Neo or Featherlite Trailer - which one should I buy?

[Dave J]

I’m in the market for a 7’x16’ v-nose enclosed aluminum trailer. I’m seriously considering trailers from Neo and Featherlite. I will probably be ordering the trailer from the factory.

What experience have you had with either company?

Let me know and TIA.

[DanW]

Either one will serve you well. The "extras" add up quickly.

Keep it simple.

[sevenselans]

Featherlite. Do not do a wood floor.

[BeerBudgetRacing]

Featherlite. Do not do a wood floor.

And practice ice skating. Every time Ive been in a trailer with an alum floor a drop of fluid had nearly put me on the floor.
And the reflection from the alum ramp door will nicely tan the underside of your chin and inside your nostrils.

[sevenselans]

Ask my friend about the wood floor in his trailer and how well it burned to the ground.
chris

[Lotus7]

And practice ice skating. Every time Ive been in a trailer with an alum floor a drop of fluid had nearly put me on the floor.

I bought a Sundowner all-aluminum trailer with an extruded aluminum floor that has longitudinal ridges about .040 high and an inch apart, running full length of the trailer. Great traction, liquid is below walking level.
Yeah, moving a wheeled tool box laterally is slightly awkward, but the benefits greatly outweigh that.

[BeerBudgetRacing]

Ask my friend about the wood floor in his trailer and how well it burned to the ground.
chris

If something is on fire inside or below an alum trailer do you really think it'll be as good as new in the end?

[BeerBudgetRacing]

I bought a Sundowner all-aluminum trailer with an extruded aluminum floor that has longitudinal ridges about .040 high and an inch apart, running full length of the trailer. Great traction, liquid is below walking level.
Yeah, moving a wheeled tool box laterally is slightly awkward, but the benefits greatly outweigh that.

That is a good feature. My experience is with Featherlites. Maybe the new ones have changed.

[Dave J]

I don't mind having a wooden floor, especially since I'll be mounting the tie downs. Also, I have STP insurance, so if the trailer burns, I'll get another one.

Has anyone dealt with NEO Trailers? They are lighter than other aluminum trailers, does that mean lower quality?

[problemchild]

I was considering ordering a Neo of that size, but decided that on such a small trailer, the weight difference between all-aluminum and conventional, was not worth the extra cost. By the time it is loaded up, what is the difference between weighing 6400 lbs or 6100 lbs. If worried about weight, just leave 300 lbs of stuff at home. Also avoiding the wait on having to order, I got a nice price on a conventional trailer off a lot. I ended up with the 5000 lb axles, which means bigger brakes and tires. I would prefer my extra cost go into bigger axles. Five years later, and towing at 80+ mph, and I have not touched the brakes or lost a tire. Everyone has different needs, but in the end, I was happy with the decision I made.

I expect the reason to go Featherlite, over other options, would be depreciated value over time would be better.

I have mentioned this previously, but the QC of axle placement on modern trailers has a huge window. I will not buy a trailer now without taking a 6 foot straight bar with me and laying it across the tires on each side. To see one axle steering left 1/4" and the other steering 1/4" right, is not uncommon. I would be uncomfortable ordering a trailer as I could not check this before committing. If you buy from a lot with decent inventory, you can select one that will tow down the road better. This may also be a reason I have been towing with 5000 lb load, at 80+ mph for 5 years, and not worn or blown out tires.

[Dave J]

Thanks for the trailer axle alignment insight Greg - I appreciate it.

I'm going with an aluminum trailer so it doesn't rust out.

[Jtovo]

Just as info, I have had really good luck with an Intech trailer bought a few years ago. The ordering and build process was very detailed. Great finished product.

http://www.intechtrailers.com/

[Ralph Z.]

I was considering ordering a Neo of that size, but decided that on such a small trailer, the weight difference between all-aluminum and conventional, was not worth the extra cost. By the time it is loaded up, what is the difference between weighing 6400 lbs or 6100 lbs. If worried about weight, just leave 300 lbs of stuff at home. Also avoiding the wait on having to order, I got a nice price on a conventional trailer off a lot. I ended up with the 5000 lb axles, which means bigger brakes and tires. I would prefer my extra cost go into bigger axles. Five years later, and towing at 80+ mph, and I have not touched the brakes or lost a tire. Everyone has different needs, but in the end, I was happy with the decision I made.

I expect the reason to go Featherlite, over other options, would be depreciated value over time would be better.

I have mentioned this previously, but the QC of axle placement on modern trailers has a huge window. I will not buy a trailer now without taking a 6 foot straight bar with me and laying it across the tires on each side. To see one axle steering left 1/4" and the other steering 1/4" right, is not uncommon. I would be uncomfortable ordering a trailer as I could not check this before committing. If you buy from a lot with decent inventory, you can select one that will tow down the road better. This may also be a reason I have been towing with 5000 lb load, at 80+ mph for 5 years, and not worn or blown out tires.

Are you saying that the axles are not "square" to the direction of travel?

[DaveW]

Are you saying that the axles are not "square" to the direction of travel?

That's exactly what Greg is saying.