tractor vs. trailer

[mender]

I recently purchased a "new" 7'X18' dual axle w/brakes to pick up a Ford 3000 tractor 350 miles away to bring home. Trailer is rated for 7000# and spec on tractor says 3700 to 6940 lbs. and as soon as the rear wheels hit the ramps the rear of my F250 came off the ground. Trailer handled the load well for the trip home but when I got home to off load I had to block the trailer up so it would not lift the truck again. I was thinking about adding jacks to each side of the trailer that swing into position to aid in loading and off loading but I am also thinking the rear tires have to be ballasted and wandering if I need that? I need opinions please before I do something I don't need doing.
Thanks

 

[RoyJackson]

If you read many threads on the Trailers forum, you'll find your problem is not uncommon.
Most guys block up the end of the trailer or use jackstands as you did..

 

[rasimmo]

That is a common problem as far as I know. If you put a heavy enough load behind the rear axle it will definantly do that. A lot of trailer manufacturers offer jacks or stands on the rear of trailers. We put a set of stands on a friend's trailer for that same reason. I have even had the rear of my truck come off the ground with a GN trailer when I loaded a M9540 on it. I weighed that thing and it was 10,000lbs.

 

[whistlepig]

I have two short pieces of 7" round fence posts that I slide under the back of the trailer to prevent this.

 

[dstig1]

I just use jack stands. Even if it doesn't lift the rear of your truck, you are putting a ton of upward stress on the hitch for no good reason otherwise.

 

[deepNdirt]

I use to block the rear with 6x6 timbers until I installed swing down ramps that had the supports built onto them, You might also consider adding legs to the ramp, any welding shop can do this for you if you choose not to do it yourself,

 

[Diamondpilot]

I use a single jack stand under the middle of the trailer. Works great.

Chris

 

[hawkeye08]

Lots of solutions, my 20' trailer came with back corner jacks. Makes it nice to load without worrying about things moving around when you least expect it..

 

[Iplayfarmer]

Like the others have mentioned, any kind of support will do. I'd suggest against jacks because of the time involved. Keep in mind that your tail end of the trailer can travel a ways before you lift the truck off the ground. Something that swings into place would be great. It doesn't have to touch the ground initially. It just needs to be low enough to support some weight before the hitch raises too far.

 

[KennyG]

Obviously a common problem with a common answer. I will just throw in a reminder that your 7000 lb trailer capacity includes the weight of the trailer. Your trailer probably weights between 1500 and 2000 lbs, meaning a load of over 5000 lbs could overload the trailer. Your tractor is probably under that, but with implements could exceed the capacity. Be careful.