Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

Carolina_coast99 wrote:I would greatly appreciate any opinions on Diamond Cargo Trailers out of Douglas GA.
How is their craftsmanship and build quality etc ..?.
Thank you

crpngdth2001 wrote:

Carolina_coast99 wrote:I would greatly appreciate any opinions on Diamond Cargo Trailers out of Douglas GA.
How is their craftsmanship and build quality etc ..?.
Thank you

I bough one to use for a cross country move then storage for a year or so. I would say they are one of the better “budget” manufacturers with decent build quality.

I had no major issues, but had realistic expectations when going with a budget builder. Added a few options to get it as I wanted, and everything functioned well. 18 months later when I sold it, it still worked and looked new, and got 90% of my cash back.

Jim


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Carolina_coast99 wrote:

crpngdth2001 wrote:

Carolina_coast99 wrote:I would greatly appreciate any opinions on Diamond Cargo Trailers out of Douglas GA.
How is their craftsmanship and build quality etc ..?.
Thank you

I bough one to use for a cross country move then storage for a year or so. I would say they are one of the better “budget” manufacturers with decent build quality.

I had no major issues, but had realistic expectations when going with a budget builder. Added a few options to get it as I wanted, and everything functioned well. 18 months later when I sold it, it still worked and looked new, and got 90% of my cash back.

Jim


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Can you suggest any upgrades to a diamond cargo trailer that would make it a better choice to invest the time and money into?
Frame size, wall skin thickness, axles etc...?




Thanks for the detailed information.

I have been pricing multiple trailers for some time and I really like the ATC brand,,,, but soo expensive.


Does anyone have a recommendation on a trailer that is high enough quality for me to install many thousands of dol,ars of finish work on the Interior...?

crpngdth2001 wrote:As I recall, the first thing I did was upgrade to the .030? skin. It was the next step up from basic. I added height (raised to 7'), added a 5 or 6 ft extended tongue, changed wall, roof, floor member spacing to 16", one piece roof, and the upgraded weight axle with brakes.

There may have been more changes I made, but they were all cosmetic.

crpngdth2001 wrote:I can say it did pull perfectly - even with the probably over capacity load I pulled across country, then to two different living locations in Ohio before settling in Maryland.

If you are pulling it apart to build a toy hauler or cargo camper conversion to insulate, etc - I think you would be fine. Many say the studs were not painted and they primed/painted them, sealed some gaps after testing for leaks with the interior out, and maybe cleaned up the wiring a bit. If you are willing to do the same, I think it will be fine from a longevity perspective.

I did also get the 32" or 36" RV style door with screen and no outside cam-lock bar for the side door too.

I would also say if you are thinking about any cosmetics like diamond plate, blackout packages, etc - I would skip them. The diamond plate is paper thin compared to the siding, and will warp quickly where tightened too much. The blackout is cheap paint that wears quickly as well.

I also forgot to mention, I immediately pulled the cheapo Chinese tires and replaced since I knew I would be hauling heavy loads cross country. I simply did not want to risk it on very generic tires. I went to good continental trailer tires, IIRC.

flboy wrote:As a few have said, if you are building it out, there are some must have upgrades. Also, you will have it apart to address the typical hidden quality issue. I painted all the studs as it was poor at best. Soldered up wiring, found a few leaks and fixed them permanently. Do that and you will be fine. Axles all come from same place so pick the axle you needed and leave good margin. The frames are pretty much built the same way so pay a little more for extended and reinforced tongue, tighter spacing on floor joists and after that... the bones are good for 20+ years. I know mine will last longer than me at this point. I bought a Lark and happy with overall after I did the once over and touch up that should not need to be done and I had alot of extras added as well.

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NO David! wrote:Can't answer for Diamond but of course I have an answer in general.

I think it has more to do with the dealer who handles your custom order, than the brand. Most brands we used to know are now just a brand owned by an investment group. Mine is a Cargo Craft, while there were a few minor issues, I would order from them again. Pretty sure they are still privately owned. They really stepped up to correct the issues, very satisfied. In hindsight, I guess I was a bit picky, but it was a lot of money to me. It has proven to be an excellent value, and has towed great behind two different tow rigs. I developed a leak last year, but in the fiberglass nose cap near the center marker lights. Not the fault of Cargo Craft. Simple fix. The rest of the trailer has remained water tight since 2012. I recall one of their marketing points was a water wash test rig for every trailer.
http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=48345

Another brand made in Tennessee that I would consider is Homesteader, again via a dealer with experience in custom orders.
https://homesteadertrailer.com/

Lately, I ran into this manufacturer, they actually posted to my Twitter page regarding my trailer. I have kept up with them, and really like their approach to building, and custom orders. It's a long way off, but the exchange rate is pretty good right now, might reach out to them, and see what they can do. Aluminum or steel, custom orders, seem like a really good crew there.
https://www.canadiantrailercompany.net/