7,000# vs 10,000# trailer

[KeithInSpace]

Originally Posted by Beavis

I'm aware of the internet access...

I can't fathom the fuzz bothering "normal" folks when towing their trailer. Normal, I mean truck towing trailer with reasonable object attached to trailer with some manner of care. They aren't going to fiddle with what package my truck has and whatever. You KNOW when the setup is backwards.

I always keep these pictures handy just in case we digress too deep into the hole. THIS is what I think the laws are written to prevent.

Any questions?

[RobertN]

Originally Posted by KeithInSpace

Just checked with my dealership
Now I just need my wife to choke down $3,425 + tax for a big freaking trailer that I wouldn't need but for hauling my $20,000 rig to other people's houses to do work I don't get paid for.

My B8200 is bigger than you BX; more like a B2910. My tractor, easily fits my 7000lb 7x16 trailer. Easily. For both size and weight. FWIW, my 7x16 7000lb trailer weighs 1600lbs. that leaves 5400lb for the load.

I usually would go the bigger route, but my 16' 7000lb trailer will do everything you describe, and cost about $1700 two years ago. It fits my needs easily. It is also pretty manueverable.

[KeithInSpace]

Originally Posted by RobertN

...16' 7000lb trailer will do everything you describe, and cost about $1700 two years ago.

Totally agree. As I stated in my initial post, my wife wanted something a little "more".

I can get a nice 7,000# for $2,100 (a little less nice for $1,850), but when the CFO says, "See what you can find for $3,000 and get back to me", what is a guy to do??? Find something that costs $3,500, that's what!!!

Really, I just want to get what I need. I can comfortably put a good size truck on this trailer and meet nearly every need I can envision for the next 10+ years. Hate to spend $2,000 and have limitations. I think I've talked myself into spending $3,000 and having far fewer limitations.

[coobie]

I had a 16ft trailer with 3500 lbs axles for about 4 years.I recently purchased a 20ft trailer with 7000 lbs axles.I would fully agree to go with the larger trailer and axles.coobie

[john_bud]

Originally Posted by KeithInSpace

Just checked with my dealership where I'd buy the trailer. The weight dstributing hitch deal is $425 installed, shank and everything included. That is with 1,200# arms.

Now I just need my wife to choke down $3,425 + tax for a big freaking trailer that I wouldn't need but for hauling my $20,000 rig to other people's houses to do work I don't get paid for.

Maybe I'll pour a glass of wine first.

Maybe a 2nd bottle as you talk about getting the USA made G70 chains and ratcheting binders (2 sets) for the tractor and a 3rd set for a possible hoe.

jb

[drtydeed]

Just remember a 10K trailer is gonna bounce your stuff a bit. I'd recheck
the unlaiden trailer weight. Mine was somewhere around 1700 for 7x16 wood deck with hd gates and 2 ft sides.

[dqdave1]

If you do get pulled over by the police; they will write you the ticket and it will be up to you to prove them wrong in court.
I believe when you said you "may" own a one ton truck someday , that a 10,000 lb trailer may put you over the 26000 lb rate and you would need a CDL to pull it. Remember, the law is the maximum that it "can" tow; not what you are towing. One ton trucks with 10,000 lb trailers are what the police are looking for. PS; most State Troopers can tell by look what the trailer rating is and guess pretty close your truck capacity.

[KeithInSpace]

Originally Posted by dqdave1

...that a 10,000 lb trailer may put you over the 26000 lb rate and you would need a CDL to pull it. Remember, the law is the maximum that it "can" tow; not what you are towing.

Looking at Ford's web site, the only possible combination that would put me over this situation is a 10,000# trailer attached to the F450 automatic transmission with a 4.88 Gearset and a GVWR of 33,000#. The 33,000# is based on towing a trailer CAPABLE of towing 16,000#. Deducting 6,000# would get the whole rig CAPABLE of towing 27,000#...just over the limit.

All other trucks in the Ford Super Duty line (as an example) can tow the 10,000# trailer and the combination of a fully loaded truck and a fully loaded 10,000# trailer could not exceed 26,000#.

I'm not getting an F450 unless I win the lottery. And if I win the lottery, I'll take a few days and go get a CDL. Otherwise an F350 will suit me just fine and there is no configuration of an F350 and 10,000# trailer that could exceed a GVWR of 26,000#. But thanks for the heads up...nice to be sure in these things.

My bigger issue is having a trailer that is CAPABLE of towing more than my CURRENT vehicle is rated for. Although, with the weight distribution hitch and all, I'd hope to think that I won't get pulled over just for that. I saw a Chevy Avalanche with a full load of mulch in a huge BriMar dump bed trailer...looked like the back bumper was dragging on the ground. Pull HIM over, not ME... Unfortunately, it is just a risk I'm taking until I replace my Expedition. The rig as a whole is still VERY safe, in my opinion. The Expedition is a great tow vehilce...huge brakes, good weight, and nice engine. I just have to not put more than 6,000 or so lbs of stuff in there.

Originally Posted by drtydeed

Just remember a 10K trailer is gonna bounce your stuff a bit. I'd recheck the unlaiden trailer weight. Mine was somewhere around 1700 for 7x16 wood deck with hd gates and 2 ft sides.

According to my dealership, the steel deck 7,000# trailer weighs about 1,800# and the wood deck 10,000# trailer weighs about 2,000#.

I anticipate it being a stiff ride. Hopefully it will be OK with the tractor on there. I'd certainly prefer the stiff ride over the "Jell-O filled cream-puff on a bed of Mayonaise" ride I get out of the 5' x 10' trailer I currently own. It is just way to squishy when you get a heavy load in there, be it a load of wood and QuickCrete or a small Kubota tractor. Not very confidence inspiring.

And I do plan on adding 2' or 3' stake sides to the trailer, for what little bit of weight that will add.

[Blk88GT]

I don't find the ride bouncy at all with the tractor on there. With the trailer empty, then it's a little bouncy.

[KeithInSpace]

I hate to report that the CFO wants to get the final tax numbers from the CPA before making the purchase. Hopefully just a 2 to 3 week delay. Moving forward with mounting the Tekonsha P3 controller. May even purchase chain ratchets, hooks, and a run of chain to take the pain out of it when the purchase is authorized.

Unless something changes, I'm sitting on the 8' x 16' 10,000# wood deck dove-tail with 1,200# weight distributing hitch for $3,425 + tax. I flirt with the idea of an 18'. I know it would be smart money, but it is just a HUGE trailer. It looks so different to me for some reason.

At least now I have a couple of weeks to let it set in. If I'm still on the 16', it will be a well-informed decision.

Thank you everyone again for the input. You guys rock.