towing 4500lb tractor with a Toyota Tacoma

[Bfitzgerald3]

I'm in the market for a flatbed trailer for a number of reasons, and am hoping to find something that can handle the tractor behind a Tacoma. The truck is rated to tow 6500 pounds. My Kubota with rimguard comes in at 4500. So I have at most 2000 pounds to play with in a trailer. I'd prefer to stay clear of the max. I've come across 18 footers locally, but with the tractor coming in at about 11 feet, it feels like there has to be a GOOD shorter setup out there, hopefull saving a little weight. The trailers I can find here don't look like the highest quality...sloppy welding. I'm hoping someone can point me towards a good manufacturer/model. If you have a good dealer in Michigan's lower peninsula or northern indiana, feel free to give em a plug in a private message.

The tractor will only see occasional time on the trailer to get to the dealer if I need major maintenance on it. Also, if I can't haul it safely, I am more than happy to pay a neighbor or the dealer to haul it around and avoid a premeature death. If you think I'm nuts to tow it, feel free to holler at me!

Many thanks

 

[tcartwri]

There is one thing you are not considering, and that is in order to secure the tractor properly ( legally ) you will need a considerable amount of free deck to get your angles. Typically the cargo tie down points are on the perimiter of the frame. So you can see that the minimum deck you should be looking at is about 16 to 18 feet.

 

[brain55]

The tie-down angles are secondary to proper weight distribution. If you bought a trailer with a 12' deck You would most likely not want to tow it because the distribution of the weight would be terrible. The extra length will give you the ability to move your load around for the best towing characteristics.

Brian

 

[tcartwri]

The tie-down angles are secondary to proper weight distribution.

Absolutely, and especially in this case where he will be at the limits of the tow rig.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Go 16 min or better yet 18. Each 2' only at a hundred pounds

 

[Will_C]

16-18', and you will be suprised at the other uses you can find for a trailer of that size. You'll be able to haul 4500lbs on a 18' tandem-you'll be pushing your truck's limit, but with good trailer brakes you'll be ok.

Will

 

[Spindifferent]

For my 2013 Tacoma, I just ordered this Wood Floor Flatbed Trailer | 7GTF - 18' x 83" | Diamond C

Will tow a JD 3520 (approx. 3100lbs) and various implements.

I will be using a weight distribution hitch with sway control like this one Reese SC Weight Distribution System w Sway Control - Trunnion - 10,000 lbs GTW, 800 lbs TW Reese Weight Distribution RP66153

From what I've seen, most 18' trailers will be around 2000lbs.

Like yourself, will only be towing occasionally.

Best,

Spindifferent

 

[hotdog4]

I just bought a a new kubota l3200 with fel and bh...I have a 16 foot trailer with brakes on one axle, I will be pulling it with my 2001 toyota tacoma TRD. The truck has a transmission cooler from the factory,the only things I've hauled on my trailer are my 4 wheeler and Yamaha rhino...Do you guys think I will be putting to much weight behind my truck with just one axel with brakes with the l3200?

 

[aczlan]

I just bought a a new kubota l3200 with fel and bh...I have a 16 foot trailer with brakes on one axle, I will be pulling it with my 2001 toyota tacoma TRD. The truck has a transmission cooler from the factory,the only things I've hauled on my trailer are my 4 wheeler and Yamaha rhino...Do you guys think I will be putting to much weight behind my truck with just one axel with brakes with the l3200?

Your 16' trailer probably weighs at least 1000# (most in that size are 1600-2000#), that plus your tractor (2600#) and another 1400# or more of FEL/BH is at least 5000# (probably closer to 5500#).

With the right tow package, your Tacoma is rated to tow 5000# (per: 2001 vs 2002 towing capacity - Tacoma World Forums).

You would be right at your tow limits if not way over them. I would not do it unless going for a short run down backroads in an emergency.

Aaron Z

 

[Ted Summey]

The weight of the Tacoma is about 4100 pounds. The GVWR is around 5300 pounds. It seems like a light truck for pulling and stopping 6500 pounds (tractor plus trailer).

For me, I would prefer more truck for that weight.