Trailering question

[Berniep]

Originally Posted by LarryRB

..., they do however come outside and make sure there is a schedule 70 chain with binder, one on each corner plus another around my backhoe crowd stick. ..

OK I can understand that part, it's the law. I am talking about someone who hasn't broken any law and is operating in a safe manner. His trailer is under weight for the tow vehicle and just because it is "RATED" for more then he gets a ticket and his equipment impounded. No one has the money or time to fight something like this over the relatively small fine and tow charge, compared to the many thousands you would spend on lawyers.
Maybe if I ever win the lottery I will make that my hobby.

I actually think Indiana should have a little more stringent enforcement policy than it does now. I drive a truck and you would not believe the amount of equipment that I go by on the interstate that is not tied down AT ALL.
But I don't want anything like you guy have up there in the North East.

[vicar]

Thanks for your input on this. What I get is that in addition to the trailer, I'll also need an electronic brake controller and a load-leveling hitch. Question: does this hitch replace what is factory installed on my truck, or does it mount to the existing receiver? I guess it would also be prudent for me to check that the factory hitch is rated for 6100#s, or is that a given? This trailer stuff is all new to me.

Larry RB, I'm in Windham, but can't currently imagine the scenario for towing my tractor through Union. But, if I do go through there with my little utility trailer, am I required to stop for inspection?

John

[KeithInSpace]

The Weight Distribution (load leveling) hitch is simply an item that slides into your 2" receiver.

I would presume your hitch is rated for whatever your truck is rated for. Once you get to a certain point, the ratings make less and less sense to me. Point: my 2-5/8" ball is rated for 7,500# (imprinted on the ball), but that is what they sold me to tow my 10,000# trailer. The normal (hollow) shank is only rated for 5,000#, but you see guys using them to tow heavy trailers all the time.

Everyone told me to "not worry" about the WD hitch setup, but Ford clearly states that my truck is only rated for 6,000# unless 1) you have the HD towing setup (which I do) and 2) you have a WD hitch.

The WD hitch will make the load much more "linear" to the front of the truck...in other words, it will help the rig wanting to naturally buckle at the ball under braking or other abnormal stresses. It will put some of the weight of the trailer (depending on your setup 1,000# or more) onto the FRONT wheels of the tow vehicle, making the entire rig more of a "unit" rather than simply the tow vehicle with a big anchor out back.

And get the best inertial brake controller you can. I have a Tekonsha P3, but the Tekonsha Prodigy or the Valley Odessey II are exceptional controllers as well. Makes a BIG difference in how the trailer "feels", so I've heard.

[LarryRB]

[quote=KeithInSpace]
I've never considered stopping at a weigh station. Does a personal vehicle have to do that?
QUOTE]
This, sir, is exactly how Connecticut is raking it in a mile down the street from me,... Personal vehicles pulling trailers, a really big one is the smaller straight trucks such as Ryder and that type,, all busses, especially Peter Pan, Greyhound and FungWah that run Boston- NYC. Yessir,, it's almost like being at the casino..

[offcamber]

I been towing heavy trailers, campers ect for personal use and have never stopped at a weigh station nor have I ever been chased down. For none commercial use you shouldn't be harrassed as long as the tow rig and trailer appear safe. I have driven through CT many times and not had a problem but I didn't go through Union, mosty down I91 I95 and I84....

[LarryRB]

Originally Posted by vicar

Larry RB, I'm in Windham, but can't currently imagine the scenario for towing my tractor through Union. But, if I do go through there with my little utility trailer, am I required to stop for inspection?

John

If you are moving around Windham and not much more, there shouldn't be any problem, even if a roving DOT team comes up on you... THey have the rovers at and around my house and down the lower part of 395 and 95. 99% of this is common sense.. Tie it down correctly, use schedule 70 chain and not straps, drive normally and no one will bother you.. THey can't very well wave me by when they pull in everything that comes close to a gray area ticket.. Therefore, a walk out of the scale house, grab a chain or two and walk back in... Looks good, I guess, and on the way I go...

[escavader]

How can an officer tell just by looking if its grade 70 chain?

[ampsucker]

to the poster with the 7500 hitch ball, the weakest link in the "chain" determines your load carrying capacity. that means, whatever is rated lowest (hitch, receiver, ball, safety chain, coupler, etc.) be careful and NEVER believe what the guy sells you is safe just because he/she says it is.

be carefull, do your research, and make sure you have what you need to haul down the road! it's your life and those around you on the line, not some sales person miles away and months back in history.

amp

[LarryRB]

Originally Posted by escavader

How can an officer tell just by looking if its grade 70 chain?

my chains are stamped all over with a "70"., so no rocket science here..

[LBrown59]

Originally Posted by vicar

Can I legally pull a trailer rated at 7000# with my Nissan Frontier 4X4 rated to trailer 6100#.
Is that legal? Is it safe?


Thanks.

John

No it haint safe :
You don't have enough truck to handle it.

I have 4 small pick ups like yours.
Nissan
Toyota
1986 Dodge D50
1989 Dodge D50
I was told over and over and over again on this and other tractor boards that they are to small to handle my BX23 on a trailer.
It was pointed out to me time after time that I needed at least a three quarter ton full size pickup to transport my BX23.