I'm scratching my brain trying to think what I could put on that trailer that would max out or even reach its 14k GVWR.
Even if the trailer itself weighs in at 3000, that's 11,000 pounds of whatever you put on it. I'm all for buying more than you need, but is it really worth the extra money to go up from 10,000, or even 12000?
My tractor with loader weighs in around 5500 max. what are you guys fitting on a 20 foot trailer that weighs in at 11 K?
I'm not criticizing, just curious. Anyone know what the current general price jump is from 12 k to 14 k axles?
I've noticed that there aren't nearly as many 12K trailers advertised, although they are certainly are available.
I've only priced a couple of brands, but what I've found so far is that the difference between the 10K and 14K trailers seems to average something like $700.
I started out looking at 10K trailers, because my truck is only rated for a little more than that. Then I realized that it's unlikely for me to buy a truck with less towing capacity next time, and I wouldn't want to need a new trailer if I wanted to haul heavier stuff with a new truck.
As it stands, I'm looking at 3,800lbs of tractor, 1,100lbs of FEL, 3-400lbs of bucket, 1,350lbs of counterweight, and 3-400lbs of forks. That puts me at the very minimum 6,900lbs. If I want to bring my rotary cutter or RFM, throw another 600+lbs on it, and I'm pretty much maxed out on a 10K trailer. I figured that I'd rather not start out with the trailer maxed out on brakes, and axles, and for the small difference in price, it makes sense to go up to at least a 12K trailer, but the jump to a 14K trailer is really small at that point.
One of the things I'd like to be able to do is to take my tractor, with all that listed stuff, to the sportsman's club where I have a membership, and spend a day or two clearing brush, moving some dead trees, felling some really big trees, and a whole bunch of other stuff that's simply too hard to do manually. If I could get everything there in one trip, it would save a lot of hassle making two trips. I also have my eyes on a small dozer that weighs around 7,000lbs...if I get that, I could probably convince the club to put some additional shooting bays in if I'm willing to move the dirt
Short version....figure it's better to have the capacity, and not need it, and everything should last longer if it's not maxed out every time I use it.
