Clamshell trailers?

[timebomb]

So my wife has decided she wants to get back into riding now that our youngest son is almost 3(she took about a 5 yr break from riding when we had our two sons). So I picked up a second sled back in the spring and now I am thinking about a different trailer. My open 2 place is almost 20 yrs old and I have had good luck so far but I think my luck is going to run out soon being as old as it is. A new triton 2 place clamshell would be nice but out of my price range. We won't trailer much but I want a decent 2 place clamshell that is cheaper than a triton. Does anyone have experience with any 2 place clamshell other than a triton? Like I said we won't trailer much so a triton wouldn't be worth it. Just just a good cheaper alternative is what I am looking for.

 

[RIGIDONE]

i just picked up a blizzard trailer, a 2010, but brand new for $2700..i see alot on craigslist for $1500-$2500.. i got the blizzard because its made in NY and from what i was told its made better. But i do hear the woman that owns blizzard trailers is a complete jerk from a couple of reliable people.. I met her at the big east powersports show and she was very nice.. so who knows..

 

[timebomb]

Yeah they are nice. They are made in boonville. No luck on any nice used clamshells around here. I didn't think to check Craigslist.

 

[RIGIDONE]

just type in snowmobile trailer.. hundreds come up..

 

[timebomb]

Yeah I see that. Alot to choose from. I get a kick out of what some people think is "real nice shape". LOL

 

[RIGIDONE]

right!!!

 

[biffdotorg]

Using a tool like Searchtempest.com allows you to search multiple craigslist cities within the mile radius you are willing to drive.

There are also c-list search apps for ipad/iphone. These are nice this time of year when shopping for seasonal items, as the good ones may sell as fast as they are posted.

We used them this fall to nail down two good used trailers for our group and a couple sleds last year. Literally, the cherries can pop up and be pulled within hours of being posted. It's actually kind of fun to start chasing things this way.

Watch for people posting snowmobiles for sale in sets along with the trailer. Many are getting out of the sport and are willing to ditch the whole package. Or have a buyer for the sleds, but not the trailer. We purchased a near new Triton 8x12 drive on/off with ramps for $950 from a guy selling both and was worried that he may get stuck with the trailer, so he sold it first!!

Trailers seem to have a few national brands (floe, triton) and local brands to each region. These regional brands are not all junk, and many times have outlets at the factory. The outlet is a good place to find used, prototype, or even overstock trailers. Check out the manufacturers site for a factory outlet if you live close to them.

In central MN, I live near Newmans Mfg, who make Sledbed brand trailers. I bought a new 8x10 with a prototype gullwing enclosure on it. It was an off-white that was not used in final manufacture, so I got a steal of a deal on it. Sold it years later for almost what I paid for it!

Good luck!

 

[Redbeard]

trailerfinds.com

 

[SledFreak]

Just make sure its 12ft clamshell, with a ramp for drive on and off.

 

[BlueApexXTX]

http://burlington.craigslist.org/sno/4144141440.html

 

[RxThunder]

I have been running a 2 place 10 foot, clamshell trailer for around 10 years now. The brand name is Aluma, not sure on the year. I trailer it 8 hours each winter with my sleds to Michigan and then trailer it around town to the places I'm riding, then back 8 hours at the end of the winter for storage. It has been a pretty good trailer, 2 years ago I noticed a stress crack in the aluminum frame and had a friend weld it for me, nothing major. Other then that I check the wheel bearings every year and repack them or replace them. Never had any major issues, the 4 place halmark was a lot nicer to use, to trailer was another issue and I am the only one left in my family who rides consistantly. I see two place enclosed trailers all over, should be able to pick up a decent one for a fair price.

 

[timebomb]

found one! i found it on craigslist about 30min away. i just got back from going and looking at. i pick it up on monday. it is a 2005 sno pro 10ft clamshell tilt. yeah its almost 10 yrs old but better than what i have. the owner put new hubs, wheels and tires on it a year ago and has all the spares. he used it for his 4 wheelers so it has never had sleds in it so it needs ski guides and traction mats. got it for $1100. i will take pics when i get it home.

 

[RIGIDONE]

Nice!!!!

 

[MidwestMike]

Just make sure its 12ft clamshell, with a ramp for drive on and off.

Are you talking about the type of ramp that stores underneath the trailer?
Have you ever had any issues, like having it freeze in place..?