What vehicle do you pull with (need advice)?

[RomeK2]

I have a BX 25. I used it only at my property. I have been looking around for a used truck so I can have the ability transport my tractor. I have a trailer I can borrow for the time being. I believe it's 12 feet long/dual axle with hydraulic brakes (maybe 16'long). I remember 1500 lb gross trailer weight (empty).

I will eventually buy my own trailer.

I have a very limited budget. I would like to spend: $800-$3000 for a pickup style truck. I've looked on craigslist and manage to printout 30 vehicles that fit the criteria. The trucks range from year 1997 to 1968 (13yo-42yo). The makes/model are primarily Ford Chevy and GMC, mostly 2wd pickups. There are a couple of blazers and suburbans and Utility trucks also.

I would pull maybe 6-12 times a year, if that, and maye 20 miles at most. This would be for friendly favors and maybe a couple of side jobs.

Please chime in on any or all of the following:

1. What do you use for your tractor (vehicle, tractor, trailer)?

2. What vehicle should I pull with for my BX 25? and trailer type size?

3. What is the smallest vehicle/trailer I can use safely?

4. 4 WD vs 2 WD?

 

[CurlyDave]

I have a 2000 F-150, 5.4 liter V-8, and routinely pull 6000-8000 lb. trailers.

While I have 4 WD, the only time I use it is to go up my steep gravel driveway. If you keep on pavement and keep out of the mountains, 2 WD should be OK, although if I had a choice of 4 WD, I would spend a little extra to get it.

I do not tow my tractor, as this would overload my truck. At some time in the future, when my personal economy improves, I would like to have a truck and trailer capable of towing my tractor.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

I have a 16' dual axle trailer. I've pulled B's, BX's and an L3240 FEL on it with an Avalanche with no problem. Sold the Avalanche and now pull the trailer and BX2660 FEL and F2680 with a Chevy Traverse with towing package. I also pulled the BX2660, FEL, MMM and tiller with a 2003 V6 Dodge Dakota and was not happy with the results. It did it but the Dodge was struggling. The Dodge pulled the F2680 fairly well so I'll recommend a V8 whatever to pull your BX25. Not saying a V6 won't do it because the Dodge did but I won't pull anything that heavy again with the Dodge unless I have to.

 

[Egon]

Consider a 3/4 ton 4x4 pickup that is in roadable shape. Make does not matter. The four wheel option is not a necessity but sure may come in handy. You may want to add an extra rear leaf if the back sags.It may also require a Load equalizer.

Trailer from 17 to 20 feet, 7K to 10K range. Probably a bumper pull but the goose neck version will tow better.


My anemic 96 dodge tows a 20 ft bumper pull trailer. Air bags and load equalizer also.

 

[PHILIP8N]

Watch your weights. Get a manual and understand GVWR, GAWR, GCVWR, and tounge weight, for truck and trailer. This is all explained quite well in any truck manual. For my truck, I have a GCVWR of 15,000 pounds, and I am getting close to it with below set up. I am slightly exceedeing max tounge weight in attached picture. I have a 2004 F250SD with 5.4 and 4 speed auto, electric brake controller. Triailer is a 16' + 2' beaver tail with a GVWR of 10,000 pounds, 16" wheels, 6000 pound axles, electric brakes both axles. Think about how long your BX25TLB is, how you will position on trailer to distribute weight, and how you will tie down. A longer trailer may be required. Once you get everything together, go to a commercial truck stop where you can weigh each axle so you know where you are at, loaded and unloaded. Philip.

 

[herringchoker]

Philip8N gives some excellent advice.
My experience (sorry for being long-winded):

I have a B7800 with FEL, cab and loaded rear tires. I estimate it to weigh 3,500 - 4,000 lbs. I carry it on a 16 ft., 7,000 lb. GVW equipment trailer that weighs 1,500 lbs. It has electric brakes on both axles. I don't have any major hills to tackle and my normal trip is 50 miles, twice a year. I also use the trailer for hauling firewood.

I towed this setup with a 1979 Ford F-100 that I upgraded by adding 2 extra leaves to the rear springs and installing heavy duty variable rate front springs. The truck has a 300 cu. in. 6 cylinder engine and a Warner T-18, 4-speed transmission with deep low gear (which I installed in place of the original 3-speed.) This truck pulled the trailer (loaded with the tractor or 2 cords of firewood) amazingly well; no sway at all even without a weight distributing hitch. The Ford big 6 was no ball of fire, but it has amazing low end torque.

Due to a bad case of the rusties, I have just replaced "Old Reliable" with a low mileage 2000 GMC Sierra 1500 with the 4.8 litre V8 and the infamous 4L60E overdrive automatic. Its maximum tow rating is 7,000 lbs. I decided not to beef up the suspension on this truck, but have purchased a weight distributing hitch instead and have installed a new trailer brake controller. I am considering adding an auxiliary transmission cooler. I haven't pulled the trailer with it yet, but its first job in the next few weeks will be to haul the old Ford (empty weight about 4,000 lbs.) to my woodlot. I hope it handles the job as well as the old Ford did.

Good luck with finding a setup that will work for you.

 

[radman1]

Your cheapest and probably most common set up will be a 16' 7000# utility or flat bed trailer. Used with one set of brakes will cost from $1200-$1400 but would not be surprised to find a decent one for $1000 or less.
1/2 ton, 2WD pickup would be your best choice for the money. Will need a brake controller so figure that in your budget. Take your time and you will find what you need for the $. My best buy purchases are items that I don't need now but act quickly when I find them.

 

[radioman]

I already had the s-10 blazer, I bought the 16' trailer and it works just fine with this setup. Since the engine is only 4.3L, I have to be mindful when approaching the hills, other wise it does just fine on flat roads. I added the weight distrubution bars and sway bar and it makes a world of difference with this short truck.

I suspect that since you are on a limited budget, you may be able to find a simple 2wd full size pickup truck for cheap that will suit your needs for now.

 

[TripleR]

The only "tractors" I haul are my BX2660 or John Deere and I use either a 12' or 16' trailer with my 06 Tundra. You have received some pretty good advice so far. Based on money, I would recommend something along the lines of an F150 or its equivalent with 16 foot dual axle trailer with brakes.

I have access to bigger trucks and trailers and have hauled big stuff in the past, but don't do it enough to feel comfortable anymore, so if my bigger tractors need to go somewhere I pay someone.

 

[wykubotaguy]

I have a 89 f250 w 7.3l diesel and banks turbo. It pulls a 16ft tandem axle tilt bed w/ one set of brakes. The tractor is l3400 fel w/ 5ft king kutter that weighs 690#. The l3400 has loaded rears and I would guess it weighs w fel around 4000-4500#. So w trailer, truck probably tows around 7500# with no problem. I also tow a 32ft gooseneck w 4 tons and only bog down on steep hills (1000ft climb in 1.5 miles). So this works great for me.