7,000# vs 10,000# trailer

[KeithInSpace]

I own a Kubota BX2230 with Woods BH. In full transport mode (tractor, FEL, BH, BoxBlade, PHD) including my Mule ATV, I'm right around 4,000#.

My tow vehicle is a 2005 Expedition with the towing package (different gears, trans cooler, etc.) which brings the towing capacity up to 9,000#. I have a Tekonsha P3 (new version of the "Prodigy") controller. I have towed my 5,500# boat without even knowing it was back there and getting 12MPG along the way.

I am between 3 trailers, one of which my wife has ruled out. All are transport trailers (not landscaping) with no rails and electric brakes on both axles.

#1) 7,000# flat wood deck with fold down ramps for $2,200. Wife thinks it looks too "wimpy" and is probably off the table. Don't ask.

#2) 7,000# duck tail steel deck with slide out ramps for $3,100. Very nice, but I worry about using the FEL on the steel deck (it just turning into a big hunk of rust after 3 years). I also worry about the slide-out ramps because they don't form a "stand" for the rear of the trailer when loading. I'd be at least $600 into a spray on liner for the deck, so it starts becoming cost prohibitive.

#3) 10,000# duck tail wood deck with fold down ramps for $3,000. Very solid trailer.

The real question: Am I giving up too much in extra trailer weight (against my GVWR) getting the 10,000# trailer vs. the 7,000#? I figure even if the trailer weighs 4,000# (doubtful), I'm good with my towing copacity vs. my max anticipated load. My brother has a 7,000# 8' x 24' enclosed trailer that he routinely overloads. I've never had a trailer this big and don't have a feel for the weight difference.

In short: WOULD I GO WRONG (rather, in what ways could I go wrong) BY GETTING THE 10,000# TRAILER?

My current trailer is a 5' x 10' 3,500# single axle (no brakes) landscaping trailer that is simply not up to the task of transporting my machine safely, especially since I added the BH. All parents live 200+ miles out of town and I have several trips a year to each of their houses to take care of various tasks for them so renting is not a consideration.

[Beavis]

You won't be happy with a 7,000lb trailer; TRUST ME. I had one for a few months that I used to haul my JD 3320 and attachments but felt that I was stressing the trailer even though I was staying under the 7,000lb limit. It was an 18ft. which I also felt was too short. I have upgraded (overkill) but will be happy with the new trailer for a LONG TIME. I have purchased a 22ft. trailer that is rated for 14,000lbs. I love putting the tractor on there now; it feels very stable and un-stressed compared to the old one. I'm pulling it with a Ford Explorer which is rated for 7,000lbs so your Expedition with a 9,000lb rating and 10,000lb trailer would be a good mix.

My two cents.

[KeithInSpace]

So I'm not crazy, then. THAT'S a good sign! Obviously, my tractor is considerably smaller, but I'd rather buy once...tough to get the CFO to shell out for ANOTHER trailer once I get this one, so I want to get it right. I don't want a REALLY big trailer, so I'm sticking with the 16 feet. I don't see myself ever getting a bigger tractor.

This is probably the lightest-duty tow vehicle I'll own from here on out, so I'll probably appreciate the heavier trailer over time. Leaning toward the 10,000# unit.

[caseihman314]

I would get the 10,000 pound one for the money. I think in the long run you will be happier. Also I'm not sure but the 7,000 one probably only has brakes on one axle and the 10,000 might have brakes on both.

[Woody_NH]

Over time you will have more to transport, not less.
And it is always better to have an over capable rig than one that is operating on the margin. Always get at least the next size up of what you think you need.

[KeithInSpace]

Originally Posted by caseihman314

...I'm not sure but the 7,000 one probably only has brakes on one axle and the 10,000 might have brakes on both.

This is how "transport" trailers differ from "landscaping" or "utility" trailers.

I reached between the holes on the rims of the 7,000# "utility" trailer (1' tall rails, cheese-grater rear gate) sitting next to one I'm considering and it absolutely had only one set of brakes. They happened to be on the rear axle. This trailer is only $1,650 for a 7' x 16'.

I reached between the wheels of the 7,000# "transport" trailer (flat deck, no rails, heavy-duty vehicle loading ramps) and I am 100% certain there were drum brakes on both axles. There is a bunch more steel in the "transport" type of trailer...something that I'm looking for since I have made short order of bending the rails on my 5' x 10' trailer.

I am definitely working my way into the higher capacity trailer at this point. This input has been great.

[George2615]

I would also go for the 10K trailer for the price as well as capacity. My current trailer is a 7K tiltbed which I bought new. Used 10 or 12K trailers in my area are hard to come by. I looked for 2 years before I bought new. Wish I could have found a 10K for 3K.

[Renze]

I have no idea what kind of trailers are usual in your part of the world, but look at the overall build:
I am in the trailer business myself, but if you buy a 5 ton trailer over here, you get torsion axles with cable brakes, and wimpy chinese tires. If you buy a 7 ton trailer you get air suspension, cam brakes, automatic brake force adjusters, ABS and premium brand truck tires. It's not just the 2 tons of load capacity, its a whole different class of trailer.

I would definately recommend having brakes on all axles. You might save some $$ on not having brakes on all axles, but the cost of wear on overloaded truck brakes, will soon be higher than the cost of brakes on that other trailer axle. Get a little extra brake capacity, its safer, and with better technical margins, the brakes in total, wear less.
The brakes on your trucks front axle, usually are a lot more expensive to replace than trailer brakes too.

[Diamondpilot]

I would also get the 10K trailer. Just be aware that with a 10K trailer and a 9K tow vehicle you could get ticketed. It will probably never happen but in most states you can not pull a trailer that has the capability, no matter what the load is, of being greater than your tow vehicles capability.

That being said I would still get the 10K trailer and next go around get a bigger tow vehicle. You will be glad you got the larger trailer. Like others said you will only get heavier loads in the future like a larger tractor.

Chris

[wushaw]

I would go with the 10k trailer also just because of the extra carrying capacity and it sounds better than the others listed, I have a 7k 16 footer myself and it does what I need it to do even though it has been a little short at times but not enough for me to get a longer one.