld the hinge on the other way.

I also have a 4x5 Carry-on brand one that I converted into a fuel tank/dispenser setup for use with my airplane (which is almost done). That little ******* is a huge PITA to back with.

Both could theoretically be stored vertically (at least without the fuel tank on the second) but I don't bother.

 

[JeepYJ]

The Harbor Freight 4x8 folding trailer fits your qualifications nicely. It’s even designed to be folded and stored vertically. I’ve had one for almost 20 years. It’s logged thousands and thousands of miles doing what you’re wanting to do.
There’s a coupon for 10% off through today too. https://www.harborfreight.com/autom...x-96-in-super-duty-folding-trailer-62671.html

 

[jack stand]

Rent a little U haul trailer.

 

[mike93lx]

Rent a little U haul trailer.

A downside to this is that uhaul trailers are built like brick **** houses and weigh a lot (relatively for their size)

 

[jack stand]

Sounds like very infrequent use as you suggested and I'd bet that he'd be ok. The high sides of the little u haul would be a great advantage for his stated use.
But then I have no idea what a Porsche macan is. Maybe he needs a SUV with less "s" and more "u".

 

[billconner]

Just beware that most the Northern Tools, Harbor Freight, and similar are "rated" for 45 or so mph max. That didn't stop me from 1000 miles at interstate speeds. Just beware.

 

[readhead]

The Uhaul MT trailer is lighter and has low sides. I rent a trailer from time to time for job cleanup. It was $35 including the insurance. I don’t have to store it, license it, insure it or maintain it. When I had my shop and yard I had several trailers but now that I work out of my home shop I just don’t have room to store a trailer.

 

[BroncoAZ]

The Macan is rated to tow 4409#, a uhaul trailer shouldn’t be a problem. Their 6x12 utility trailer has a GVWR of 4400#. I went through this decision process a few years back when I sold my diesel pickup and was left with just the wife’s SUV. Renting whatever I need at the time from uhaul for ~$30/day won out over spending $2000 on the 5x10 utility trailer I was looking at.

 

[mike93lx]

The Uhaul MT trailer is lighter and has low sides. I rent a trailer from time to time for job cleanup. It was $35 including the insurance. I don’t have to store it, license it, insure it or maintain it. When I had my shop and yard I had several trailers but now that I work out of my home shop I just don’t have room to store a trailer.

I just checked the 4x7....it's 630 lbs. Heavy for the size, but far from unreasonable. It would be a good choice if the OP is willing to rent

 

[wandrur]

I had a similar debate earlier this year. I looked at the foldable Harbor Freight and Northern Tool options, and I nearly made the decision to go with one of them. However, two* things held me back: Necessary modifications to make the trailer suit my needs and highway speed limitations (mentioned above). One of the needs I decided on was potentially trailering my motorcycle.

I ended up going with a Carry-On 5'x8' vended through Leonard USA. Leonard's version replaced the axle with 15" tires rated for highway speeds and an axle technically rated to 3500# even though the max of the trailer (GVWR) is officially just under 3000#. Trailer is 775# empty.

Good luck with your decision. If you will only ever have those light loads, I think one of the foldable ones will be perfect for you. But if there's ever a chance you'll need a trailer for something bigger, I would suggest going traditional trailer.

* I drive a soft top Wrangler, and U-Haul won't rent a trailer to me.

 

[Max]

We have a 2015 Macan that we use to tow a lot, and it works quite well. However, we use a TSC 5x8 trailer that I don’t think would fit your storage needs. Unlike their trucks, Uhaul does rent their trailers reasonably and there is no mileage charge.

Note that 4400 lbs is for a braking trailer - not too surprising in that at 4400 lbs the Macan is towing its own weight. Also get ready for sticker shock if you don’t already have the towing package - it was over $1k for us just for parts…

 

[KEH]

I have built a few trailers for myself. The usual advice given for a small utility trailer is to have one large enough to haul 4 x 8 sheet goods(plywood, etc) flat in the trailer. Another capability should be to carry a riding lawn mower. The 5 x 8 mentioned above would fill both needs unless it's a huge mower. As for a 80 gallon compressor none of the above would be suitable for a top heavy load like a compressor. I suggest getting a new compressor delivered and sav a lot of possible grief. Of the trailers I have built the only one I would trust to haul a vertical tank 80 gallon compressor would be a cattle trailer with the 6 1/2 foot sides and some serious tying down. Possibly the way for the op to go would be to locate ahead of time someone with a horse or cattle trailer to haul the proposed compressor.

KEH

 

[JeepYJ]

Also get ready for sticker shock if you don’t already have the towing package - it was over $1k for us just for parts…

Don’t know what’s all included in the $1,000 but the hitch is about $200. Wiring, unless it has to be specific for that vehicle for some reason should be about $100. Add a controller for another $150 or so. Any special dealer only parts you needed?

https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitch/Porsche/Macan/2015/C13136.html?VehicleID=20155001699

 

[JeepYJ]

I have built a few trailers for myself. The usual advice given for a small utility trailer is to have one large enough to haul 4 x 8 sheet goods(plywood, etc) flat in the trailer. Another capability should be to carry a riding lawn mower. The 5 x 8 mentioned above would fill both needs unless it's a huge mower. As for a 80 gallon compressor none of the above would be suitable for a top heavy load like a compressor. I suggest getting a new compressor delivered and sav a lot of possible grief. Of the trailers I have built the only one I would trust to haul a vertical tank 80 gallon compressor would be a cattle trailer with the 6 1/2 foot sides and some serious tying down. Possibly the way for the op to go would be to locate ahead of time someone with a horse or cattle trailer to haul the proposed compressor.

KEH

To haul something like a tall compressor just tie down to the corners in an X pattern. If you want some more piece of mind screw some 2x4 supports to the trailer decking for temporary bracing around the compressor.

 

[Spud McGee]

I agree with a lot of what's been said.

Smaller trailers are trickier to back up. My take is the wheels are closer to the tongue. That makes the trailer respond faster to turning movements.

U-Hauls are a pretty good deal. I own my own landscaping trailer. When I need a car hauler, I go with UHaul. The only downside to me is no matter what you do and try to speed it up, there's no way to check out in less than an hour. All the Uhaul places around here are slow.

For landscaping/utility trailers, I like wood plank beds. I have never had good luck with the metal mesh beds.

 

[Jgaz]

If you decide to buy a trailer and still want to stand it up to store it let me know.
I think I have a diagram somewhere of a simple but well designed lifting solution.

 

[tool_scrounge]

I often rent the U-haul motorcycle trailer. It is low to the ground, has a long ramp, and can easily haul a tool box. Just roll it in. It is also quite cheap to rent ($19) and has around 900lb load capacity. It is easy to tow and to see due to the vertical ramp.

 

[Max]

Don’t know what’s all included in the $1,000 but the hitch is about $200. Wiring, unless it has to be specific for that vehicle for some reason should be about $100. Add a controller for another $150 or so. Any special dealer only parts you needed?

https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitch/Porsche/Macan/2015/C13136.html?VehicleID=20155001699

At least for the 2015 you need a new rear lower body panel, some internal bracing, etc. The car detects a trailer and changes handling as well, so it needs to be reprogrammed by a Porsche dealer.

Edit: My wife remembered wrong. Here are the costs in 2018;

$1248.68 Trailer Coupling. part number 95B-044-802-31 for the kit
$ 604.79 Labor and minor parts at 3rd party mechanic
- includes $195.00 for reprogramming at dealer

Uhaul would have installed a hitch much cheaper. The guy at Uhaul showed me the book and it was a lot of steps, including manually cutting a hole in the lower panel. He said he’d try to make it look nice but no guarantee. . Also no tie-in in the Macan’s handling…

Typical Porsche over design and cost - yes. Best handling SUV or truck I’ve ever driven - yes.

Here is a current cost - $1662.00 - that shows the parts:

2017-2022 Porsche Macan Trailer Hitch With Manually Detachable Ball 95B-044-802-31 | Sunset Porsche Parts

2017-2022 Porsche Macan part # 95B-044-802-31 - Trailer Hitch With Manually Detachable Ball

www.sunsetporscheparts.com

 

[P0234]

If you have a good U-Haul store near by, renting is the way to go. I can be in and out in less than 15 minutes. Their trailers are heavy and way overbuilt. The motorcycle trailer is an excellent choice if it's size works for you.

 

[whateg01]

I second, or third, or whatever the comments about backing a short trailer. However, if you ever up with a trailer that has a single tube for a tongue, that can be extended to keep the trailer itself small and light but make it longer to ease backing. I modified a trailer similar to the harbor freight one for a friend so that the tongue folded for storage but was longer for use. That's not plug and play but it's a consideration.

As far as renting something when the need arises, nothing beats being able to hop in the truck and go pick up a deal that appeared on fbmp 5 minutes ago.

 

[P0234]

As far as renting something when the need arises, nothing beats being able to hop in the truck and go pick up a deal that appeared on fbmp 5 minutes ago.

I go and pay for whatever and then go get the trailer. Especially if space is right like the OP, it's silly to keep one on site. I imagine dragging it out of the garage and unfolding/setup will take longer than driving to U-Haul.

 

[whateg01]

I go and pay for whatever and then go get the trailer. Especially if space is right like the OP, it's silly to keep one on site. I imagine dragging it out of the garage and unfolding/setup will take longer than driving to U-Haul.

That doesn't help at 6 pm on a Sunday.

 

[Zeke]

A downside to this is that uhaul trailers are built like brick **** houses and weigh a lot (relatively for their size)

Another factor is that a U-haul facility may not be close by. The one near me is a hassle and it's understaffed by idiots. By the time I get a trailer I could be there and loaded up (depending on the distance, of course). The when I get home I have the option of leaving the load on the trailer if I want.

Most auto ins policies allow you to pull a registered trailer with no additional premium. It's yours and you don't have to listen to the U-haul pitch about a damage waiver.

Not related to standing and storing, but realize little trailers bounce like hell and beat the **** out of a load. YMMV due to the load/weight/tire pressure.

 

[BroncoAZ]

I have built a few trailers for myself. The usual advice given for a small utility trailer is to have one large enough to haul 4 x 8 sheet goods(plywood, etc) flat in the trailer. Another capability should be to carry a riding lawn mower. The 5 x 8 mentioned above would fill both needs unless it's a huge mower. As for a 80 gallon compressor none of the above would be suitable for a top heavy load like a compressor. I suggest getting a new compressor delivered and sav a lot of possible grief. Of the trailers I have built the only one I would trust to haul a vertical tank 80 gallon compressor would be a cattle trailer with the 6 1/2 foot sides and some serious tying down. Possibly the way for the op to go would be to locate ahead of time someone with a horse or cattle trailer to haul the proposed compressor.

KEH

Am I the only one who transports large compressors on their side? I brought one home in June, I tipped it into the bed of my pickup and strapped it down. I supported it with wood across the bed and a moving pad. I wouldn’t be able to deal with a vertically loaded compressor once I got it home.

 

[Snapped-off]

I pull a 6.5'x12' behind my Q5 TDI. The hitch came off a Macan.. Do you absolutely have to store the trailer against a wall?

Don’t know what’s all included in the $1,000 but the hitch is about $200. Wiring, unless it has to be specific for that vehicle for some reason should be about $100. Add a controller for another $150 or so. Any special dealer only parts you needed?

https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitch/Porsche/Macan/2015/C13136.html?VehicleID=20155001699

There's the trailer module, factory tow harness, and coding that needs to happen. Unless you just hack it together of course..

My hitch install was around $850 using factory parts and coding the module to the car myself.

 

[KEH]

BroncoAZ said "Am I the only one who transports large compressors on their side?" I thought of that but I thought the op probably did not have a FEL to unload and set up with. I'm in favor of carrying on the side if possible, that would help the op a lot.

BTW, on advantage to folding the trailer and storing it in the garage is that it would be out of the weather and would last longer. Better resale value, tires last longer.

KEH

 

[Firebrick43]

BroncoAZ said "Am I the only one who transports large compressors on their side?" I thought of that but I thought the op probably did not have a FEL to unload and set up with. I'm in favor of carrying on the side if possible, that would help the op a lot.

BTW, on advantage to folding the trailer and storing it in the garage is that it would be out of the weather and would last longer. Better resale value, tires last longer.

KEH

An 80 gallon compressor is not going to fit on a 40"x 48" trailer on its side.

 

[mike93lx]

An 80 gallon compressor is not going to fit on a 40"x 42" trailer on its side.

Not with that attitude, it's not

 

[Firebrick43]

Not with that attitude, it's not

they are 68" plus.

Yes, I don't have the desire to be on the WTF picture thread like you apparently do.

 

[P0234]

I pull a 6.5'x12' behind my Q5 TDI. The hitch came off a Macan.. Do you absolutely have to store the trailer against a wall?


There's the trailer module, factory tow harness, and coding that needs to happen. Unless you just hack it together of course..

My hitch install was around $850 using factory parts and coding the module to the car myself.

The joys of owning German. Light kit with magic module for my Honda was less than $50.

 

[mike93lx]

they are 68" plus.

Yes, I don't have the desire to be on the WTF picture thread like you apparently do.

Live a little!

 

[whateg01]

they are 68" plus.

Yes, I don't have the desire to be on the WTF picture thread like you apparently do.

This is one time I would lay the compressor down. Plus the pump is heavy enough it could hang over the front rail of the trailer and it would be balanced about right. Wouldn't even hang over the back far enough for a flag.

 

[JeepYJ]

This is one time I would lay the compressor down. Plus the pump is heavy enough it could hang over the front rail of the trailer and it would be balanced about right. Wouldn't even hang over the back far enough for a flag.

68-42=24
24/2=12
That’s only a foot off each end. Full send. If it fits it ships. Close enough.

 

[jskicet]

While visiting Spain last fall I ran across this cool little trailer in a small village that I wish they made here.

 

[Zeke]

Looks like German to me.