Trailer choice help request

[BTF]

I have to make a decision between two very different trailer types for long distant then local transport of a 2200 lb compact tractor with FEL. Eventually a backhoe may be added. Total load about 3800 lbs. Have decided on an 18' so that I have flexibility with balancing load. Also decided on 7000 lb trailer to keep trailer weight reasonably light but heavy enough for intended use. I'll be towing with an 2004 Tacoma 4WD v6.

The choices are a Doolittle t8418 7000lbs dual axle 4 brake with radial tires. It has a split reinforced drop down mesh gate and tubular rails 2 5/16 coupling. {Rails would preclude transporting a car since doors couldn't be opened )

The other choice is a Big Tex 70CH car hauler. 16' flat 2 ' dovetail with pullout ramps. Brakes on all 4 wheels with bias tires. 2" bull coupling.

The car hauler is 250 dollars less.

Trailer use for other purpose might push choice one way or the other but nothing is planned at the moment. Resale and saleability if I later believe I made the wrong choice are also factors.

Experience with either or general thoughts are welcomed.

Thanks

 

[SnowRidge]

I have 20 foot trailer to haul a CUT with brush mower and FEL. It's not long enough. I have to rig it so that the mower sits on a cross piece and is high enough to ride above the front rail of the trailer. I wish I had bought a 24 foot trailer.

I think your Tacoma is too light to haul a CUT, even with the V6. What weight is your truck rated to tow? What are the actual weights of the tractor, FEL, and possible backhoe? What are the weights of other implements you might have on board, such as box blade? Did you figure in the weights of the chains and binders? Will the trailer have a spare?

I suspect you need a minimum of a 7,500 lb trailer. If your Tacoma isn't rated to tow 7,5000 lbs, I think you have a real problem.

 

[SCOOBY14B]

I have to make a decision between two very different trailer types for long distant then local transport of a 2200 lb compact tractor with FEL. Eventually a backhoe may be added. Total load about 3800 lbs. Have decided on an 18' so that I have flexibility with balancing load. Also decided on 7000 lb trailer to keep trailer weight reasonably light but heavy enough for intended use. I'll be towing with an 2004 Tacoma 4WD v6.

The choices are a Doolittle t8418 7000lbs dual axle 4 brake with radial tires. It has a split reinforced drop down mesh gate and tubular rails 2 5/16 coupling. {Rails would preclude transporting a car since doors couldn't be opened )

The other choice is a Big Tex 70CH car hauler. 16' flat 2 ' dovetail with pullout ramps. Brakes on all 4 wheels with bias tires. 2" bull coupling.

The car hauler is 250 dollars less.

Trailer use for other purpose might push choice one way or the other but nothing is planned at the moment. Resale and saleability if I later believe I made the wrong choice are also factors.

Experience with either or general thoughts are welcomed.

Thanks

I used to have a 2004 Tacoma double cab 4wd V6. Trust me, you don't wanna tow much at all with that truck. The load will push you all over the place. It's only rated for 5k lbs, so you'll be right at the max rating.

 

[LBrown59]

Also decided on 7000 lb trailer to keep trailer weight reasonably light but heavy enough for intended use. I'll be towing with an 2004 Tacoma 4WD v6.
The other choice is a Big Tex 70CH car hauler. 16' flat 2 ' dovetail with pullout ramps. Brakes on all 4 wheels with bias tires. 2" bull coupling.
The car hauler is 250 dollars less.Thanks

Truck's not beefey enough.
I don't have a trailer for my 2500 pound BX23 because my
Dodge D 50
Nissan
Toyota
pick ups aren't beefey enough to tow with.

 

[wushaw]

[/B]
Truck's not beefey enough.
I don't have a trailer for my 2500 pound BX23 because my
Dodge D 50
Nissan
Toyota
pick ups aren't beefey enough to tow with.

LB; you need atleast a F350 towboss to get that kind of load goin down the road.

 

[wushaw]

I have the 2nd gen Taco and have towed my Jeep TJ with it( 3500), It did just fine, granted it's rated for 6500.
Anyhow a late model 1/2 ton would be better for what you want to do. Try it though before you go looking for a new toter.

 

[BTF]

Well, with the sentiment so strong against it, I'll have to reconsider the plan.

Thanks to all those who talk the time to reply

 

[bx23barry]

You are gonna be under 6000# with 4 wheel brakes. That isn't a big deal for a compact/midsize truck If ya ask me. As for the trailers, either would be fine.

 

[SCOOBY14B]

You are gonna be under 6000# with 4 wheel brakes. That isn't a big deal for a compact/midsize truck If ya ask me. As for the trailers, either would be fine.

These Tacoma's just don't do very well with a load. I pulled a landscape trailer that weighed in total at about 3k or so and was SOOOOO glad when I traded it in. I would HATE to imagine towing much more than that.

 

[Beavis]

I have to make a decision between two very different trailer types for long distant then local transport of a 2200 lb compact tractor with FEL. Eventually a backhoe may be added. Total load about 3800 lbs. Have decided on an 18' so that I have flexibility with balancing load. Also decided on 7000 lb trailer to keep trailer weight reasonably light but heavy enough for intended use. I'll be towing with an 2004 Tacoma 4WD v6.

The choices are a Doolittle t8418 7000lbs dual axle 4 brake with radial tires. It has a split reinforced drop down mesh gate and tubular rails 2 5/16 coupling. {Rails would preclude transporting a car since doors couldn't be opened )

The other choice is a Big Tex 70CH car hauler. 16' flat 2 ' dovetail with pullout ramps. Brakes on all 4 wheels with bias tires. 2" bull coupling.

The car hauler is 250 dollars less.

Trailer use for other purpose might push choice one way or the other but nothing is planned at the moment. Resale and saleability if I later believe I made the wrong choice are also factors.

Experience with either or general thoughts are welcomed.

Thanks

My thoughts: I would strongly recommend a 20' or 22'trailer rated at 10,000 or 14,000 lbs. It may seem like overkill, but I speak from experience. Sept. 07' I purchased a CUT with FEL and different rear attachments. I purchased a PJ, 18' trailer with two 3,500lb axles. I felt that the trailer was maxed, even though I never exceeded the max rating. The length seems fine until you actually start loading stuff on it and try to move the tractor forward or backwards to get the weight correct. After a few months of feeling very uncomfortable, I stepped up to a 22' PJ with twin 7,000lb axles and think that was the absolute best choice I could have made. You can always grow into a trailer, but if you buy too small, you will never be happy.