Im looking at buying a new utility trailer. Advantages disadvantages on a dovetail trailer?

Disadvantage- it will hang up on all kinds of crap. On an equipment trailer, they have some use. On a utility trailer they are not worth the trouble.

I like em. But I pay attention enough not to drag em thru ditches

I like them because I can almost always find a place to load/unload the tractor without using ramps.

Definitely watch for ditches and steep incline driveways, but for loading and unloading equipment they are the best for me. Had a trailer one time that back end tilted. Driving on it was scarry because it was so steep. If your gonna be loading and driving equipment on them I would think dovetail is the way to go.

short gate for less wind resistance and much lighter than a full gate (for those with back issues, the gate helpers that bolt to the top rails are golden!).

He said utility trailer, not equipment trailer. You guys moving tractors on utility trailers?

I think it depends on mostly what you’d be hauling the most and the terrain. If you have a steep driveway or or one with much slope at all I’d wouldn’t get one.

For a utility trailer, anything under 14', I wouldn't want a dovetail. 16' and up for heavier duty trailers it makes more sense.

I like loading my crew ranger on my 14’ dovetail tandem axle trailer a lot better than a 14’ straight trailer. Same with my riding mower.

I drag the crap out of mine. Can't help it.

I bought an adjustable hitch, it helps some.

I agree.

I'm about to build a trailer for a 3 seater buggy and have pretty much decided on a 6x12 with a drop axle and a slight dovetail. I'm thinking I won't need much ramp and in some places maybe not even need them. I figure I can reduce the chance of dragging by putting the axle a little farther back. I guess your setup is about the same, a little longer trailer and a little longer buggy. Any thoughts on this design?

My son has a 14 foot utility trailer with a tall mesh gate but the gate also folds forward and lays flat on the bed IF the load don't interfere (works with one ATV) and I really like it. With the gate up it's like a sail on a sailboat though. A short gate that also folds forward might be the best of both worlds.

Hey doekiller, this is aldeer. You really expect us to read and comprehend the entire post?

I do like the ability to have a short gate on one. That dang gate sucks going down the road.

I’ve seen those folding gate before. Those are really nice.

As I get older, those bigger gates seem to get heavier.

I'm not sure I understand.... are your trailer gates made of plywood or something? My gate is on lift assist springs (you don't get that at Lowe's) and is decked with expanded metal so I don't have much trouble lifting it or pulling it down the road at 85mph since the wind seems to just go right through it. Maybe that's just me. You are pulling a trailer right? Isn't the UTV you are hauling probably worse for your areodynamics than the gate? If you don't need the gate you can't take it off? Most come right off.

And I wouldn't have a dovetail on a utility trailer they are too low to the ground and drag VERY badly. They mainly sell those to yard crews that load lawn mowers and 100% of the time drive around on the street.