New BX25, Tacoma tow Vehicle, What Trailer?

[homeputter]

Just received my new BX25. Now I need to buy a trailer for it. After reading most (up to page 78!) of the posts on this form, I am still undecided on what to buy. I have gone from a 16' flat bed to a 18' 7000lb dove tail to a 10000lb dove tail and now I am back to a 16' flat bed with a tail gate.

I only anticipate towing 4-6 times/year about 135 miles each way. My 2006 Tacoma has a tow package of 6500lb rating.

I have been looking at used trailers, but have not seen anything worth the money they are asking, so will probably go with something new. One thing I do want is a good brake system.

Any suggestions or comments would be welcome.
Thanks,
Homeputter

 

[Monster5601]

I have an 18 foot dove tail I use to haul around my tractor and I'm happy with it. Like you, I am an occasional tower.

It took around 5 moths of watching craigs list before I found this trailer, like you pointed out, there is a lot of over price junk on the market.

I found a 7K pound nearly new trailer with brakes on both axles for $1400. The deals are out there if you have the patients (and time) to wait.

 

[homeputter]

You got a fantastic deal. A trailer like you described would go for about $2.3k from what I have seen around here. Of course we have a 9.4% sales tax so that is a factor when buying new. No tax on used trailers.

 

[dodge man]

I think any of the type of trailers you are looking for would work. Try and anticipate any other uses you might have for the trailer. Would you ever trailer a car? If so, you might want to skip the type that has the side rails.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I would get a light weight 18' 7,000# trailer like I have. Its a low boy with no dove tail. Has 5' rear slide in ramps and a wood deck. It only wieghs about 1,350# empty with the spare tire mounted on it and the tool box full of staps and such. Its been great and because its a low boy it is only 14" off the ground so the 5' ramps make the approach angle so gental I have no problem loading my Dads and Uncles Corvettes.

Watch the empty weigh of the trailers you are looking to buy. Weight does not equal strenght. I have hauled a Suburban, a 1/2 ton Cheby, and a Dodge truck on it. Its also made a 800 mile trip hauling a Lincoln Aviator. Last job was picking up 2 Pontiacs, not at the same time, and transporting them 50 miles each. Before that it was moving a Trailblazer with a busted rear end. Its hauled over 25 different cars in its 8 years since I bought it. It handles my 5,600# tractor with ease and no DT and flat deck makes it nice for when I have a item like a Bush Hog on the back.

As you already know owning one, a mesh gate causes lots of drag. This will be hard on your little truck doing the miles you say you will. It also limits the lenght of items you can carry as do fold up or stand up ramps.

Chris

 

[homeputter]

What is a "low boy?" Most of the flatbeds, I have looked at are about 18" above the ground at the back, with no dove tails - when they "look" level. Does the low boy have dropped axles?
Sounds like that would work well and be easy to load without a dove tail.

 

[Diamondpilot]

What is a "low boy?" Most of the flatbeds, I have looked at are about 18" above the ground at the back, with no dove tails - when they "look" level. Does the low boy have dropped axles?
Sounds like that would work well and be easy to load without a dove tail.

Mine does NOT have dropped axles. It just has min clearance from the axle to the bottom of the trailer. I have owned it 8 years and towed it well over 10,000 miles and its never hit axle to frame so its just enough. It also has 205/75/15 tires which are rated to hold 7,000# if C range instead of the standard 225 or 15 tires that are 2-3" taller.

Chris

 

[radioman]

I think a simple 16' landscape trailer with sides is a good overall trailer for most uses. I regularly tow with 5k rated blazer with my BX and it does just fine. Note, I added WD bars and sway control due to the short wheelbase of the tow vehicle and it sure has improved the handling 50X's better. If you need to bring BX with bush hog/fel, you may need the 18'er.

 

[jeffsw6]

I only anticipate towing 4-6 times/year about 135 miles each way. My 2006 Tacoma has a tow package of 6500lb rating.

For only 4 - 6 times a year it might be more effective for you to borrow / rent instead of purchase a trailer. Just an idea.

I have not driven a Tacoma that new, but I used to have an older one, maybe a 99 or so, I can't remember what year it was. If they are basically similar vehicles I would not put much stock in that 6500# trailer weight rating. In my opinion that is a marketing figure that looks nice on paper but is not based in reality.

With that said a 18' utility trailer and a BX25 with some implements ought to be well under 4000#. I would not use a Tacoma (at least the one I had) to tow an enclosed trailer or a camper that heavy but without so much wind load it should not struggle too much. Wouldn't do it every day but a few times a year you can always go slower if you need to. I would keep dp's opinion about the mesh gate in mind.

 

[Verticaltrx]

For only 4 - 6 times a year it might be more effective for you to borrow / rent instead of purchase a trailer. Just an idea.

I have not driven a Tacoma that new, but I used to have an older one, maybe a 99 or so, I can't remember what year it was. If they are basically similar vehicles I would not put much stock in that 6500# trailer weight rating. In my opinion that is a marketing figure that looks nice on paper but is not based in reality.

With that said a 18' utility trailer and a BX25 with some implements ought to be well under 4000#. I would not use a Tacoma (at least the one I had) to tow an enclosed trailer or a camper that heavy but without so much wind load it should not struggle too much. Wouldn't do it every day but a few times a year you can always go slower if you need to. I would keep dp's opinion about the mesh gate in mind.

My guess is the OP has an '05 or newer Tacoma, but I do agree Toyota is a little generous with their tow ratings. I have a 3rd gen 4runner (had a '97 Tacoma before that), and neither of them willingly tow what Toyota says they will. The 4runner is rated at 5000lbs, but I find 3000-4000 is about max. With that much weight I have to get down to 2nd gear on some of the steep hills.



With that said, I'd be looking for a trailer that weighs less than 2000lbs empty. Something like a 16' tandem axle would be sufficient and allow plenty of room for attachments. The landscape type trailers will generally be lighter weight and cheaper than the car hauler or equipment type trailers. While I don't really like landscape trailers, A BX is light enough that it wouldn't make any difference.

 

[radioman]

For only 4 - 6 times a year it might be more effective for you to borrow / rent instead of purchase a trailer. Just an idea.

It might be an idea but I tell you I disagree. For the fee to get it registered is about the same to rent one for one day, plus no hurry to get it back on time. Who wants the xtra stress.

I would not use a Tacoma (at least the one I had) to tow an enclosed trailer or a camper that heavy but without so much wind load it should not struggle too much. Wouldn't do it every day but a few times a year you can always go slower if you need to. I would keep dp's opinion about the mesh gate in mind.

Good point- I have similar sized tow vehicle with same issues you mentioned

My guess is the OP has an '05 or newer Tacoma, but I do agree Toyota is a little generous with their tow ratings. I have a 3rd gen 4runner (had a '97 Tacoma before that), and neither of them willingly tow what Toyota says they will. The 4runner is rated at 5000lbs, but I find 3000-4000 is about max. With that much weight I have to get down to 2nd gear on some of the steep hills.



With that said, I'd be looking for a trailer that weighs less than 2000lbs empty. Something like a 16' tandem axle would be sufficient and allow plenty of room for attachments. The landscape type trailers will generally be lighter weight and cheaper than the car hauler or equipment type trailers. While I don't really like landscape trailers, A BX is light enough that it wouldn't make any difference.

Maybe you are right, but On flat roads, its no problem. with an occasional hills should be ok. Its not like you gotta race up the hills.

 

[foreman Etexas]

Maybe you are right, but On flat roads, its no problem. with an occasional hills should be ok. Its not like you gotta race up the hills.

I think a 16ft utility trailer with twin 3500lbs axles would be fine.Be looking at what tires it came with,some just throw cheap tires on it and not true trailer tires(just cause its cheaper,not always better).Also if it has treated wood or not.The dovetail is only needed on the car hauler if your gonna have an high center problem,but down side no side rails.We have pulled alot bigger tractors on 16ft trailers for years.Also you could look at maybe getting airbags for the rear of your truck,not to much $$$. http://www.suspensionconnection.com/images/master/air_lift_ride_control.jpg
$213

 

[timswi]

I have hauled my BX23 on an 82"x14' dual axle "car" trailer. Can be done, but certainly wouldn't recommend it. This odd trailer was used by a non-profit for parades only...Neighbor bought it to haul his quads, he got it cheap.

A week ago I hauled it on a 16' dual axle landscape trailer and it was perfect. As was said, if you're going to have a brush hog hanging off of it the 18' would be better. But if hauling with the FEL and BH a 16' works very well and landscape trailers can be had reasonable over car trailers if you have no plans on hauling full size vehicles on the trailer.

 

[foreman Etexas]

L3200 on 18ft trailer 16ft trailer

 

[Tractor Seabee]

I have a BX 25 also. Bought a used shop built trailer for $400. Heavy 4' channel16' long 7' wide flat bed, single axel. I rewired it, put on a new tounge jack and two rear drop down jacks. I tow with a Chev Colorado which is comparable with your Tacoma. Cannot get brake parts as it is too old. Used a couple times for short tows and it works fine up to 60 MPH. The tires were new but too small but so mfar OK. I can get a new 6,000# axel with springs, hangers, brakes, and 6 ply tires for $800. That is next on my buy list along with the brake controller, and an electric winch to tow on dead equipment. I had two 6' fold up ramps good for 1500# (a little light); built two crib blocks out of 2 X 4s and put them under the hinge, works good for now. I have a winter project to build some new ramps out of scrap metal I have laying around, to replace that.

Here in WA State; any towed item gross weight over 2500# is required to have working brakes and they enforce it if they stop you for something else, so I am currently illegal. By spring I will be legal.

Bottom line unless you are going to haul something much heavier that is all you need. Dual axel is a waste of money then. You need the 16' to accomadate the FEL and BH or the FEL and other implements. My tractor main axel sets right over the trailer axel. You want to be careful and not either have too much tounge weight or tail weight unless you want steering problems. DIY projects sometimes overlook the little things.

Ron

 

[Carl Bert]

Did you look at any aluminum trailers, much lighter? I have a Chevy Tahoe with a 7700# towing capacity. I tow a B26 on an 18' trailer, combined weight of about 6200#, and it struggles. It's a lot of abuse on the tranny and brakes. I recently had to change my rotors. When I took one of the front ones off, it actually was split in half, right down the middle. The mechanic said he never saw this happen before and it was due to towing too much weight. I had only used it to tow 3 or 4 times before this happened.

I wish I had gone with an aluminum trailer. Now I'm looking at a 2500 series Silverado. I believe they have over 14000# towing capacity. Much more capable.

 

[timswi]

Did you look at any aluminum trailers, much lighter? I have a Chevy Tahoe with a 7700# towing capacity. I tow a B26 on an 18' trailer, combined weight of about 6200#, and it struggles. It's a lot of abuse on the tranny and brakes. I recently had to change my rotors. When I took one of the front ones off, it actually was split in half, right down the middle. The mechanic said he never saw this happen before and it was due to towing too much weight. I had only used it to tow 3 or 4 times before this happened.

I wish I had gone with an aluminum trailer. Now I'm looking at a 2500 series Silverado. I believe they have over 14000# towing capacity. Much more capable.

I see the drive train strain...But why were the brakes on the vehicle overworked?..You should be able to slow the tow vehicle with the trailer brakes.

 

[homeputter]

I just assume aluminum trailers would be too expensive. I have not even seen one.

I am surprised your Tahoe could not handle that. With my 2002 4wd Tahoe, I towed a 26' self contained trailer from Las Vegas to Glendale AZ (400miles?) and had no trouble at all. Several times caught myself going 75MPH - way too fast - as it handled so smoothly. I think the weight was about 6500lb. I was very impressed how well the Tahoe ran.
I had a brake controller installed before I left LV, and never had a problem with the Tahoe's brakes. Of course, it did have the tow package.

I did go through 2 transmissions, early in its life, before I towed anything with it and before I was "on per diem" in LV. The first at 18,000 under warranty, the 2nd at about 50,000 which I had to pay for. The dealer did sell it to me "at cost." The 1st was a failed sun gear, the 2nd time it was something else, I can't remember what. The dealer gave me a 100,000 mile warranty on the 2nd transmission. The vehicle has 155,000 on it now and has had no more problems.

My daughter has it now, but every time I drive it I am amazed how nice it drives. A lot smoother than my 2006 Tacoma.

 

[radioman]

I am gonna step up and say- all these opinions is a bit over rated and being over thought. A simple 16'er trailer under 2k unladen weight will be fine for the BX. Airbags are not needed in my opinion. With a dual axle 16' trailer, the BX balances nicely with FEL all the way to front. Just add WD bars and the trailer will sit straight with tacoma.

Look at the facts- BX+FEL+BH=roughly 2600lbs + trailer 1600 to 1800lbs 16'= 4200 to 4600lbs. His tacoma will pull it just fine. Aluminum trailer is nice, but will he be transporting his BX in middle of winter with salt on roads? A simple steel trailer is fine and very useful for other things.

 

[Carl Bert]

I see the drive train strain...But why were the brakes on the vehicle overworked?..You should be able to slow the tow vehicle with the trailer brakes.

The mechanic said the same thing. I have it set so the trailer brakes do most of the stopping, which I was told is correct, but I still had premature wear on the pads and the cracked rotor. If I set it so the trailer brakes are any more sensitive, they lock up. It's a brand new trailer with brakes on all 4 wheels.

I guess when you push anything to its near max capacity, something will give. As another poster said, the tow ratings they put on these trucks, is not very accurate. I believe they are rating them as to what they CAN pull, not what they CAN PULL EVERYDAY.

I will feel much better when I get the 2500. I think it's much better suited for the task.