Help Needed with trailer options

[Owenslee]

Looking to custom order a new 20ft extra wide straight flatbed 10K trailer and trying to decide between the following options:

$165 optional Diamond plate teardrop fenders vs standard sheet metal open side fenders?
I am leaning toward the potential added durability of the reinforced Diamond Plate fenders... any downside?

$85 per side optional removable fenders? One or both...? Pro and con...?
Removable fenders are a question as the tractor will fit within the 82" gap...but in the future there may be a need for a wider piece of equipment. But is the added cost justified?

$70 Optional Kubota orange acrylic enamel paint with hardener vs standard black acrylic enamel?
The hardened enamel should be more durable... but the orange is likely more prone to fade.


Trailer will be used primarily to transport a Kubota M5040HD with grapple bucket and 84" Brush hog and will also be used to load pallets and shop equipment with a hand jack from off of a concrete apron the same height as the trailer bed....which is why a dovetail will not be ordered.

Some other options selected:

Winch mount $75
Stake pockets with rub rails $55
7000lb Setback jack $50
Spare wheel mount $25
New spare wheel and new 8 ply radial tire $115
Bolt on retention angle for later replacement of wood floor $15
16" center to center channel cross members $80


Any worthwhile recommended options I have missed?

Thanks for your input.

Kerry

 

[Diamondpilot]

I would get the HD Fenders and the remove option on the drivers side. The spare and a mount are a no brainer.

The set back jack is a must if you plan on lowering your tailgate or lifting a hatch on a SUV. Plenty of tie downs and a winch mount is also a must have.

Chris

 

[Owenslee]

I would get the HD Fenders and the remove option on the drivers side. The spare and a mount are a no brainer.

The set back jack is a must if you plan on lowering your tailgate or lifting a hatch on a SUV. Plenty of tie downs and a winch mount is also a must have.

Chris

Chris,

Yes the setback jack, spare and mount are on the list.

Am I correct that the rub rail welded to the stake pockets effectively provide plenty of tie down points?
Should any added tie down rings be considered?

We have the luxury of being within short driving distance of Sikeston and have sent quote requests to all the major builders.
So Far...Retco has been the most helpful, responsive and cost effective. I can't get Judy at Jerry James to respond with a quote.

Kerry

 

[kevin37b]

Rub rails and stake pockets are fine . Down through stake pocket , up and hook to rub rail . Go with the orange paint , it won't fade any worse than black . If there are any options on the wiring spend all your money there , no scotch locks no crimp connectors . I like a seamless harness built for the trailer . Yes there are joints but they are soldered and shrink tubed , looks like an extension cord if done right .

 

[Diamondpilot]

Chris,

Yes the setback jack, spare and mount are on the list.

Am I correct that the rub rail welded to the stake pockets effectively provide plenty of tie down points?
Should any added tie down rings be considered?

We have the luxury of being within short driving distance of Sikeston and have sent quote requests to all the major builders.
So Far...Retco has been the most helpful, responsive and cost effective. I can't get Judy at Jerry James to respond with a quote.

Kerry

Yes, the rub rail does just that but for heavier item where chain is used go only to the stake pockets.

Chris

 

[wolfpack2]

I would also add a couple of D-rings inboard of the fenders. There have been multiple times hauling lumber or other misc. items that I needed to tie things down and there is nothing for the 4ft to 5ft between the fenders. I had them added to my new trailer when I ordered it a couple of years ago.

 

[Owenslee]

I would also add a couple of D-rings inboard of the fenders. There have been multiple times hauling lumber or other misc. items that I needed to tie things down and there is nothing for the 4ft to 5ft between the fenders. I had them added to my new trailer when I ordered it a couple of years ago.

Good idea...

 

[saltbranch]

16" centers plus what DP said

 

[downslope]

How close to the 10K limit do you figure you'll be with the added options and all your equipment and odds and ends loaded?

 

[Owenslee]

How close to the 10K limit do you figure you'll be with the added options and all your equipment and odds and ends loaded?

The two hauling situations would be tractor with FEL and grapple bucket or...tractor with bush hog attached and FEL removed.
The first combination totals 7095 lbs
The second combination totals 6123 lbs

That leaves 3,305 lbs for total trailer weight in worst case situation. The manufacturer has not yet provided an estimate of what the trailer will weigh but my best guesstimate is 2800 lbs.
Some options such as the diamond plate fenders and 16" center to center channel reinforcements may end up being dropped based on the weight they add.

Regardless, you make a good point to be watchful of....

Thanks

 

[Diamondpilot]

I personally would spend a few dollars more and upgrade to 12K unit. It usually the same axles and brakes, just heavier tires and hardware. My guess would be $200 to upgrade. Just make sure you have them upgrade the spare also.

Chris

 

[jimainiac]

It's exciting to order a trailer custom made, the chance to get it just the way you want it, as opposed to "off the lot". We had a 20' trailer made when we ordered our Kubota L3830 years ago. Here are a few thoughts:
A black paint job will be much more forgiving down the road, but to each his own there.
I don't think there's such a thing as too many tie downs. You never know where you're going to need them.
Back up lights. If they don't come standard, I'd ask for them. They can double as loading lights.
I'd ask for enough room on the A frame - tongue area for a large toolbox. Great for holding tie-down chains, binders, wheel chocks, etc. etc.
As someone else mentioned, make sure the jack is mounted far enough back to lower the tow vehicle's tailgate, even when turned at an angle.
It's probably standard procedure, but it's important to have support legs under the ramps, and the longer the ramps the milder the angle when loading and unloading.
I think you said you're planning on making it wide, but I had the fenders spaced out wide enough to be able to drive a pickup truck on.
Good Luck!

 

[downslope]

I agree with DP. If tractor FEL is 7095 that only leaves 2905 for trailer. You are cutting it close, if it works at all. Buy the heavier trailer now and you won't be sorry later. You can skip the fenders and the paint but you need the 16" centers.

 

[Owenslee]

I personally would spend a few dollars more and upgrade to 12K unit. It usually the same axles and brakes, just heavier tires and hardware. My guess would be $200 to upgrade. Just make sure you have them upgrade the spare also.

Chris

Your on the money...the difference is only $175....not counting the upgraded spare.

12K it will be...

Would seem to be money better spent than the heavier tread plate fenders.

But I can see that one removable fender offers some added flexibility for side loading and wider track vehicles.

And yes...it will be ordered in the widest configuration with 82" between the fenders.

All the suggestions received have been very helpful.

 

[930ck]

I am going through a similar trailer buying situation was looking at a 10000# trailer to save app. 500# of trailer weight over a 14000# trailer. Came to the conclusion that the weight and few hundred dollars I would save was not enough to offset the extra capacity of the heavier built trailer.

 

[kenmac]

I'd ask for enough room on the A frame - tongue area for a large toolbox. Great for holding tie-down chains, binders, wheel chocks, etc. etc.
!

I agree. My A frame (tongue) is 6 ft long fron front of trailer to coupler.This is where my box is located for chains,binders,etc,

 

[jejeosborne]

The orange paint would look nice but hard to keep nice. Black is easy to touch up. I have painted a few trailers and always added hardener to the paint for added shine and durability, maybe they could add it to the black as well. Maybe kubota orange pin striping for a custom look.

 

[Owenslee]

Thanks to all who replied.

Order was placed on Tuesday.

Decided on the heavier 12,000 capacity.

Went with Kubota Orange with hardener and black pin stripes.

2-3 week delivery

They also included triangular diamond plate steps at front and rear of each fender...at no charge. Normally a $60 option / side.

They offered steel conduit welded in place for the wiring harness but from previous experience they are a PITA to troubleshoot so I went with the removable flex conduit.

The 2' extended tongue will result in a total 5.5 ft long tongue with space for the winch, jack and tool box.

The additional 1/2" dia x 3" tall tie down loops, two welded on the inboard side of each fender on the deck channel and two on the front of the deck should offer good tie down options.

Thanks again to all. I think the final trailer configuration will serve my needs VERY well.

Will post pictures when received.

Kerry

 

[Diamondpilot]

Sounds nice.

Chris

 

[Owenslee]

Sounds nice.

Chris

Thanks Chris for your guidance.

BTW, weight of the finished trailer was estimated to be 2300 lbs.

An identical configuration quoted by Jerry James was quoted $130 higher without the diamond plate steps, additional tie-downs, teardrop fenders or optional paint color with hardener...and their trailer was estimated to be 1900 lbs....400 lbs lighter....which left me wondering where the structure was being made lighter.

I was very impressed with the people at Retco and their willingness to help in every way they could. Good people.