Trailer choices

[itsjustme]

Towing lbs = weight of trailer + cargo

Payload lbs = How much you can load in/on your vehicle

 

[jesseb3@att.net]

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

I accidentally used the incorrect weight (curb weight) in my previous numbers. You could legally tow 2438 lbs without brakes in this state.

I'm surprised by such a high GVWR for a Honda. I guess they're making'em bigger and tougher to satisfy the US market! :thumbsup:

I still vote for tandem. Wish I had gone that route.

 

[itsjustme]

My Honda Ridgeline can tow 5000 lbs and with a WD hitch its rated for 6500 lbs. But a Ridgeline is specifically built for towing

 

[radioman]

With my FEL and BH on BX, it takes up the WHOLE 16ft trailer. With your Honda being able to tow 4500, and maybe be able to add distributing bars, you can add another 200-500lbs to your total towing weight- (but not legally if cop ever pull you over and go by door sticker weight) . My s10 blazer is rated at 5k and with BX combo with trailer is a nice match. Just make sure you don't add alot of implement or materials to tow with your Honda so you can stay under the 4500lb limit.

Since you have a very light duty truck, you WILL NEED trailer brakes to help stopping. With Bx24+loader=2027lbs plus weight of trailer let's say 1k plus feul and chains you are going to be just right at the tow weight of your Honda. They do have 10,14, dual Axel trailers if you feel 16 is too much. I suggest you go out and attach your FEL and measure from tip of bucket to back of BX and maybe add your implements . You are going to find that 10ft is too small- 14 is the smallest size you should go with, and 16 is good average for versatility.
Going with aluminum might be a better way to go to shave weight with a lighter duty truck for better handling.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

When I went to buy my trailer I thought I wanted a 14'. Seller had 16's in stock and said he'd get me a 14' (dual axle by the way). I asked price of each. He said same price for either one. Bought the 16' and glad I did because I ended up trading to bigger size tractor and now back down to smaller but same trailer has worked through all my trades. Brakes are better and safer, I'm not denying that. If you have doubts or worries, get the brakes but i don't have brakes on mine and have never had a problem. Just my opinion for those that say brakes are required (not speaking about legal requirements of your state) to be able to use the trailer to transport your tractor. A used dual axle 16' with brakes can probably be bought for about the same price as a new 16' dual axle without brakes if money is an issue but you just have to have brakes. Money no issue, get new, 16' dual axle with brakes.

 

[Jaylegger]

A twelve foot trailer will be long enough to carry your tractor with a fel. If you wish to carry something longer than twelve feet you'll need something bigger.

 

[radioman]

trailers are like a barn. When you build it, you built it according to your current needs and think its big enough until you get all your stuff inside. Then you wished you went bigger. go figure.

 

[mow4fun]

I just measured and tractor with FEL is 11 feet, so 12 feet is a requirement if i want to move the FEL around. 13 feet or 14 is needed if i want to moved the chipper as well and 16 feet if I wanted the rear blade moved attached.

So, I guess this project got bigger.

 

[radioman]

So, I guess this project got bigger.

Sorry! I know it isnt what you wanted to hear, but then do it right the first time. :thumbsup:

 

[Jaylegger]

trailers are like a barn. When you build it, you built it according to your current needs and think its big enough until you get all your stuff inside. Then you wished you went bigger. go figure.

Good advice for those who have a penchant for poor decision making. As mow4fun has demonstrated, the trailer generally needs to be longer than the gear you intend to haul. Brilliant stuff, God we're smart.