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Driving thousands of miles throughout the country hauling sleds you get an appreciation for what works and what doesn't when it comes to trailers.
While we love the warmth, amenities and protection of big enclosed trailers, there's something to be said for the functionality of a big open sled hauler.
Our 4-place trailer for this season was a new 20-foot Triton Elite. Like most 4-place open trailers it was a V-front drive-on/drive-off. Installed also were salt/slush guards (a major bonus) that double as drive-off ramps up front and upgraded 13-inch wheels. Being able to take down those front ramps/slush guards made it easy to unload the trailer quickly.
Why be open?Some people just can't stand putting old-fashioned covers on their sleds to protect from grime on an open trailer, but others like the benefits, like being able to see traffic behind and around the trailer. Open haulers deliver much better sight lines!
Open trailers also often cost less, weigh less, require less maintenance and are easier to maneuver.
Open trailers are also easier for novices who may be learning trailering skills. Teaching your teenager to back into the barn or garage can be stressfull enough! Being able to see the end of the trailer makes everything easier.
The Triton Elite has a hydraulic system called a 'free backing valve' that senses when the tow vehicle is put in reverse and automatically releases the brakes. No need to go back to the trailer and drop a pin to disengage the brakes like in older trailers. That's a big plus!
Today's open trailers, including our Triton hauler, often also come standard with many accessories as well. The Triton comes with reinforced aluminum tie downs, heavy-duty front jack, surge disc brakes, deck protectors, ramp lock, tie-down locks, molded wire harness, easy-lube axles, A-frame tongue design and more.
The almighty dollarIt's certainly cozier to keep your sleds in an enclosed trailer, but for a family on a budget, the price is a huge incentive to buy that great wide open. Often open trailers are about half the cost!
Our test trailer cost $4,573, including salt guards and 13-inch wheels. (Dealer installed accessory prices vary.) After comparing several brands, we found a wide range of prices for a 4-place enclosed 20-25 footer but the average started around eight grand before accessories, shipping, or any other costs. We also checked on the price of simply buying a cap for our 4-place from Toesters that was $1,199 before shipping and handling, and installation. All in all, our open trailer was a significant bargain.
Sidenote:One benefit - we got nearly the same gas mileage pulling our loaded Triton 4-place as we do with our enclosed 2-place!