2013 PJ 16′ Tandem Axle Utility Trailer – Review

Tools In Action needed a trailer to haul around various things.  We took a ride to our local dealer, Northern Illinois Tool and Equipment who showed us their vast trailer line up.  PJ stood out, they  had all the features we wanted plus a strong 4″ channel frame.  PJ has made a name for themselves in the industry as being an innovative and quality trailer manufacturer.  We spoke with Rick over at N.I.T.E. who suggested we order a custom PJ.  I really recommend you speak with your local dealer before you purchase a trailer.  There are many options and price levels to fit your needs.

We started with a 16′ trailer and added the following notable features:

Dual 3500 lb axles with brakes on both axles –  This gives the trailer a 7,000 lb capacity and the power to stop fully loaded.  The trailer also comes with a battery breakaway system.  If the trailer breaks free from the tow vehicle the battery trips the brakes to stop the trailer.

Dove Tail – The dove tail is the angle at the back of the trailer.  It allows for less of a transition so low riding items like mowers are easily loaded without bottoming out.  It even has board caps to help your boards from curling over time.

Heavy Duty Ramps – The split gate heavy duty tube frame ramps have stands on the bottom.  Heavy loads are not an issue.  The ramps are split to help the weight but also have built in springs.  To aid our ramp even more we used the Gorilla-Lift System which makes them virtually weightless.  The spring assisted latches are the easiest I have ever worked with.

LED lights –  The number one problem with trailers is lighting.  They always short and burn out.  All of the lights on our PJ trailer are LED and connected via a single sealed harness protected inside steel conduit.  We should never have a light problem for the life of this trailer.

Side ramps – The side ramps are awesome.  Not only do they allow you to side load an ATV or UTV but they also allow you to easily slide on pallets with a forklift.

Spare Tire – You just never know when you will need a spare.  Check out more PJ standard features here.

Standard features include a Sherwin William’s powder coated finish. A tongue jack that is low and out of the way of your tail gate.  They even use welded brackets to hold chain pins for easy replacement  The overall build quality of the trailer is great.  The welds are clean and everything is laid out level.  The trailer tracks like a dream and due to the big HD gates it was easy to see while backing up.  We hauled cars with the PJ, lumber and ATVs.  You name it, the PJ can do it.  If you are in the market for a quality trailer, check out PJ trailers and N.I.T.E. equipment.

On a personal note I love this trailer!