Tilt Trailer Comparison

Why should you buy a PJ tilt trailer?
PJ tilt trailers are known for being equipped, not stripped! Our comparison checklist showcases over 30 features of our tilt trailers. This guide allows you to quickly compare our tilt trailers to other brands. When considering another brand, we encourage you print this guide and compare the trailers line by line.

After you finish comparing PJ Trailers to the other guys, be sure to check out our exclusive "Build & Quote" tool. Simply click on a trailer, or select "Build & Quote" next to your trailer category. With this tool, you can see all of the trailer lengths, standard features and available options for your trailer. You can select the options you want to build your trailer to your exact specifications. Once you submit your build, we will check availability and email you back with a quote
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PJ Trailers
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Other Guys
3 Year Frame/1 Year Limited Warranty
The industry standard frame warranty for most tilt trailers is one (1) year. We believe so strongly in our frame strength that we offer a three (3) year frame warranty on every PJ tilt trailer.
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
(1 Year Warranty)
Knife Edge Tails
Our car hauler tilt tails have a "knife-edge" design, making them scissor/fork lift friendly. The tail lays flush to ground eliminating the "bump" other tilts have to drive over. This is especially useful when loading equipment with small wheels, winching vehicles on to the deck, or loading in wet/icy conditions.
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
3" Channel Cross-Members on 16" Centers
We use 3" channel for all tilt cross-members for increased deck strength. We also keep our cross-members spaced tightly together (16" or less). Many manufacturers use lighter cross-members and spread them further apart to try to cut costs.
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
(20-24" on Center Cross-Members)
Radial Tires
Radial tires are superior to bias ply tires in many ways. Radial tires feature better fuel economy, less vibration, a softer ride, and extended life due to less heat being generated by the tire. Radial tires are especially important for tilt equipment trailers due to some of the heavy loads they must handle.
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
(Bias Ply)
Bulldog Coupler
Every PJ tilt receives a Bulldog™ coupler as a standard feature. These couplers are height adjustable to allow you to level the trailer with the towing vehicle. The Bulldog™ coupler has a well-earned reputation for being the toughest, most durable coupler in the trailer industry.
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
(Lesser Quality Non-Adjustable Couplers)
Removable Diamond Plate Fenders
Our fenders are made of 14 gauge diamond plate steel for increased durability. They can also be easily removed for off-road use or easy replacement. Not only are our diamond plate fenders tougher than the typical smooth plate, they look great too!
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
(Rolled Steel, Not Removable)
Pressure Treated Lumber
PJ tilts receive treated no. 2 southern yellow pine for decking. This pressure treated lumber is known for its high strength and durability. We also offer Douglas Fir and Rough Oak decking. Note: T5, TH, TM are decked with Spruce Pine Fir
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
(Untreated Lumber)
Hydraulic Cushioned Gravity Tilt
Our gravity tilts use a hydraulic cylinder, reservoir, and proportioning valve to control the rate the trailer tilts. We also use a simple and secure latching device with mulitple grease zerks for years of reliable service.
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
Low Deck Height and Load Angle
We use a combination of torsion axles and frame design to keep our deck heights as low as possible. With lower deck heights we achieve lower load angles, allowing a wider variety of equipment to be loaded.
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
(Higher Decks)
Premium Hydraulic Hose and Fittings
One place other tilt manufacturers try to save a few bucks is by using cheap hydraulic hoses and hardware. At PJ Trailers we use high quality Parker hoses and fittings on every tilt trailer we build. This ensure years of safe and reliable operation.
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
(Cheap Fittings and Hoses)
Rub Rail with Stake Pockets and Pipe Spools
Our standard 2" x 3/8" rub rail includes both stake pockets and pipe spools on 12" centers. These give you almost unlimited tie down points, while also strengthening the rub rail. Note: The TH and TM include stake pockets but do not include rubrail
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
(No Rail, No Stake Pockets)
Grease Zerks
We are obsessed with making sure our trailers provide years of reliable service. Our tilts trailers have quite a few moving parts so we add grease zerks to all of them. While other manufacturers' moving parts will be seized or rusted, ours stay smooth and ready for work.
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
(No Grease Zerks)
I-Beam Gooseneck Tilts
When you order a PJ gooseneck tilt it comes with an I-beam neck and riser. Our I-beam necks are simply stronger and last longer than the commonly used c-channel necks. Simply put, we feel that I-beam goosenecks should be standard, not an expensive "upgrade".
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
(C-Channel)
Lifetime LED Lights
Every PJ tilt trailer features Lifetime LED lights standard. Our LED lights are not only brighter but they are faster, last longer, and draw less current than incandescent lights. Our LED lights are so reliable they feature a lifetime warranty.
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
(Incandescent Lights)
Retail Financing Promotions
We offer factory sponsored retail financing promotions through Sheffield Financial. These promotions typically include Zero Down and/or low interest rates.
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
(No Financing Promotions)
Wiring Harness Inside Steel Conduit
Trailer wiring issues are one of the most common and frustrating problems for trailer owners. Our harness is enclosed in steel conduit throughout the frame of the trailer, to protect the wiring from ice, road debris, and physical damage. This modular harness means each light is just simply plugged in, making replacement very easy.
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
(Exposed Wiring)
Flush-Mount Lighting
All of our trailer lights are "flush-mounted" inside the frame of the tilt. Surface mounted lights are much more susceptible to damage, corrosion, and failure.
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
(Surface Mount Lighting)
NATM Compliant
Our tilt trailers are built in compliance with the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers trailer safety regulations. Be very wary of any manufacturer that does not comply with NATM safety standards.
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
(Non-Compliant)
Bargman 7-Way Plugs
All PJ tilt trailers include a Bargman 7-way plug. These plugs are designed with dual contacts for a more reliable connection. They also include an auxiliary wire that can be used to operate work lights, reverse lights, & charging.
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
(Poor Fitting, Single Contact, 7-Way Plugs)
The Professional's Choice
At PJ Trailers we think our best "advertising" comes from jobsites and coffee shops, not on billboards and television ads. We didn't "buy" our reputation for building great trailers, we built it – one trailer at a time. Building a great product and keeping our customers happy has made us the #1 professional grade open trailer manufacturer in the US.
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
Frame Strength
If you want a tilt trailer that lasts, it must be built on a rock solid frame. Other trailer builders attempt to cut their cost by skimping on frame materials (smaller channels, fewer welds, less cross-members). Our tilt takes frame strength to the next level and we have the warranty to prove it.
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
CNC Plasma Cut Components
We fabricate many of our frame components on CNC plasma tables. This allows for excellent finish to each component, consistent fit, and smooth operation. It also gives us the ability to customize the exact component we need for each model, instead of being forced to use "off the shelf" components.
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
Dealer Network
When shopping for a tilt trailer one thing to take into consideration is the size and quality of the dealer network that will provide support for the manufacturer. PJ Trailers has a network of over 250 dealers that is well known for offering excellent service and support.
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
Resale Value
Our premium components and overall build quality makes for a tilt trailer that typically retains much of its original value when well maintained.
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
Wide Variety of Options
We don't believe a customer should have to settle for a trailer that isn't what they want. That is why we offer a wide variety of options for our tilts including steel floors, deck on the neck, winch plates, hydraulic jacks, cold weather wiring harness, and more. We literally have thousands of option combinations to make sure your trailer is suited for your type of work.
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
(Fewer Options)
10 Gauge Heavy Duty Brake Wiring
We use 10 gauge wiring for our trailer brakes to make sure the brakes receive full power to stop the trailer. The best brake controller and electric brakes can quickly become inferior if the wire is too small to transmit full power to the brakes. This wiring is slightly more expensive than what others use but it is well worth it.
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
(Light Gauge Wiring)
More Deck Screws and Board Caps
We use extra deck screws on our tilt flooring to make sure boards stay secured to the frame. We also "cap our boards" by installing them below the front and rear bumpers to keep the boards from curling.
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
(Fewer Screws, No Board Caps)
Watertight Heat Shrink Connectors
One of the most common places other manufacturers try to cut cost and save labor is by using splice connectors (commonly known as "Scotch Locks"). Splice connectors offer little to no protection against water and corrosion. We use heat shrink butt connectors that are watertight and extremely reliable.
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
(Splice Connectors)
More Axle, Brakes, and Suspension Options
If there is an axle, brake, or suspension combination you would like on a dump trailer, we probably have it. We work very closely with our vendors to provide a wide variety of axles and suspensions. These include hydraulic disc, hydraulic drum, surge brakes, drop axles, torsion suspension, 8k, Hutch suspension, air ride, air brakes, and more.
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
Better by Design
Great materials, components, and build quality are irrelevant if the trailer is poorly designed. When you have built tens of thousands of tilt trailers you receive ample feedback about your product (both good and bad). We have used this valuable information to refine our product, making both major innovations and minor improvements over the years. We continue to develop new ideas and solutions to keep our tilt trailers at the top of industry.
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
Visual Appeal
Having a great looking trailer adds professionalism to your business and gives your customer extra confidence. Our customers often make a large investment in their truck and expect their trailer to compliment the vehicle towing it. We believe you should be proud of your trailer, not embarrassed!
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
More Standard Features
Powder Coated Wheels
Powder Coated Axles
3M DOT Reflective Tape
Pinstriping
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
Deckover Tilts (T8, T9, TD)
6" x 2" Tube Outside Frame
Anyone that has owned a tilt trailer understands the importance of protecting your wiring and lighting. Our deckover tilt outside frame is made of 6" x 2" rectangulartubing, not channel. This allows your wiring and lights to be fully enclosed and protected from debris and the elements. This feature is even more important if you use your trailer on gravel roads or live in a cold-weather region. The tube outside frame also increases the structural rigidity of the trailer, making it significantly stronger than channel.
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
(5" C-Channel)
Self Contained Hydraulic Units by KTI
Every PJ deckover tilt is equipped with a self-contained hydraulic unit built by KTI Hydraulics (Costa Mesa, CA). These hydraulic pumps are specifically designed for trailer use and only need the deep cycle battery (contained in the tool box) to operate.
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
Junction Box Wiring
Every PJ deckover tilt is wired with a weather proof junction box standard. This keeps your wiring clean and well protected from the elements. If you were to damage the front harness or plug, a junction box makes replacing the plug a simple task.
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
(Spliced Wiring)
Frame Bridging
Our 30 foot and longer tandem dual tilts receive standard under frame bridging, which is a 2" x 3/8" flat that spans the bottom of the trailer frame. This feature minimizes frame sag under heavy loads.
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
(Not Available)
Separate Side Mount Toolbox for Hydraulics
Our deckover tilts include a secondary side mount toolbox that contains the hydraulic pump. This allows you keep your front toolbox open to maximize storage.
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
(No Ramps)
Diamond Plate Locking Front Toolbox
Every PJ gooseneck tilt comes standard with a front locking toolbox made of steel diamond plate. This gives you ample room for carrying straps, binders, and tools. We also include a chain rack in the rear of each box to store chains and straps.
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
(No Toolbox)
Riser Gussets and Front Bumper
Our gooseneck tilt riser gussets and formed front bumper are signature features of a PJ Trailer. They not only add considerable strength to the gooseneck but also help protect your cargo and frame.
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
(5" Channel Bumper, No Gussets)
Dual Spring Loaded Drop Leg Jacks
Our gooseneck tilt trailers are equipped with two drop leg jacks that are spring loaded, saving you time and energy. When parking your trailer you simply pull the foot pin and press the jack foot to the ground, instead of having to crank to lower the jack foot. The spring loaded foot also quickly retracts to the up position to save even more time and energy.
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
(Single Jack, Not Spring Loaded)
Interstate Batteries
Every PJ deckover tilt is equipped with an Interstate deep cycle battery. Deep cycle batteries are designed to be deeply discharged repeatedly, unlike an automotive battery. We use Interstate due to their stellar reputation for building top quality batteries and providing reliable service.
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
(Off-Brand Battery)