Trailer for building materials
Discussion
Hi guys,
I'm about to buy a two bedroom cottage which is in need of renovation, and which also has planning permission for a single storey extension. I will be doing much of the work myself, and had it in mind that I would buy a cheapish pickup truck (Toyota Hilux or similar stylee job)for those trips to the builders merchants. When it comes to the big stuff I can have it delivered, but my Golf is obviously far too small (and too nice) to be throwing bags of cement and various other materials in.
Once completed I would sell the pickup (probably in about eighteen months).
It then ocurred to me that a trailer would do the job of a pickup, and still leave me with a decent runabout
would just need a tow hitch fitting to the Golf (although have been thinking of changing the Golf for an early S4 Avant, 4 wheel drive and all that..)
So just wondering if anyone who uses a trailer (or truck) for similar stuff can offer any advice on trucks or trailers, particularly trailers as I know nothing about what's good/what's bad/what size etc when it comes to trailers... or what restrictions there might be with regard to towing weights etc...
Any advice appreciated, thanks in advance,
Chilli
I'm about to buy a two bedroom cottage which is in need of renovation, and which also has planning permission for a single storey extension. I will be doing much of the work myself, and had it in mind that I would buy a cheapish pickup truck (Toyota Hilux or similar stylee job)for those trips to the builders merchants. When it comes to the big stuff I can have it delivered, but my Golf is obviously far too small (and too nice) to be throwing bags of cement and various other materials in.
Once completed I would sell the pickup (probably in about eighteen months).
It then ocurred to me that a trailer would do the job of a pickup, and still leave me with a decent runabout
would just need a tow hitch fitting to the Golf (although have been thinking of changing the Golf for an early S4 Avant, 4 wheel drive and all that..)So just wondering if anyone who uses a trailer (or truck) for similar stuff can offer any advice on trucks or trailers, particularly trailers as I know nothing about what's good/what's bad/what size etc when it comes to trailers... or what restrictions there might be with regard to towing weights etc...
Any advice appreciated, thanks in advance,
Chilli
From experience, a trailer is much more practical than even a single cab pickup for transporting building materials and as you say allows you to keep running your everyday car without adding much in the way of running costs. Make sure you get something with fold down sides to allow easy forklift loading and at least big enough to fit the largest pallet on.
From memory a Golf is rated to tow 1400kg so one of the bigger Ivor Williams Eurolights http://www.iwt.co.uk/products/flatbed/eurolight?ta... would let you load at least a tonne of materials with no drama.
They also hold their value to such an extent that I'd almost recommend buying a new one especially once you figure in the likely 10% discount off list price.
Also, what engine's in the Golf?! I'd avoid the trailer route if it's just a 1.4 and you live somewhere hilly!
From memory a Golf is rated to tow 1400kg so one of the bigger Ivor Williams Eurolights http://www.iwt.co.uk/products/flatbed/eurolight?ta... would let you load at least a tonne of materials with no drama.
They also hold their value to such an extent that I'd almost recommend buying a new one especially once you figure in the likely 10% discount off list price.
Also, what engine's in the Golf?! I'd avoid the trailer route if it's just a 1.4 and you live somewhere hilly!
snowandrocks said:
From experience, a trailer is much more practical than even a single cab pickup for transporting building materials and as you say allows you to keep running your everyday car without adding much in the way of running costs. Make sure you get something with fold down sides to allow easy forklift loading and at least big enough to fit the largest pallet on.
From memory a Golf is rated to tow 1400kg so one of the bigger Ivor Williams Eurolights http://www.iwt.co.uk/products/flatbed/eurolight?ta... would let you load at least a tonne of materials with no drama.
They also hold their value to such an extent that I'd almost recommend buying a new one especially once you figure in the likely 10% discount off list price.
Also, what engine's in the Golf?! I'd avoid the trailer route if it's just a 1.4 and you live somewhere hilly!
Thanks very much for this reply and to Mr McWigglebum From memory a Golf is rated to tow 1400kg so one of the bigger Ivor Williams Eurolights http://www.iwt.co.uk/products/flatbed/eurolight?ta... would let you load at least a tonne of materials with no drama.
They also hold their value to such an extent that I'd almost recommend buying a new one especially once you figure in the likely 10% discount off list price.
Also, what engine's in the Golf?! I'd avoid the trailer route if it's just a 1.4 and you live somewhere hilly!
It probably wouldn't have ocurred to me get one with fold down sides, so much appreciated (and the link...)
The Golf is a VR6 (2.8 litre V6), and I live in Norfolk, which most people think is flat, which it mostly is, unless you're out jogging or riding a bike
Thanks again for your reply, I'm now about to become a trailer enthusiast
Having owned numerous trailers over the years, I'd recommend an Ifor Williams P6E to go behind your Golf. It's light enough to move about single handed, robust enough to easily carry half a ton and tows very nicely.
Whatever trailer you decide upon, make sure of the following
That it is at least 4ft wide inside, so that you can carry sheet materials.
That it has ladder rack, which makes it easier to see and so that you can carry long lengths of timber
That it has a loading ramp tailgate and prop stands so that you barrow on and off without being coupled to the car.
Whatever trailer you decide upon, make sure of the following
That it is at least 4ft wide inside, so that you can carry sheet materials.
That it has ladder rack, which makes it easier to see and so that you can carry long lengths of timber
That it has a loading ramp tailgate and prop stands so that you barrow on and off without being coupled to the car.
Having just built a house...
If you are organised you can get everything delivered (assuming you have a decent merchant nearby)
However as I'm not so organised I used a van - one that can get 8x4 is ideal (ie Transit sized)
The problem with a pick up is stuff gets wet or blown out the back if you aren't careful.
It also means you can't go to 2 shops as your stuff from the first is in the back.
Hence a roof rack for the van may be required (or get long stuff delivered)
The problem with a trailer is they get stolen plus have all the drawbacks of a pick up.
They don't fit in most merchants and decent sized ones aren't allowed in the local tip.
Basically 90% of builders have a van, 9.9% have a pick up and 0.1% have a trailer.
If you are organised you can get everything delivered (assuming you have a decent merchant nearby)
However as I'm not so organised I used a van - one that can get 8x4 is ideal (ie Transit sized)
The problem with a pick up is stuff gets wet or blown out the back if you aren't careful.
It also means you can't go to 2 shops as your stuff from the first is in the back.
Hence a roof rack for the van may be required (or get long stuff delivered)
The problem with a trailer is they get stolen plus have all the drawbacks of a pick up.
They don't fit in most merchants and decent sized ones aren't allowed in the local tip.
Basically 90% of builders have a van, 9.9% have a pick up and 0.1% have a trailer.
Having a trailer is very useful & not just while you're renovating your house. I use ours loads - it's like having a mini-skip you can chuck stuff in - cardboard at Christmas, hedge cuttings etc etc. If you've got the space to store it then they are invaluable. Not as roomy as a van, but doesn't need insurance / tax etc. I've got the one below (Brenderup 1205s) with the double height sides but mine has a locking rigid lid. Great for going camping etc as well. It wasn't cheap, but was much, much cheaper than a van.
As previous - forget trailers, forget pickups, get yourself a cheap Transit van (not the tiny Connect ones).
Get a short wheelbase one with a low roof if at all possible, and a roofrack for it. That will cover you for all eventualities.
Downsides to pickups:
Security (lack of)
Carrying long stuff, not very convenient
Weather protection for your goods
Not all that much carrying capacity both volume and weight wise
Downside to trailers:
You need to plonk them somewhere when not in use, but you can't just park them as you would an extra vehicle
Awkward to drive with, parking in car parks, even of builders suppliers, can be very very problematic
Unless large, not all that much carrying capacity.
Unless properly equipped, you can't carry long stuff
Security, for ordinary ones, both for the goods and the trailer itself.
Downsides to a Transit:
It's an extra vehicle, just like the pickup.
Nothing else I can think of.
Then again if you have any decent builders merchants nearby you can get EVERYTHING delivered. Mostly free, too, if the order is decently large. And often next day. Even B&Q deliver nowadays. It's actually more convenient for the big stuff, too, rather than wheel it around the store on a trolley you just take the refs to the counter, pay, and it will turn up in due course.
Get a short wheelbase one with a low roof if at all possible, and a roofrack for it. That will cover you for all eventualities.
Downsides to pickups:
Security (lack of)
Carrying long stuff, not very convenient
Weather protection for your goods
Not all that much carrying capacity both volume and weight wise
Downside to trailers:
You need to plonk them somewhere when not in use, but you can't just park them as you would an extra vehicle
Awkward to drive with, parking in car parks, even of builders suppliers, can be very very problematic
Unless large, not all that much carrying capacity.
Unless properly equipped, you can't carry long stuff
Security, for ordinary ones, both for the goods and the trailer itself.
Downsides to a Transit:
It's an extra vehicle, just like the pickup.
Nothing else I can think of.
Then again if you have any decent builders merchants nearby you can get EVERYTHING delivered. Mostly free, too, if the order is decently large. And often next day. Even B&Q deliver nowadays. It's actually more convenient for the big stuff, too, rather than wheel it around the store on a trolley you just take the refs to the counter, pay, and it will turn up in due course.
nxh66 said:
Will you be using it to go to the tip? Many local authorities restrict the size you can take in now.
My local council requires you to have a permit as per vans/pickups if your trailer is more than 2m long, mine is a 6x4 which just sneaks under this.
It depends on the site in my experience...My local council requires you to have a permit as per vans/pickups if your trailer is more than 2m long, mine is a 6x4 which just sneaks under this.
My local will allow trailers up to 3 meters (9'10") and up to two axles, although the recycling centre near my sisters house is completely unrestricted within reason (i.e no articulated lorry's)
You will probably find that recycling centres that restrict trailers also will not allow "commercial" vehicles like vans or pick-up trucks on site.
I had to argue with mine about letting me in with my land rover as it was a "pickup truck". I came back a few hours later with the roof and sides bolted on and they waved me through.
Madness.
Downsides to vans is insurance. A group of 5 of us chipped in £500 for a shared communal van. Worked fine for a few years, but the insurance for van was more than insuring a heavily modified RS4 , so it was ditched. We did consider getting a big old school ppl carier such as a galaxy, but it never happened. i now share a trailer with one of the friends. Local tip is cool with it, despite it being a 3ton plant trailer.
eliot said:
Downsides to vans is insurance. A group of 5 of us chipped in £500 for a shared communal van. Worked fine for a few years, but the insurance for van was more than insuring a heavily modified RS4 , so it was ditched. We did consider getting a big old school ppl carier such as a galaxy, but it never happened. i now share a trailer with one of the friends. Local tip is cool with it, despite it being a 3ton plant trailer.
Really ? My van was less than £200 for years but has just crept over now. I think you may need a better broker.
Why would he replace his daily driver with a van?? A trailer does not require tax, MOT or insurance. As long as you have category BE on your licence you can tow any trailer with a car. My tip has a 3 metre length limit on trailers, anything over 1.8 metres can only visit 6 times per year (even then, 6 trips in a year with a fully loaded trailer is a LOT of stuff).
If you have the space to store a trailer then it's a great investment, and you can make a bit of money back from it by lending it to friends etc.
If you have the space to store a trailer then it's a great investment, and you can make a bit of money back from it by lending it to friends etc.
tehguy said:
Why would he replace his daily driver with a van?? A trailer does not require tax, MOT or insurance. As long as you have category BE on your licence you can tow any trailer with a car. My tip has a 3 metre length limit on trailers, anything over 1.8 metres can only visit 6 times per year (even then, 6 trips in a year with a fully loaded trailer is a LOT of stuff).
If you have the space to store a trailer then it's a great investment, and you can make a bit of money back from it by lending it to friends etc.
How do you make money back by lending it to friendsIf you have the space to store a trailer then it's a great investment, and you can make a bit of money back from it by lending it to friends etc.
I bought a trailer for the wife's Octavia for this purpose (we're building an extension) and it does the job fine. A Golf type car will happily tow 750kg unbraked, which has been plenty for me. Size of materials is more of an issue - things like 8x4 sheets need to be strapped to the top since they wont fit in anything other than a huge trailer - I sandwich plasterboard between two sheets of ply to protect it for transport then tie them down with ratchet straps but you still have to be quite careful with how much you carry because the trailer ends up rather top heavy and tends to catch the wind.
When I was looking at trailers, I decided that the cheap all-metal ones were rubbish. I ended up buying a (very sturdy) home-made one which had a welded steel frame with ply panels (which I can easily and cheaply replace if they get damaged or rot).
The disadvantage of a trailer is that it takes up loads of space to store and if you want to go somewhere else on the way to or from the builder's merchant you have to find a space long enough to fit the car and trailer combined in. Apparently some council tips can be funny about people taking trailers long too, although ours is fine. A trailer is particularly useful at the tip because you can drag the trailer around the different bins with you rather than having to carry each item separately from the car.
My setup falls well within the B licence category.
When I was looking at trailers, I decided that the cheap all-metal ones were rubbish. I ended up buying a (very sturdy) home-made one which had a welded steel frame with ply panels (which I can easily and cheaply replace if they get damaged or rot).
The disadvantage of a trailer is that it takes up loads of space to store and if you want to go somewhere else on the way to or from the builder's merchant you have to find a space long enough to fit the car and trailer combined in. Apparently some council tips can be funny about people taking trailers long too, although ours is fine. A trailer is particularly useful at the tip because you can drag the trailer around the different bins with you rather than having to carry each item separately from the car.
My setup falls well within the B licence category.
Edited by kambites on Tuesday 4th February 17:43
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff