Can I trailer this tractor

[Mace Canute]

Here's is what the Saskatchewan Government has to say about licence requirements for pulling trailers:

"Do I need a special driver's licence to tow a trailer?

You are not required to obtain a special driver's licence when operating common trailers such as recreational, utility, small farm and commercial trailers. However, if you are planning on towing larger trailers, a Heavy Trailer/Restricted licence or a Class 1 licence may be necessary. A trailer and its load weighing over 4,600 kg (10,141 lbs) meets the definition of a Class 1 vehicle.

If you wish to tow trailers weighing over 4,600 kg, but don't wish to drive power unit semi-trailers, buses or three-axle trucks, you may have your Class 5 licence endorsed to operate two-axle trucks towing over 4,600 kg. To obtain this licence you must meet approved medical and vision standards, pass a heavy trailer written test and a road test in a vehicle which meets the requirements for the driver licence class applied for.

Once these requirements have been completed you will receive "G" endorsement. A "G" endorsement will allow the driver to operate two-axle trucks (not including two-axle power units) towing trailers in excess of 4,600 kg.

If you wish to drive only when accompanied by a Class 1 driver or a driver with a heavy trailer endorsement, you may obtain learner's privileges by completing only the medical and written requirements."

I cannot, with my standard run of the mill basic Class 5 Licence, legally tow a trailer if the trailer and it's load weigh over 4,600 kg (10,141 lbs). It has nothing to do with the truck or trailer registration and plates. I either have to have a Class 1 Licence or a "G" endorsement on my Class 5 Licence. Class 1 here is the top of the line licence and would correspond to a CDL.
The point of all this is make sure your licence covers you for the total weight you will be pulling. Not licenced means no insurance here, maybe the same for you?

 

[Ryan03]

If you can get the load balanced correctly,and drive with common sense, you should be fine towing it localy. I occasionaly tow a case 85xt skidsteer with steel tracks and a bradco grapple bucket, 10k ish with trailer with my 03 chev 2500hd reg cab 4x4. I am running a diesel, so I have a little more power to spare than your gasser, but chassis wise your truck will handle it if you are careful.

I recently moved a 1994 Kubota L3750 4x4 with loader, loaded rears {28's} and a 6ft woods brush hog. I am guestimating the total machine weight to be around 7500 +2200 for the trailer. Again, the 2500 handled the weight fine.

The skid steer tows on a pintle, and the tractor was towed on a 2 5/16 ball. My advice to you is to take your time balancing the load properly, and drive conservatively and cautiously. Finaly, be honest with yourself and your skill level towing a trailer, my wife tows our atv's on an open car trailer just fine, but I would never turn her loose on the skid steer with her limited towing experience.

 

[mlitt12345]

Thanks for all the replies, I'm new at this and see the reason for manufacture ratings to prevent liability issues but common sense has to come to play also........I don't understand how by having a diesel engine can allow you to tow 3-6000 more lbs. The chassis are the same, the brakes are the same so the diesel can pull up the hill or from a stop faster because of torque but how is it safer when it comes to sudden stops etc. Maybe I'm missing something here. I know a gooseneck will pull my 6200lbs tractor a whole lot better then a bumper pull and prob safer....but, it puts me overweight because of the heaviness of the gooseneck trailer. For instance I have a 6200lbs tractor, 1000lbs implement-chains-etc, and lets say 4800lb gooseneck....totaling 12000lbs.....by my vehicles specs 2003 chevy 2500 6.0l gasser I'm 1400lbs overweight but if I had the 2500 duramax diesel same truck it is ok. It makes me scratch my head with what to do............some of you say stay within manufacture limits and some say no problem...pull it. Thanks Mike

 

[Diamondpilot]

99% of the reason the diesel can handle more than your 6.0 is the tranny. I have pulled nearly 70,000# with my F-250 Powerstroke. Ok, it was on flat ground and it was a semi loaded with carpet that had a broken drive shaft but if anything was going to give it would have been in the drive line.

With the diesel engine or even the big blocks like the V-10 Ford or 8.1 GM you get a much better tranny and heavier drive line.

Chris

 

[wkpoor]

99% of the reason the diesel can handle more than your 6.0 is the tranny. I have pulled nearly 70,000# with my F-250 Powerstroke. Ok, it was on flat ground and it was a semi loaded with carpet that had a broken drive shaft but if anything was going to give it would have been in the drive line.

With the diesel engine or even the big blocks like the V-10 Ford or 8.1 GM you get a much better tranny and heavier drive line.

Chris

Chris, I gotta call ya on that. The 4L80E (basically turbo400 w/overdrive) is one tough tranny as is the 14Bolt corporate rear end. Both are common in 3/4 and 1ton GM trucks for years. Got a friend who has a pullin truck with both and puts 800+hp through them and has never busted either in years of pullin. The 4L80E is close to the Allison...it just lacks the # of gears. A 4L80E would have no trouble behind a stock Duramax. And if the DM is not stock a 400 turbo can be built to take that too.

 

[Raw Dodge]

Heres my 2 cents. You will be absolutely fine with your truck.You only NEED a 9900 or 10K trailer,if you see yourself buying a bigger tractor or heavier attachments,go with a 12K now,otherwise most 10K 20 fters weigh around 2000-2300 lbs,leaving you 7500lbs easily for the load,which has you covered.In addition you will be putting close to 1000lbs on the trailer tongue,so your trailer axles will be under or around 4000lbs each,on a 5200 axle,no problem there.Your tow vehicle is plenty for the average user,a diesel isnt necessary at all,your setup is very safe,I would consider adding a stronger hitch than the factory one,thats the weakest link in your setup now.

 

[mlitt12345]

I went ahead and got a Gooseneck. It is a 8' x 20'+4' dovetail with two 7k axles with brakes. I bought it used, it is a 2005 (year) model and made by Black Brothers....never heard of them but the trailer seems to be made nicely. I was really impressed how well the trailer pulled behind my 3/4 ton Chevy and was alot more stable then a 10k bumper pull that I borrowed. I know I'm overweight with this trailer, like Diamondpilot said, " this trailer is half my tow rating," but the 6.0 gaser didn't strain to much and there isn't any mountains here and now I have a bigger trailer for when I upgrade my truck. Thanks for everyones input............Mike

 

[Diamondpilot]

Looks like a nice balance setup. Just curious what that trailer weighs empty? Looks like its on the lighter side for a GN of that length which is a good thing in you case. Thanks for the pics.

Also be careful with that diamond plate tail and wet wheels or frost.

Chris

 

[mlitt12345]

Chris, I have no idea, I'm guessing 4000-4500lbs. Would it be on a data plate somewhere on the trailer? I will look tomorrow and see. Thinking of what I can weld on that diamond plate for better traction, maybe some angle or rebar........any ideas?

 

[Diamondpilot]

Chris, I have no idea, I'm guessing 4000-4500lbs. Would it be on a data plate somewhere on the trailer? I will look tomorrow and see. Thinking of what I can weld on that diamond plate for better traction, maybe some angle or rebar........any ideas?

Not sure on the weight but it is only on some states titles. May or may not be on the data plate. I weight all my trailers and trucks. I first take the truck with just me in it and 3/4 tank of fuel. I then go back to the same scale with my trailer on the truck and weigh the rig then do the math. I have a label make so I make up a sticker and put it inside the trucks door and then one on the trailer with the data. Kind of **** but I tow so much and own 3 trucks its the only way I can keep it all straight. I live 1.5 miles from a gravel pit and they weight me for free since I buy product from them time to time.

As for traction I would get some no skid black paint and try it first. They put a sand grit in it.

Chris