RedTrailer Upgrades worth it?

[HudsonHaines]

I was looking to purchase the 5x8 RedTrailer for my first build:

http://www.redtrailers.com/ShowTrailer.asp?id=6#choose

There is an option to upgrade the wheels to 12" aluminum wheels and radial tires for an extra US$349.54. My thought is that this might make the trailer tow better at a high speed, as well as fair a bit better in an off road situation. Would love to hear if anyone has purchased this option or has an opinion if it's worth it or not. Thanks!

[Alan_H]

That looks worth it to me! You're basically paying for the wheels, but getting the upgraded axle and hubs along with the package. It also puts you to a more standard bolt pattern of 5 on 4.5"

[vincigj]

That looks worth it to me! You're basically paying for the wheels, but getting the upgraded axle and hubs along with the package. It also puts you to a more standard bolt pattern of 5 on 4.5"

I have a craigslist 4/8. Had 8 in wheels and only 600 # leaf springs. Well trailer came out heavy so now I have 12in wheels and 1000# springs but still 4 bolt rims. Choices of rims is limited. There are a couple but the "dish" is wrong.
So all that to say get it up front because all I saved after hours of work was a "free" spare tire.

[HudsonHaines]

Thanks for the opinions! Didn't think about the bolt pattern but that's a good point.

[HudsonHaines]

One more question here about the RedTrailer... Is there a big difference in the shape/style of the RedTrailer vs The Northerntool 5x8? The plans call for the NorthernTool 5x8 but I think I like the RedTrailer better. Just curious if anyone has an experience with these two.

[Esteban]

I have no "hands on" experience with a Red Trailer. I initially thought about buying one

I bought a 5' x 8' Northern Tool trailer I use as a utility trailer. At the time, with discounts, it cost $400. It is a very sturdy trailer and one of the rare ones that is five feet wide. It's a good base to build a 5' x 8' (or longer) teardrop trailer.

An upgraded 5' x 8' Red Trailer costs nearly $1,100 PLUS shipping.

That brings it into the price range of a custom made trailer with your choice of suspension, whether torsion axle or spring axle, your choice of tires and wheels, your choice on tongue configuration, and perhaps most importantly your choice of a custom frame size and load capacity.

For that large an outlay of dollars I'd prefer to have a custom trailer made. Which is what I did. I bought a Dexter #9 torsion axle and a local welding shop fabricated a trailer for me two days after we agreed on a plan (my plan) and price. I bought my tires and wheels from a local tire shop.

Bottom line, I think an upgraded 5' x 8' Red Trailer is too expensive when you can have a custom trailer built for a similar cost.

[HudsonHaines]

Thanks for the feedback Esteban. That's some awesome insight.

[Gunguy05]

Yeah, for that price it's the northern tool all the way.