Need to buy a trailer for occasional use

[Twinkieflyer]

I bought a L3540HSTC and I need to move it every couple of months or so about 20 miles between properties.

The tractor weighs about 3700, I figure that the filled tires weigh about 1000 total and the loader another 1000 (724), so it must be about 5700. I really don't want to buy anything larger than I need, and my tow vehicle is only rated for 8750.

There are a couple of nearby sources, New London trailers and Kaufmann in NC that have 16ft trailers.

New London has a 7k pound trailer, Kaufmann has an 8k. I suspect the trailers bare weigh around 1500 pounds.

I would just drive the tractor, but I am afraid of some bozo running me over.

Since I won't use the trailer very often, I don't want to pay anymore than necessary.

I would really appreciate thoughts and suggestions.

 

[jlsmith]

I would go with the kaufmann, never know when you might need a little bigger trailer. I always buy bigger than i need, better to have to much than not enough. Also get trailer brakes makes a world of diff when your towing.:thumbsup:

 

[jdonovan]

New London has a 7k pound trailer, Kaufmann has an 8k. I suspect the trailers bare weigh around 1500 pounds.

Take a look at bri-mar to get some idea of trailer weights vs/ style vs/ capacity.

Unless its a light-duty 7k-8k trailer I would expect it weighs closer to 2000lbs if not more.

In any case it should come in within your required weight rating. Don't forget to add the weight of any implements. A big box blade, or bush hog and you could be VERY close to max weight. Chain/binders/spare tire/ etc all add up, and quickly.

With an 8700lb tow rating, I'll assume its a 1/2 ton pick up/SUV. That much weight will be quite a bit for the vehicle as you will be close to max rating for the towing package. With todays high horse power engines getting up to speed isn't as problematic as stopping. Get a GOOD brake controller, and learn how to adjust it for the load on the trailer. Allways embarrassing (and hard on the tires) the first time you make a stop with an unloaded trailer with brakes set for a full load. :ashamed:

Take it slow and easy your first few times out. I'd start out hauling the trailer empty so you can get a feel for things before you've got a large expensive load back there.

When you hook things up make sure you get the right balance of load onto the hitch. A tip I've learned is to use a tape measure to measure hitch to ground before and after loading the trailer. Keep notes, and you should be able to get the right balance after you load a few times. Once you know what the right position is make a mark on the trailer that corresponds to a tractor part and then you just have to line up the marks.

 

[RobertN]

My trailer is a 16' 7000lb. It weighs 1600lbs. With you estimated tractor weight, it would be totally maxxed out.

I'm guessing your tractor is about the size of my TC40. I got my trailer for my old Kubota B seies, which was a perfect fit. The Kubota was light, but with a mower filled the length of the trailer. Well, My TC40 with loader/scrpaer is ok for weight, but fills every inch of the trailer.

An 18', or even 20' trailer would be better for me now, but is out of my budget. When I tailer the 30 miles to my parents to take care of thier 8 acres, I have to make two loads.

I have not seen 7000lb trailers in 18' or 20'. Have not looked real hard either though.

 

[firefighter jim]

I have a 7k 18' car hauler type trailer that I really like (sure-trac). With your load, you would be over the limit on a 7k trailer (weight of trailer plus what it can carry). You will need to step up to a higher rated trailer............Mine weighs in at 1940 lbs. leaving a payload capacity of 5060..........google sure-trac.com

 

[Twinkieflyer]

Good link. Looks like I need at least an 8k or perhaps a 10k pound limit trailer, and anything less than 2250 empty is probably dreaming, more like 2550.

The 3540hstc with the 724 loader I just measured the length at just a hare over 15 feet. In order to adjust postion and such, it looks like I probably have to have an 18 foot trailer.

I have an F150 pickup, but plan to use my Durango. It is heavier than the pickup, has four wheel disc brakes, and 335 hp. I imagine this is going to be an interesting load, even for short trips.

I was planning on going to the P3 brake controller.

Maybe I should take my chances with someone trying to run me over on the tractor!

 

[jdonovan]

Dodge has a REALLY nice towing calculator.

Select your year/make/model/trans/ etc... and it will tell you what the towing rating is.

Bad news on the durago. Best case towing limit is 8950. If you've got 4wd or higher end trim packages, you can expect the limits to go down quite a bit.

as an example 2009 SLT 4wd with the 5.7 is down to 7300 max trailer.. depending on axle ratio.

Sounds like with that size tractor, you really would be better served by an 18' and once your at 18, there is little reason not to go all the way to 20'. Most of the 'car' trailers are 7-8k, but weigh close to 2k, so you only get 5-6k usable.

This is what most people discover with towing. Unless its a fairly light load, you almost can't tow it with a 1/2 ton or SUV. Most of the 2500's can tow 12,000+ and some of the 3500's are rated up in the 19,000 range. Turns out to be a HUGE usable capacity over what the 1/2 tons can move.

On a 3500 you start to run into the 26,000lb limit before you run out of capability. 26,001 and you need a CDL... but thats a whole different can of worms.

 

[whistlepig]

I have a PJ trailer. Powder coated and and the paint holds up very well. This trailer gave me to most for my money. PJ Trailers - Flatdeck, Deckover, Tilt, Dump, Carhauler, Utility and Specialty Trailers.

 

[scoutcub]

Good link. Looks like I need at least an 8k or perhaps a 10k pound limit trailer, and anything less than 2250 empty is probably dreaming, more like 2550.

The 3540hstc with the 724 loader I just measured the length at just a hare over 15 feet. In order to adjust postion and such, it looks like I probably have to have an 18 foot trailer.

I have an F150 pickup, but plan to use my Durango. It is heavier than the pickup, has four wheel disc brakes, and 335 hp. I imagine this is going to be an interesting load, even for short trips.

I was planning on going to the P3 brake controller.

Maybe I should take my chances with someone trying to run me over on the tractor!

I wouldn't even consider driving the tractor 20 miles, as often as you mention. A good 10K 18 or 20' trailer would be the ticket. You could consider an aluminum trailer, good weight savings, but more $$$. Should be able to get away with standard trailer w/brakes, keep it slow and safe.

Good luck!

 

[Diamondpilot]

I would go with a 10K trailer. You are not figuring putting a tiller or rotary mower on the back of your tractor, thats another 800# plus you have to chain it down, thats another 100#.

The price difference is not that much and it will allow you to grow to either a bigger truck or tractor down the road.

Chris