My new equipment trailer...

[Redbug]

Well, I've been mainly a lurker for the past couple years, hardly posting but learning a ton from all you folks. I have a 7000 lb 16' dovetail trailer which will be too small for the tractor I plan to buy, (another post, later). So after much searching, I had my ultimate trailer made...and for a good price! I just got back from picking her up in Indiana to home in SC. So...a few pics...

And a few details...14K GVW. I figure the trailer weighs around 4500 lbs or so. It has 6 D-Rings welded on top, 6 Ft Ramps With Stabilizers, Adjustable 2 5/16 Hitch, Stake Pockets & Rub Rails, All Sealed Beam Lighting With One Piece Wiring Harness, 12K Drop Leg Jack, 14 Ply Tires & Sliver Modular 8 on 6.5 Bolt Pattern, Self Contained Electric Over Hydraulic Power Unit With 20Ft Control Cord Powered By A Group 27 Interstate Deep Cycle Battery, Two 31/2 X 36" Stroke With 3/4 Rod Direct Push Hydraulic Cylinders, All Required DOT Lighting, Safety Tape & Break Away Kit, 7 Way RV Type Elec. I plan on welding up some 18" sides and tailgate, and also chain tray to keep stuff in, (like my 7000lb trailer).

After having one type of trailer that is limited, you learn what you need for the next trailer. What do you think? A dumper and hauler in one, this time...

 

[AlanB]

Man, that looks neat.

I would be concerned with our crew that they would load the front heavy and bend it.

I have the axles already, might just have to build something like that.

What do you figure the capacity of lift is up towards the front?

 

[Redbug]

Hello Alan,

I think you are right about overloading the front end and then dumping. I think with a load of gravel or dirt, it would be best to keep most of the weight over the axles, and near the back. That way you lessen your tongue weight on the truck and don't over do it. The trailer builder said that it should easily dump 5 tons loaded in the middle and back portion of the bed. I figure it has a capacity of about 10000 lbs if the trailer weighs about 4500 pounds, and the GVW is 14000 pounds. But, you could easily slip up and put more weight in...than the truck or trailer could handle. The dump cylinders are the same ones that are used on the regular dump trailers with the high sides, but would probably fail with too much weight up front, (fulcrum effect). That's a 20 foot long bed, and the trailer is 8 feet wide. I got it to carry a loader with bushhog, etc, and wanted the versatility of a dump trailer.

 

[capt jack]

VERY nice. Great color choice also. Hurry up and get us some loaded/dumping action shots.
Jack

 

[Dirthog]

You are saying the trailer weighs 4500# now but till you have 18" sides and a tailgate also a chain box and chains etc you are going to add close to a 1000# or more now you are down to 8500# or less depends on what else you have hung on trailer.

 

[Redbug]

Hi Dirthog,

Yes, you have a point. But what i plan is not too elaborate or weighty. Just enough to hold stuff in. I will use channel to go into the stake pockets and thru bolt treated lumber onto the channel. Also angle iron on the tops and bottoms of the lumber. I will use tractor pins thru both channel and stake pockets to keep them in. That way, I could take the sides off when needed. Should'nt be more than 250 pounds. I will make the chain tray from 14 guage sheet welded to the top and bottom of the remaining channel on the tongue, with hinges. Just like on my little trailer...see my enclosed pics. I have the chain tray opened a little bit on one of the pics, so you can see. The enclosed area on the little trailer is 14 feet long and it has a 2 foot dove tail. 18 inch high sides. In the firewood pic that's my older truck, a 1500. You NEED the 2500 series or more for the bigger trailer. I'm kinda a jack of all trades and like to work with tools. Hammers and noisy stuff...grunt grunt. Fun to do when things are slow...

 

[tlsmith85]

Redbug, can I ask where you had the trailer built? I live in Central Indiana and was considering buying one built in SC. I only need a 16', tandem axle, maybe with a dovetail - almost exactly like the one you just replaced.

Thanks.


Happy Birthday Marines

 

[BTDT]

That looks nice. I bet that deck is going to be "slippery when wet". Be careful.

 

[Redbug]

Hello Troy,
The black smaller trailer is a Load Trail. I bought it used about 10 years ago. it needed work, and I put in new flooring, made the sides, spare tire and bracket, as well as the chain tray. It has surge brakes. Here's Load Trail's site: Load Trail - Built for the Long Haul
The red flatdeck/dump is made by BMF Trailers out of Clintonville, Wi. I picked up the red trailer this past week up in Elkhart, In., where they dropped it off. PM me if you need any more information.

BTDT,
A couple folks have mentioned the metal being slippery when wet/muddy. I don't think wood is as slippery. I guess when I get my "orange" tractor I will find out. What do you recommend to keep from sliding? Possibly a couple wide strips of floor tape up the deck? (The stuff that is like sandpaper with the adhesive backing used on steps, etc).

 

[jwnge]

Looks nice and big, wonder what the BMF stands for ;0 ;0