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Any guys out there have the clamshell enclosed trailers?

I was thinking of picking one up.

Are you guys happy with yours?

Are they a pain when loading as far as clearing the enclosure?

I really just want an enclosed trailer. I hate dealing with covers and getting your sled covered in crap.

I just downgraded from a 3/4 ton diesel to 1/2 ton Ecoboost. So I was thinking the lighter trailer will certainly pull easier and get better mileage.

It looks like an aluminum Topcap Triton weighs around 1000-1200 lbs, and stepping up to full 6' tall enclosed V-nose weighs more like 3000 lbs. If I did this I would probably go to the 14 or 16' deck 3 place at like 3300 lbs. This is also quite a bit more expensive.

I also thought about a Mirage X-Box 5' tall which weighs about 2000 lbs.

Any opinions?

I have no doubts about the Ecoboost pulling the 16' V nose, but I also like the little aluminum two place I have now for getting up forest service roads in the spring.
 
I have had a Triton 12' with the Triton aluminum cover for about 3 years. The trailer has its ups and downs. Like you said, they are much lighter than a real enclosed, keep the sleds clean and dry. I really like being able to lock each corner at the hotel at night. The lock system is not high security but better than an open trailer. Plenty of room inside for oil, extra gas, etc that stays locked and dry. It is so light i can still unhook and spin around by hand if i need to. Like you mentioned, very handy for tight roads with no turn arounds.

The downside is that it is really hard to work on sled on the trailer. I usually open the back (tip the cover forward) and pull the sled back a little ways. If i have a lot of work to do i just unload the sled to make it easier. Its is a little hard to get the sleds dried out and a full enclosed, I think i am going to add a roof vent, it just has two little vents on the side. I usually end up putting a 2x4 under the back when i get home to help vent. These are minor problems, i think the biggest drawback is unloading in the wind. When it is windy i think 2 people are mandatory, one to hold the top steady and one to load. I always worry it will get twisted by the wind. Hasn't happened yet but i don;t spend much time in Wyoming anymore:)

I think I would rather have a full enclosed but there is no question it is much better than an open trailer
 
http://www.aluminumtrailers.org/?page_id=652&pid=360Glen RMK

I've owned nearly every kind of sledding trailer available and still have a few.
Any enclosure you will love, drive it in, superclamp, and go!
Clamshell is ok, moved up to a permanent enclosure from RnR like in the pic attached, even better drop ramp and go, short, light, has brakes, etc.
Problem is that although these trailers with shells are light in overall weight, they tow horribly heavy with aerodynamic drag!
I get significantly better mileage towing my inline 7x29 triton loaded than the clamshells empty!!!!

Everyone has their choice, mine would be another inline to fit the number of sleds you need, and you have room for equip. and walls to hang a few items on.

Have a great winter!
Ryan
 
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Going on 3rd year with this:
http://www.toesters.com/trailerEnclosures.asp
We use it almost every weekend year round, very afforable if you already have a good open trailer and works very well keeps everything clean.
DSCN0399.jpg


However my next trailer will be the Triton TC16, check it out.
 
Thanks for the info

I was thinking a V-nose enclosed is more aerodynamic, but with the extra 2000 lbs and height, I figured you would lose mileage big time.
 
I used to pull a 8.5x14' open three place sled bed, got around 12-13 mpg average or so with three sleds on it going to MT and back. I then bought a 7'x27' inline enclosed 6' height and put 4-5 sleds in it. I was surprised, but the inline pulls just as easily as the open trailer even with a lot more weight. MPG only dropped about 2 mpg. The inline enclosed trailers with the lower height and larger radial tires on 15" rims go down the road a lot smoother than the short tires on the over deck trailers. If your looking to haul two sleds max and want something you can wheel around by hand, stay with the capped standard trailer. If you want something that hauls more sleds, moves down the road smoother, and gives you substantially more interior room, don't be afraid to go with an enclosed inline.
 
Take a look at the Charmac avalanche. 5'6 inside rahter than 6 ft.

Looks like a very cool option.
 
I have a dealer checking into pricing. Look like a real nice trailer.

I'm also kicking around the Look Drift or Mirage X box. Pricing is similar to the Triton but weighs more. Definitely not the highest end trailer, but I don't need anything super fancy.

Just want the fancy sleds to stay clean.:)

Too many decisions. The X-box would also work well for dirt bikes, while the triton wouldn't really work(too low i think).
 
Glenn:

I just picked up my new Triton Snocap 12' trailer.


If you go this route, make sure you get the 4'x4' front door. Makes getting into the front of the trailer effortless.

What I like about this option, is the snocap only weighs 230 pounds + trailer.

You can easily throw it around by yourself the combination is very light.

As far as towing, I took it on a round trip to go pick up my sled, and did not notice much mileage loss as compared to my two place open.

They make the XT series and the elite series.

XT: one hole for tie down, smaller tires
Elite: Track system for tie down, larger tires, tongue jack standard

White is standard, any other color is $200 add on

I looked at bigger trailers, but in the end I did not need the height of a normal enclosed trailer. And the weight is MUCH less as well.....

I would echo another post that if it is super windy, get someone else to steady the cap whil it is open.

Seems to be a quality set up. Let me know if you have any questions

$4,300 + tax

IMAG0067.jpg IMAG0070.jpg IMAG0071.jpg
 
I have a dealer checking into pricing. Look like a real nice trailer.

I'm also kicking around the Look Drift or Mirage X box. Pricing is similar to the Triton but weighs more. Definitely not the highest end trailer, but I don't need anything super fancy.

Just want the fancy sleds to stay clean.:)

Too many decisions. The X-box would also work well for dirt bikes, while the triton wouldn't really work(too low i think).


Glenn:

I will get inside and measure the inside clear height for you. It is taller than you think and should accomodate bikes I would think. I guess the measurements will tell the story

By the way, the 12' option fits a 162" sled very nicely
 
Thanks Jeff

Appreciate the info. Looks like its about $800 more to get the Avalanche over the Triton. Doesn't seem bad at all. While the Avalanche probably weighs less then the standard 6'6" enclosed, I'm guessing it still weighs around 2000 lbs? While the Trition is maybe 1200 lbs?

Decisions, decisions.

I'm really tempted to go get the Triton.

By the way, the ProClimb looks killer in the trailer:)
 
I started out with a 12' Aluma open trailer. One trip to the mountains slopping up the sleds and it was onto the cover. Bring in the middle of Kansas I couldn't find a top cover so I just decided to build one. Best thing I ever did. These trailers tow great and you can get them in places and park them anywhere. I can say if I could have gotten by with just hauling two sleds I would still own it but we had to go up to a four place trailer >>>>.
GrandLake2009026.jpg
 
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Triton trailer w/their Coverall is a nice setup, had one. If you elect to go w/Triton, I would for sure go with the 4X4 front door, their Elite 12' drive on drive off trailer, 13" tires, and electric trailer brakes. Why brakes many will ask. Heres why in my opinion. The trailer and top will be around anywhere from 700 to 1000 pounds, two sleds add another 1200 to 1500 pounds or more, so you now have an additional 2000+ pounds behind you that you may have to stop suddenly. The cost for electric trailer brakes isn't the bad either.
If you are going to just be using the trailer for hauling sleds, or storing them it will work great, but not if plan on working on the sleds in the trailer. Been there and done that, it's not all that fun.

The new enclosed weighs in at just over 2000 pounds so it's twice as heavy, but then it's also longer, has tandem axles, 6'6" ceiling, and has a finished interior. Trailer also serves as my sled shop as I don't have a garage or shop. May pull a little harder then the Triton but not by much.
 
Glenn:

By my measurements, the ceiling height is right at 54" clear dimension
 
Thanks Jeff

Appreciate the info. Looks like its about $800 more to get the Avalanche over the Triton. Doesn't seem bad at all. While the Avalanche probably weighs less then the standard 6'6" enclosed, I'm guessing it still weighs around 2000 lbs? While the Trition is maybe 1200 lbs?

Decisions, decisions.

I'm really tempted to go get the Triton.

By the way, the ProClimb looks killer in the trailer:)


I was a bit off on the top cap weight. Looking at the Triton site, the cap is 175 pounds and the trailer is at 500, so 675 pounds total before sleds. that is significantly less weight than the full sized ones.....
 
These trailers are so light with the trailer unhooked from the truck and the tounge-jack down you can move them around in the shop by hand. Oh yeah with the sleds loaded !! >>>>.
 
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