Sleddeck or Trailer????

[thspepper@gmail.com]

So I'm thinking of buying a Trailer, I like keeping the sled in there and being able to change in the in-close, but I really like the idea of a Sleddeck. Not pulling anything, easier to get around. All the area's that I mostly ride in right now are fairly open as far as parking lots go. Only once or twice a year is it tight and hard to park. I can't decide. Need help

If you guys had a chance to buy one or the other what you choose and why?
What are the pros and cons of each.


Thanks guys

 

[AZ800]

Enclosed trailer all the way. Especially if most of your trips are not up into the boonies where it's hard to get a trailer in. (Even then, you can just throw the sled in the back of your truck for those couple days).
Sooo nice to never have the sled get crapped up with road salt and mag. Never have to load/unload the sled(s) at home. Can even work on them in the weather without unloading and taking into the shop. Have all your gear etc loaded up and ready to go ahead of time.
Downside is the weight, vs a deck. Not as efficient for long trips for fuel mileage, but if you get an aluminum 2 place they're pretty light and easy to maneuver.
IMO, more convienent than a deck, but more costly.
I went from an open to a 2pl enclosed about 6yrs ago and wouldn't go back.

 

[skibreeze]

Enclosed trailer, without question.

Room for gear and tools that is easy to secure. A warm place to get dressed and work on sleds is the clincher for me.

 

[Demo250]

Deck no doubt. I'm not gonna argue with anyone about it though, it's just what works best for me. So much easier.

 

[rsoukup37]

ive got both. short trip with two people take the deck, bigger trips and longer trips take the enclosed gooseneck or the shop with us.

 

[thspepper@gmail.com]

Thanks guys for the info. I really like the deck but I have a dodge with 6" lift on 37's. Two sleds are pretty high center of gravity. I'm not the slowest driver either if you know what I mean. I'm just wondering if you have to drive alot different or with a 3/4 ton you can drive normal.

 

[rsoukup37]

ive got a 1 ton with 3 inch lift and 35s and you can notice a little of a sway around a fast corner but just for piece of mind i stuck airbags on it too and it also helps keep it level when hooked to trailer and its a little scary loading and unloading the first few times but after a while its pretty easy to do. none of my friends will load them up there.

 

[AndrettiDog]

I've had both a sled deck and now a 18' enclosed (dual axle steel). There are reasons to have either.

If you can't have a trailer in your neighborhood (or don't have room) a sled deck is great. They make loading your sled and moving around very easy. You can do doughnuts in the parking lot while guys with trailers have to find a way to turn around. I'll probably have to buy chains for really deep snow days for my trailer setup, and I wouldn't need them with my sled deck. Much better mileage with the sled deck. Sleds are harder to fuel on the sled deck and it's no fun getting a downed sled onto the deck.

The enclosed is nice because I have my tools and other gear in there. I also have enclosed storage for my sleds and don't have to have them in my garage. It keeps my truck bed empty so I can always use it to haul whatever. When the sled deck is in the truck it doesn't conveniently come in and out. It takes up all of your bed. The enclosed comes in handy for other stuff too (camping, moving, hauling gear, etc). The enclosed is nice to have a place to change, eat lunch or just get out of the weather.

I'm going with my enclosed for now. If I miss the sled deck too much I can sell the trailer for the price of a new sled deck. If you find a good deal on an enclosed, I'd jump on it. Even if you don't like it used enclosed trailers are easy to sell.

 

[M8Chris]

So I'm thinking of buying a Trailer, I like keeping the sled in there and being able to change in the in-close, but I really like the idea of a Sleddeck. Not pulling anything, easier to get around. All the area's that I mostly ride in right now are fairly open as far as parking lots go. Only once or twice a year is it tight and hard to park. I can't decide. Need help

If you guys had a chance to buy one or the other what you choose and why?
What are the pros and cons of each.


Thanks guys

Better gas mileage with a deck, no hassle for parking even when you head to eat after riding. Your sleds stay clean on the deck no need for covers. If you only need to transport yourself then a deck is a no brainer. no point in having a 4 place enclosed to only have you and your buddy. But an enclosed would be nice pull the sleds in after done riding turn on the heater and let them dry out. Both have the pros and cons. I have a toy up deck and love it. One day I will have an enclosed when I have a family but for now for myself the deck is awesome!

 

[Datdude]

I would argue the mileage benefits of a deck. We drove from WI to WY in December with a deck in a 2011 Ram crew dually. Across SD we got 8.1mpg at 83mpg. There is a lot of wind resistance with a deck so it really doesn't save mileage like you would think.

 

[AndrettiDog]

I would argue the mileage benefits of a deck. We drove from WI to WY in December with a deck in a 2011 Ram crew dually. Across SD we got 8.1mpg at 83mpg. There is a lot of wind resistance with a deck so it really doesn't save mileage like you would think.

I disagree but I have a different truck.

Towing my two place enclosed (18' twin axle steel) I get 13mpg. Lots of passes here in Colorado. My same truck with the sled deck and two sleds saw 16-17mpg on the highway. There much more air restriction with an enclosed than with a sled deck and sleds.

It's not an apples to apples comparison, you just need to find which works best for your situation.

 

[94fordguy]

I think you hit the nail right on the head... I have both as-well... LOVE the deck for traction, parking, and maneuvering, but LOVE the trailer for changing in, keeping the sleds clean, and having a secure place to leave everything anytime. The nod for me goes to the enclosed though... hook up to it and everything else is ready to go, no worries loading on a steep ramp either. However, the early/late season driving up the trails will definitely be done with the deck when there is no place to turn around my 19' 3-place.

I've had both a sled deck and now a 18' enclosed (dual axle steel). There are reasons to have either.

If you can't have a trailer in your neighborhood (or don't have room) a sled deck is great. They make loading your sled and moving around very easy. You can do doughnuts in the parking lot while guys with trailers have to find a way to turn around. I'll probably have to buy chains for really deep snow days for my trailer setup, and I wouldn't need them with my sled deck. Much better mileage with the sled deck. Sleds are harder to fuel on the sled deck and it's no fun getting a downed sled onto the deck.

The enclosed is nice because I have my tools and other gear in there. I also have enclosed storage for my sleds and don't have to have them in my garage. It keeps my truck bed empty so I can always use it to haul whatever. When the sled deck is in the truck it doesn't conveniently come in and out. It takes up all of your bed. The enclosed comes in handy for other stuff too (camping, moving, hauling gear, etc). The enclosed is nice to have a place to change, eat lunch or just get out of the weather.

I'm going with my enclosed for now. If I miss the sled deck too much I can sell the trailer for the price of a new sled deck. If you find a good deal on an enclosed, I'd jump on it. Even if you don't like it used enclosed trailers are easy to sell.

 

[Bacon]

I would argue the mileage benefits of a deck. We drove from WI to WY in December with a deck in a 2011 Ram crew dually. Across SD we got 8.1mpg at 83mpg. There is a lot of wind resistance with a deck so it really doesn't save mileage like you would think.

This has been my experience also. The guys that live in or close to the mountains seem to like the sled decks better and that would probably be my choice too if I lived closer. Doing 80 on the interstate with a sled deck will not get you much better mileage than pulling a four place enclosed. This is from taking multiple trips with both setups. I now have just an enclosed. Short trips is sled deck and long trips of 8 plus hours I vote enclosed.

 

[throttlejocky316]

I would go with the trailer. I too have a dodge with 6" lift and 37s and it is a long way to the ground when I would fall off the bed loading the sleds. It depends on what type of enclosed trailer you are looking at also. I have a 27' interstate allsport and use it for much more than just sleds. I have had 7 street bikes in it going to the track, I have hauled cars in it and I also use it to haul dirt bikes/quads/utvs to the dunes. Not to mention it can also be used as a storage unit when not in use. You have to figure out if you want something multipurpose or specific for certain use. For me I wanted the most bang for the buck and that is why I went with a multipurpose trailer instead of a regular sled trailer.

 

[winter4ever]

I disagree but I have a different truck.

Towing my two place enclosed (18' twin axle steel) I get 13mpg. Lots of passes here in Colorado. My same truck with the sled deck and two sleds saw 16-17mpg on the highway. There much more air restriction with an enclosed than with a sled deck and sleds.

It's not an apples to apples comparison, you just need to find which works best for your situation.

Good lord. I dont usually do this but I just have to call bs on 17mpg with 2 sleds on a deck. Maybe if you were going 50, and had a 70mph tail wind. Just curious what pickup your talkin about though. Ive had a deck for 9 years and been with my buddies who have them and about the best we ever get is 12mpg in anything, including diesels.

 

[Bkinz]

Thanks guys for the info. I really like the deck but I have a dodge with 6" lift on 37's. Two sleds are pretty high center of gravity. I'm not the slowest driver either if you know what I mean. I'm just wondering if you have to drive alot different or with a 3/4 ton you can drive normal.

My brother (JKinzer) has the same set up, 6in with 37s. You would never guess there was two sleds on the back, corners good even at higher speeds. I wouldn't let your lift be the deciding factor.
Brad

 

[-lenny-]

I had an aluminum deck. Worked good.

Still had to put covers on if the highway was messy, because the sleds DO get grimy

35" tires, 2" lift, and 2" lift on the deck to clear my slip tank. Pretty tall.

17MPG with 2 sleds on a deck?!? I barely get that empty!

With 2 sleds, I am around 11 mpg

Park damn near anywhere. Much easier at the hotel, restaurant, etc.

26 foot enclosed:

4 sleds in my enclosed, I am getting about 9.5 mpg

Parking is a challenge at the hotel if you get in late.

Take a cab to the restaurant, then no worries about drinks!

Dry sleds, dry gear

Tunes while you gear up

Light to work on your sled if need be

Not a bad place to hang out with your buddies if you are tired of all the barstars

Don't have to unload when you get home. Just unhook the trailer, and you are good to go!

 

[robertyoke]

Good lord. I dont usually do this but I just have to call bs on 17mpg with 2 sleds on a deck. Maybe if you were going 50, and had a 70mph tail wind. Just curious what pickup your talkin about though. Ive had a deck for 9 years and been with my buddies who have them and about the best we ever get is 12mpg in anything, including diesels.

good god man, dont you know how to get great mpg's?

step one, only drive down hills.

step two, drive a 6.0 ford ( they get crappy mileage but you will get towed more then once and that is free mpg's)

step three, while driving through wyoming only drive with the wind!

step four, if you have a programmed diesel (aka chipped, scratches dont count) set it on the highest power setting ,big stick's (laymen's terms aka injectors) make this even better. your computer wont have any idea how much fuel is being dumped in and will read way high.

step five, and this one is for all gas and diesel....while driving lift foot off accelerator, while coasting reset on board mpg meter (this really helps if also doing step one)

and for the love of god.....dont ever take a pen and paper and actually figure out your real mpg's

but back to the topic, tough to beat a trailer for getting ready and fixing sleds and its tough to beat a sled deck for parking.

 

[AndrettiDog]

Good lord. I dont usually do this but I just have to call bs on 17mpg with 2 sleds on a deck. Maybe if you were going 50, and had a 70mph tail wind. Just curious what pickup your talkin about though. Ive had a deck for 9 years and been with my buddies who have them and about the best we ever get is 12mpg in anything, including diesels.

Awesome, you don't know any details and you are calling BS. It was my last truck. A 2006 LBZ with 4" exhaust (no emissions) and a tuner. There were days that I didn't get that but I had no trouble keeping 16mpg and seeing 17mpg on good days. That's going the speed limit. Call what you want. My 2011 LML hasn't seen those good numbers yet. I'm hoping they come later. Sorry your truck sucks.

 

[skippy]

Awesome, you don't know any details and you are calling BS. It was my last truck. A 2006 LBZ with 4" exhaust (no emissions) and a tuner. There were days that I didn't get that but I had no trouble keeping 16mpg and seeing 17mpg on good days. That's going the speed limit. Call what you want. My 2011 LML hasn't seen those good numbers yet. I'm hoping they come later. Sorry your truck sucks.

I can vouch for you! I have a 2007 Chevy 2500, duramax, LBZ, longbox with a six inch lift and thirty five inch tires,exhaust,programmer,etc. and I see fifteen to eighteen all the time driving back and forth from MN to out west with two sleds on the deck.. Call bullsh!t all you want but that's hand calculated and I have no reason to fudge the numbers! The first time using the deck with two sleds I was concerned about needing to install airbags but after a couple hundred miles I forgot the sleds were even up there... Later