Trailer choices

[mustangsallysdad]

I currently have a 4x8 trailer that I used for my prior tractor and ATV and guess will need to upgrade to something bigger for the BX1860. So, I have few questions and hope to get some advice:

Should I go with wood or metal flooring?
I am thinking 6x10 Utility/Landscaping trailer and see they are rated about 2500lbs to 3000lbs, is that enough?
Should I consider brakes, I have a 2010 Honda Pilot to two with and not sure if it even can handle the brakes?

I probably use it once or twice a year, so I am looking for something to make do but also be safe with.

Thoughts and advice are greatly appreciated.

If you buy used, try to get one with backing plates on at least one axle...that way you can add brakes later if you need to...Northern Tool has an electric drum kit on sale occaisionally for around $99...really good deal and it has everything you need to add the brakes. They're also pretty easy to install.

 

[Jaylegger]

A lot of the axels on trailers with a 3K gross are actually rated at 3500 lbs. I know Dexter axels are(my choice).

The axle on my trailer is a torsioned "Torflex" dexter axle and I was wondering if the axle really is a 3500 pounder. Their site doesn't offer much info but does state the axles will be designed for a manufacturers specifications. Curious how you know the Dexters 3000# axles are in fact 3500#. Thanks.

Edit: after some more checking it appears that is the case.

 

[radioman]

This has been discussed before in trailer forum. I have a 7k 16 ft trailer daul axel with brakes. I also have a 2k 4X8 trailer. Without the MMM,BH,FEL driving my BX on the small trailer didnt look right on trailer.

Keep in mind that when using the 3K trailers with BX, the weights listed in manual is dry weight. no oil, feul, addons, chains, binders, straps, tires filled, trailer weight ,etc...... The weight really does add up really fast. Try sitting down and write the list of stuff you have and want to tow it with along with the chains weight, implement you want to take with you. Chances are you will find the numbers will suprise you.

I find that a 7k rated trailer, no matter how long/short it is seems to be the best match for the BX with implements. Having brakes on the trailer is really nice, regardless of the final weight if you are under 3500lbs or not.

Like I said- my 2 cents I keep finding myself carrying other things along with BX to site, so I was glad to have 7k rated trailer. Wood is the way to go- metal is too heavy and too slippery. like others said, aluminum is great in salt areas using in wintertime.

 

[mow4fun]

16' just seems so much of a trailer and an overkill for my needs, I am sure it comes very handy and not having to worry about what you can or can't haul.

 

[dodge man]

I also have a car hauler type trailer for my BX. Its a 16' deck with a 2' dovetail. With just the BX on it, it looks huge. With the FEL on it and a brush hog on the back, it fills it up in a hurry. There might be other things you could use the trailer for? The biggest problem with a bigger trailer is do you have a place to store it and can you turn it around on your property.

 

[itsjustme]

To haul your BX with a loader I would go with at least a 12" long trailer. A 10' may make it difficult to distribute the weight for a smooth tow. As a bonus, the longer a trailer the easier it is to back up.

Every Vehicle + trailer + load has a "sweet spot" to make it tow correct. It usually takes a few tries to get it right. I have a mark on my trailer rail so my BX is parked in the same position every time.

 

[dodge man]

Here is a couple of pictures of my BX on my trailer with the FEL and brush hog attached. Not great pictures, but you can see how close the hog is to hanging off the back end. The dove tail on mine is metal, and I don't like it, very slippery.

 

[jesseb3@att.net]

Mow4Fun,

You should get brakes. Skyco (a forum user) once pointed out to me that I, like many others, assume the state limits are fixed numbers, i.e. 3000 lbs, relative to the use of brakes.

In reality, that's the maximum, assuming that it hasn't exceeded a certain percentage of the tow vehicles gross vehicle weight. Here's PA's code...

Exception to trailer brakes...
A trailer of a gross weight not exceeding 3,000 pounds, if the gross weight of the trailer does not exceed 40% of the gross weight of the towing vehicle.

I didn't look at where you live, but I noticed your tow vehicle is a Honda Pilot. If your state laws are like PA's, you can only haul 1800 lbs without brakes.

Personally, I tow my BX2350 w/FEL and box blade on an aluminum 6x12 aluminum single axle, no brakes. With a Chevy Avalanche's 7000 GVW, I legally can only tow 2800. The trailer weighs 600, so I'm down to just over a ton of hauling capacity. I'm probably just over the limit.

I will admit that I love my trailer, except those two times a year I haul the 'Bota. While the aluminum is strong enough, and my trailer/truck combo is stable, there aren't many places to get a good anchor point when tying down. I've been meaning to modify it with stronger anchors, but I keep getting tempted by a dual axle aluminum.

My answer - small dual axle aluminum trailer with wood floor, and built-in anchor points if you can get them. Of course, that's the money-is-no-option answer as well.

Jesse

 

[Jim in ICT]

Tandem axle, 16 ft. minimum. Measure your tractor with FEL and attachments and add a bit. My B1750 is 12ft. in length with nothing attached on back. It weighs out at about a ton with the FEL and MMM; add a box blade or landscape rake and you're getting heavy. Always have more capacity than you think you'll need. With a longer trailer, you'll have more flexibility on loading the tractor wher you need it to get the tongue weight right. The tandems pull better down the road than a single axle trailer also.

 

[mow4fun]

Here are the specs on my SUV (Pilot):

Standard Towing (lb.) 4500
Maximum Towing (lb.) 4500
Standard Payload (lb.) 1552
Maximum Payload (lb.) 1552
Standard GVWR (lb.) 6096
Maximum GVWR (lb.) 6096

So, I guess the maximum I can two is 4500lbs which translates to about 3000lbs less the trailer weight. However, I really don't understand the payload comment? The SUV curb weight is 4500lbs.

I am learning a lot researching and thanks for all the info provided so far.