Aluminum deckover or equipment hauler for Kubota B26 TLB

[CrossCreek]

I just purchased a Kubota B26 TLB (4001#, assuming dry) and now I need to purchase a trailer to haul it to and from my camp which is about 35 miles away (32 pave, 3 dirt). I expect I will be hauling it about 10 times per year. Tow vehicles are a 2009 GMC 1500, tow package, with 7500# capacity and 2008 VW Touareg 7716# capacity.

I understand I need a minimum of 18' in length for load balance and brakes on both axles but I still have a few questions. I am thinking about buying aluminum since I have low tow capacities and I would rather not want to deal with rust and the replacement of wood deck as it ages. I am thinking of these two (second link is a 20 foot but I would get the 18 foot version)

Aluminum Landscape & Utility Trailers by Mission Trailers - MPAT 6.5x18
Aluminum Deckover Utility Trailers by Mission Trailers - MDO 101x20A

The dealer does not have these in stock so I can not go over and look at either of them. I only have room for one trailer so I think it should be the most versatile but it also has to be safe and a good fit for the tractor. I am sure I will find other uses for it like hauling wood/lumber/pipe and who knows what; I do not intend to lend it out to anyone so it will be taken care of and not over loaded or otherwise abused.

Can some of you please critique them with some pros/cons of each design. Should I go to 20 feet even thought I do not think I need it? If anyone has either can they comment on likes/dislikes.

Thanks!

Ron

 

[Will_C]

I have an 18' aluminum trailer for the same reasons (weight, durability, rust proof) you mentioned. Mine is a 76" wide utility version. I like the fact it a lower profile trailer than a deckover. The deckover design does allow you to have width-as an example, my buddy has a deckover and can fit 2 golf carts wide on it, where I can only fit 1. As I only haul golf carts once a year to help the high school's homecoming parade, that does not mean much. The load angle can be greater on a deckover, unless you have a beavertail design-then you may need to consider if you will be in places where the beavertail may drag (maybe those 3 miles of gravel roads you mention?)

I would consider a wood deck if you plan on hauling material on the trailer. I had a 12' aluminum trailer with a wood deck for 12 years before I bought this one, and never replaced a board. The problem with a metal deck is the possibility of denting it from items being dropped on it.

Will

 

[Diamondpilot]

Ground clearance will be a issue on your dirt road. Also a aluminum deck is slick as snot when wet and down right dangerous. Get a wood deck.

Chris

 

[Scooby074]

We regularly hauled a B26 on a similar trailer to your first one. Galvanized, not aluminum. Made by these guys out of Quebec. Maxi Roule Maxi Roule - /Landscaper Trailers | Blair Agencies Limited It was a quality trailer IMHO.

Ditto for the wood deck.

Mission appear to be a good unit at least the few Ive seen. I understand they are expensive?

 

[Xfaxman]

The deckover is more versatile, But for your needs the utility style would do just fine.

Every time that I have upgraded to a new trailer, it has been longer, at 22 feet, steel deckover now, but I haul 8 big round hay bales on it.

It has a 4 foot beavertail, so no problems with it dragging.

 

[hosspuller]

Aluminum is slick and prone to damage. I'd rather have a wood deck.

 

[powerstroke444e]

I have a b26 and with foam filled tires it comes in at 6200lbs. I have hauled it a lot on a 16 foot trailer but there was not much extra room. If it was me I would get a 20' trailer with 5200 axles or bigger so you have room to bring material with you if you haul it some where. And to give your self a safety margin.
The other day I used it for cleaning up after a tornado and I brought some logs home. And I really like deckovers for easy of load material.

 

[MarkV]

Both look like nice trailers. I also would go with the longer trailer with 5200# axles. I bought and 18' trailer for my B21 and it worked fine until I decided to add an L39 to the fleet. Now I wish I had gone 20 or 22'. The B21 with a 4' rotary mower has the tail wheel hanging off the back about 6" on my 18' trailer. I get by but don't haul much or far. You will eventually want to fill the tires on your B26, it makes so much difference, so the extra capacity gives you more flexibility.

MarkV

 

[CrossCreek]

They are somewhat expensive at 6K for the low one and then 7K for the deckover so I need to make an informed choice. Point taken about the aluminum deck being fragile and slippery. considering I expect to use the trailer very little my gut tells me it is ok to go with it. I understand if you use it a lot it may be a pain and not practical. I do like the idea of being able to screw to the wood deck for odd loads etc.

I never thought about the ground clearance with the beaver tail but as pointed out with a deckover it will not be an issue. However, if I by chance I purchase a car hauler type that is already low to the ground I would likely be scraping it even though the road is maintained so thanks for that.

It is my understanding that even though a landscape trailer can handle the same gross weight of the tractor it may not necessarily be able to safely carry a tractor. The point being the tractor will have about 2000# over each axle, and maybe just two cross members, instead of being a 4000 pound spread evenly over the entire deck load. I am sure it works as mentioned but it may leave me a bit worried.

I never thought I needed to fill the tires on my tractor but if it is better I will do it. Thanks for the forward thinking.

I am driving myself nuts with this decision. If I can not decide soon I will simply get a car hauler in steel and then sell it once I make up my mind. I would rather not do that since I will take a loss. Thanks for all the input, keep it coming, and the pics too. I would like to see a pic of a dented up aluminum deck on a trailer if anyone has one.

 

[Diamondpilot]

If it were me I would spend about $2500 on a wood deck low boy. I have a 7,000#GVWR 18' one without a BT. It sits 14" off the ground and weighs 1,400# empty leaving 5,600# for payload.

Chris