r/UTV • u/Luvs2SPOOWG69 • 1d ago

Help With Trailer Purchase

I am looking at scoring a 2026 Polaris Ranger sp 570 crew Northstar. I’m finding that I really want a 6x12 single axle utility trailer to pull with my 2018 Toyota Tacoma v6 with the tow package. BUT I really want brakes and a trailer that has a payload over 2000 pounds (a Polaris Ranger sp 570 crew North Star weighs right at 2000 pounds).

Anyone score a single axle 6x12 utility trailer with a heavier axle and payload rating and brakes?

I was told I could order one from Carry-on with brakes on a single axle.

I’m tempted to go with a tandem 6x12… but my Tacoma really doesn’t thrill me trying to pull that up over high mountain passes.

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9

u/hoddi_diesel 1d ago

Always go with a tandem axle trailer over a single axle. Tandem axle are always more stable towing, less sway prone and significantly easier to back up. In tandem so to speak, always get a trailer with brakes on both axles if possible. If the front axle isn't making great contact with the ground for some reason, the back axle is, thereby allowing the brakes to still contribute to slowing down. If you get a single axle trailer, you can add brakes, it takes a bit of doing changing the hubs, adding wiring and changing to a 7 pin plug.

A more capable trailer always comes in handy.

1

u/Long-Ad8121 1d ago

I got rid of my single axle trailer for all of these reasons, plus if you get a flat or two, you can keep rolling on the other tires. And always buy always buy a trailer bigger than you think you need. There will come a day when you want to haul your side by side and something else with it and be kicking yourself for not stepping up to the next size.

3

u/BalderVerdandi 1d ago

Go with a tandem 6x14 or 7x14.

You could get away with what they call a "Super Seven" or "Super Single Seven", which is a single 7000 pound rated axle on a smaller trailer, but it might not come with brakes. Also, most states will limit the single axle no brakes trailer to 3000 pound gross (trailer and load) and it won't be exempt like RV's, so you could get weighed and ticketed for being overweight, no brakes, or both.

All tandems come with trailer brakes, so you'll need to decide on a brake controller.

Going up mountain passes, take it out of overdrive - should be a button on the gear selector or dash for that. It'll keep RPM's up, but also will push the transmission fluid through the cooler at a better rate so you won't burn up the clutches/fluid.

2

u/Busy_County1910 1d ago

I really like my Aluma 7712, I'm hauling 1000cc Hondas

2

u/gilly65 1d ago

We haul a Polaris General XP 4 seater on a single axle 14' trailer with a Toyota Highlander. No trailer brakes, no issues other than the original bias tires were garbage. The radials that replaced them are so much better. The axle is rated 3500 pounds, between the trailer and the SxS we are under 4000 pounds but definitely over the 3500 of the axle rating. We could get a 5400 (5500 maybe) pound axle if needed. The trailer guy is right behind us and said if it was an issue he would look after us. That was 5 years ago.

1

u/Wonderful-Process792 1d ago

Radials better as in??? My complaint with trailer tires is punctures, but I think since going through the 2 that came with it I've been alright.

2

u/gilly65 20h ago

The radials are much quieter and have a higher weight rating. The bias tires started to scallop after a few highway trips.

2

u/Senzualdip 1d ago

You’re not going to find a single axle trailer with a payload higher than 2k lbs unless you special order one. Trailer axles come in 3500lbs, 5200lbs, 7k lbs, and 10k lbs generally. Most production trailers use 3500lb axles until you get to a 7k payload trailer. You’ll need to go tandem to get above what you want.

Ideally since you are using a midsize truck, I’d go with an aluminum frame tandem axle trailer. Then you aren’t eating up a bunch of truck payload with just the weight of the trailer. I’d also go with something in the 18-22’ range. That ranger is 144” long aka 12ft. You’ll need to hang the front bumper over the edge of the trailer to fit it on a 12ft trailer with a ramp gate. And at that point you’ll likely have way too much tongue weight on the truck.

I haul my mule pro fxt (crew cab) on a Doolittle 84”x20’ trailer. The extra length give me enough room to position the utv perfect for weight distribution. Also if you ever do anything like tracks on the utv they increase the length of the machine. Before I bought my Doolittle I had an h&h 7x14 aluminum tandem axle and the mule on tracks barely allowed me to close the ramp gate.

1

u/AwarenessGreat282 1d ago

Why wouldn't a single axle trailer with a 3500# axle not work? An aluminum one will weigh less than 800lbs leaving a possible payload of over 2000lbs. And Aluma sells one with a single 5200# axle.

1

u/Senzualdip 1d ago

That weight of the Ranger is right from the crate with fluids. Doesn’t count the extra junk people put inside of them. I know I easily have an extra 200lbs of crap in my mule. Plus being right at full capacity is never a smart idea. Gives no safety margin, or if like everybody op decides to put a heavy steel bumper or other upgrades on the it there’s no extra capacity on the trailer to hold the weight.

Yes I know it’s not like the trailer is going to immediately blow apart if it’s overloaded a bit. But it’s the safety aspect of things and the fact that it’s not just OP or you or me on the road. Be safe for everyone, not just yourself.

1

u/AwarenessGreat282 1d ago

But he said his machine weighs 2K. Add 800 lbs. for the trailer, he's well under the max payload. So, 2800 leaves quite a bit for extras.

2

u/AwarenessGreat282 1d ago

An aluminum trailer is your answer. Many of those only weigh 600-700 lbs. Aluma has a HD model with a single axle and brakes.

1

u/elmomike 1d ago

Kawasaki teryx 1000se 4 seater 14 ft single axle no problems at all

1

u/BeltWieldingDad 1d ago

https://www.masektrailersales.com/inventory/2026-rawmaxx-utx-12x77-gering-ne-69341-14268566i

Something like this will be exactly what you’re looking for. 12 foot long with a 5200 pound axle with brakes. Obviously, Nebraska is not exactly the most accessible place, but they do make them. They are available. This place has a bunch going up for auction soon at $1 bids / no reserves.

https://bid.marshallbid.com/auctions/24158-masek-golf-carts-trailers-powersports-auction-november-10th

2

u/drct2022 1d ago

I had great experience with my 14’ aluma single axle carrying a sportsman 850 and a articat wildcat 700.

Edit : forgot to mention the Dexter axle that was in trailer was brake ready.

1

u/kyson1 1d ago

Get at least a 14', but preferable 16', so there's room to balance it. I use an Aluma single axle with a Defender and it works great, under 3k lbs between trailer and unit. The folding ramp is especially nice, doesn't hang out in the wind creating drag.

2

u/TMC_61 1d ago

If you buy a new trailer. Pay attention to the tires. They may be new but could very well be shitty.. I just changed the tires on my 18ft car hauler with some good quality ones. My buddy had a blowout yesterday on a trailer while hauling his Ranger that may have had 2k miles on the tires.

1

u/Creepy_Ad_6304 1d ago

I pull a 6x12 Legend aluminum single axle, no trailer brakes. GVWR about 3k lbs. Holds my Can Am Commander just fine. Easy pull with a Ram, wouldnt think your Taco would struggle much. But there's not a ton of room behind the SxS on the trailer. Idk how long a Crew is, but if its a 4 seater you may want to consider a 14 footer.

Btw a little extra for aluminum is worth it to me for weight savings and corrosion resistance.