TRAILER FOR BX24

[ultrarunner]

I will go against the grain a little... Sometimes you need to use what you've got... as long it's legal and paid for.

I've hauled my BX23 a little under 2000 miles with my single axle #3500 rail trailer. The rails are 10 feet long and the loader sits right down on the V tongue. The Backhoe is turned to keep it from hanging out past the rails.

This trailer has hauled everything from a 1966 Ford GT-40, Shelby Cobra and assorted Model A's, T's and even a Jag XKE. I did upgrade to new 10-ply trailer tires before using the trailer for the BX.

My tow vehicle for the long runs is a 2000 Ford Diesel Excursion... Great tow vehicle... wish they still made it.

My only encounter with the CHP was to check that I had my load secure and that my lights were operational. I think the Officer really stopped me to ask questions about the BX23... he said he was looking for a little 4x4 TLB.

The trailer tows great behind the Excursion... wouldn't even know it's there if I didn't have rear view mirrors.

There is a place for single axle trailers... my local Utility Company has a fleet of single axle cable spool trailers with 10,000 GVW and the city has a custom single axle trailer to transport a small Steam Roller.

If I had the space and money wasn't a concern, I'd love to have one of those aluminum double axle #9900 Car Trailers...

 

[Riptide23]

I'll tell ya, I gotta wonder what the continuous hoopla is against using a 3500# single axle trailer for a 2500# tractor. Just looking at the numbers, it's almost 30% UNDER the weight rating, and probably 50% under the absolute rating.

I don't see everyone pulling off the roads in fear every time some 18' boat on a single axle trailer with surge brakes goes by. They weigh about the same. (And I can't see how surge brakes can be illegal -- they're dang near mandatory on boat trailers. Dunking electric brakes in water is, well, not a good idea.)

The single biggest determination in handling characteristics is tongue weight. Make it about 10% of total load, and level the trailer with a proper height hitch, and I can't see where it's any different than hauling a boat. (having it securely fastened goes with saying...)

Shureline makes a nice little trailer tongue weight scale that is well worth the 100 bucks it costs...

Good stiff-wall trailer tires make a difference. A boat and a tractor probably have the same "top heavy" profile, with the boat probably being a little worse, and I've never had a rolling problem with tires. Course, I don't pull G's flying around corners while towing either.

I would have no problem towing a rig like this, assuming a good tow vehicle, and, just as telling, would probably not bat an eye if I was following such a rig...

OM2cents...

Pat

 

[powerstroke444e]

The best handling ball hitch trailer I have is a 8k single axle tilt trailer that is about 12' long. Great for pallets & hauling anything that will fit on it. I have not been able to break it yet. It does have brakes & you can pull it with about anything with a hitch on it.

 

[samofsweden]

Hereｴs my trailer with my BX24. The trailer is 520cm by 210cm (internal).
/Sam

 

[KeithInSpace]

I did upgrade to new 10-ply trailer tires before using the trailer for the BX.

That would make a world of difference. Mine is a landscaping trailer with very limited tie-down points.

I could, if I wanted, add 10 ply tires, an electric brake axle with wiring, and weld on several tie-down points. But between that and the few hundred bucks I'd get for the used trailer, I am a big chunk of the way to a new, proper trailer that doesn't have the FEL hanging off the front, the BH hanging off the back, doesn't scratch the heck out of everything, and on which I can also carry my boxblade and PHD AND ATV in comfort.

Yes, there is a place for single axle trailers. I am past having $20,000 worth of tractor on one, though.

I'd ache to see/hear some of those cars you've towed, Mr. Ultrarunner. Sound hot. Some wonderful machinery.

 

[ultrarunner]

I'd ache to see/hear some of those cars you've towed, Mr. Ultrarunner. Sound hot. Some wonderful machinery.

In the 50's and early 60's my uncle was very active in the Sports Car Club of America and had a car entered in the Pebble Beach Concours 7 consecutive years... He got out of the whole car thing when road races and rally's were no longer allowed due to permits and liability... The most famous local rally was held on Mount Diablo in the Bay Area... lots of hairpin curves and S turns.

Anyway, I was only a kid and would sometimes be invited to go along... Most of the guys drove their rally cars in the 50's and 60's and had no room for spare parts or extra tires... I remember when my Uncle bought the trailer new and all the compliments he got just by having a trailer and a pick-up with a shell to tow it and carry spare parts.

A few years ago, he was cleaning up around his barn and I asked him about the trailer... he sold it to me for $200.

Every time I use it, I remember the last time he had the 1966 GT40 on it to take to the San Francisco International Car Show. He sold the car not too long ago for something like 500k and the new owner sent a special car transport all the way from Canada to pick it up... if anyone only new the same car was taken all over on a single axle car trailer back in the day!!!

The trailer is solid axle without springs... we would always lower the tire pressure when running empty and go to max with a load...

I've got to find a picture somewhere with at least the Cobra or GT350 and the trailer...

My neighbor used the trailer last year to tow his XKE to the shop and got quite a ribbing as he pulled into the repair shop...

Being a rail trailer, it is quite light... at least a 1000# lighter then something similar with double axle and full deck...

I use it for my Kubota, Model A's, Model T's and Bantam Roadster.

You're absolutely correct in that there isn't an inch of extra room and no room for a PHD or Boxblade

 

[spk64]

What kind of trailer do you use to carry your Bx24? I'm thinking it weighs around a ton. Pictures would be great. Thanks.

Here is my setup.
16'
Pair 2500# axles
Surge Brakes
Heavy Aluminum Ramps to load and unload

 

[KeithInSpace]

Mr. Ultrarunner:

Thank you for the stories. I absolutely love to hear things like that...not enough folks have the 'passion' for real vehicles anymore, in my estimation. Too many other distractions, I guess. Or maybe I don't have the right friends. But my next door neighbor has a new Z06...wasn't happy with the stock 505 HP. I drove it quite regularly since new to when he tinkered it up to 550. But then he put it in the shop to get "real" work done to it. He showed me the dyno sheet with over 700 RWHP. True power...no super or turbo charger. Has over 0.70 lift cams in it with MUCHO duration. It makes a sound that would put any stock car to shame. Very angry. Simply awesome. Indescribable, really. I don't dare drive it anymore...couldn't afford to fix it if something ate itself. Wife has promised me a vette this year...crossing my fingers.

Mr. Spk64:

Looks about right. I like the hoops on the tractor for proper tie-downs. That's a Carry-On trailer, right? Looks exactly like mine, but a better size. Roomy.

 

[spk64]

Mr. Ultrarunner:
Mr. Spk64:

Looks about right. I like the hoops on the tractor for proper tie-downs. That's a Carry-On trailer, right? Looks exactly like mine, but a better size. Roomy.

I actually built the trailer several years ago as a replacement for keeping a pickup. Works perfect for hauling the BX-24 or anything else that needs moved...

 

[ampsucker]

here's my rig: