Load balancing

Avpowerstn · Jun 9, 2016

LD1 said:
I am not really sure what what you are looking to have answered here?

There is only two ways to load the tractor. Pull it on, or back it on. Try both, use what works best. But in either case, the trailer + load is NOT a good match for that truck IMO.

Do you know how much the trailer weighs empty? I am gonna venture a guess, just based on how its built, its north of 7000# empty.

And your machine, with loader, wheel weights, box scraper....I'd put it at ~13k.

So you are wanting to tow 20k bumper pull, from a hitch probably only rated at 10k, and no W/D hitch with pintle, with a 2-decade old truck, that is lifted and oversized tires to boot.....

I'd re-think your plans. Get a truck to match the trailer and load. Or at the very least, if you insist on towing that 545 with THAT truck, get a GN plate, and a lighter ~16k GN trailer. Still gonna work the snot out of the truck, but with an adequate hitch, and good trailer brakes I dont see it as being unsafe.

Well said, and your numbers are extremely close.
I might run an add in Craigslist for a equipment hauling service till I can get a dump truck.
I was also told to go with a gooseneck, and airbags. But I hate to cut up the Ford F-350 after all she is a classic (although with 100K miles and is just broken in).
I will re-think my plans.
What truck (dually) or dump truck would you gentlemen recommend for a first timer with a limited start up budget (affordable old stuff is fine as you can see)
I have no problem with "over kill" safety is #1

Thank You for the advice.

LD1 · Jun 9, 2016

the problem with overkill is when it comes to trailering, it dont always mean safer.

Overkill on the hitch....okay.
Overkill on the trailer...not okay if it puts you way over your tow capacity.

A 16k GN trailer having 4 tires on the ground, with a reasonable tongue weight, should handle the 13k load no problem. But would be at the upper limits. Assuming the trailer is in the ~4500# range, but put 2500# on the pin, you would be limited to 14k on the trailer deck safely.

But even a 24k trailer, with 8 tires, is about 6500# for a 25' trailer. add your 13k load, and you are towing 20k.

It really wasnt until about the last 5 years that truck MFG's actually gave out tow ratings that high on the DRW trucks. But MFG ratings are just that, and isnt what makes a load legal vs illegal.

bdog · Jun 9, 2016

Do you have a class A CDL?

buickanddeere · Jun 9, 2016

Tow the trailer with the tractor and place the truck on the trailer.
Was anything mentioned about brakes? I can't seem to find info?

Avpowerstn · Jun 12, 2016

bdog said:
Do you have a class A CDL?

No That was an option I was thinking about. Class C and M that's it.
We are on the same page

Avpowerstn · Jun 12, 2016

LD1 said:
the problem with overkill is when it comes to trailering, it dont always mean safer.

Overkill on the hitch....okay.
Overkill on the trailer...not okay if it puts you way over your tow capacity.

A 16k GN trailer having 4 tires on the ground, with a reasonable tongue weight, should handle the 13k load no problem. But would be at the upper limits. Assuming the trailer is in the ~4500# range, but put 2500# on the pin, you would be limited to 14k on the trailer deck safely.

But even a 24k trailer, with 8 tires, is about 6500# for a 25' trailer. add your 13k load, and you are towing 20k.

It really wasnt until about the last 5 years that truck MFG's actually gave out tow ratings that high on the DRW trucks. But MFG ratings are just that, and isnt what makes a load legal vs illegal.

Excellent info safety is my #1 priority

Avpowerstn · Jun 12, 2016

bdog said:
What are you using for a pintle hook on your truck? If it is something going in a factory 2" receiver it isn't rated for that kind of weight.

I am guessing it is around a 97 model? Excellent trucks and engine but they were only rated to tow around 10,000lb. The weight of your tractor and trailer might be close to double that.

Spot on on the year 1997

bdog · Jun 12, 2016

You never did answer what you are using for a hitch?

I have pulled my 13,000lb skid steer on a 10 ton triple axle pintle hitch trailer that weighs around 6k behind my dually before and it did ok but I have a custom built hitch designed for the load and GMC rates my truck for 19k conventional towing.

I have a class A CDL and it is definitely required when towing the setup described above.

You have one heck of a load there that would be much better on a gooseneck and preferably a dually. That being said I know many people get by with what they have. Until we hear more about your hitch I think that is the weakest link in this setup and depending on what it is may be flat out unsafe. I would never recommend going over a manufacturers rating on anything but all that type of stuff has some safety margin built in. You can usually overload things a little with no adverse effects but when you start going double the ratings which you may be doing here bad things are going to happen. Not a matter of if but a matter of when.

Btown · Jun 12, 2016

This combo of trailer and loader is way, way too heavy for your very nice truck. Can the truck pull it, Yes. Cans the truck stop it, yes. But can you stop it fast, nope. That load is too much. You need a new one ton dually or 450/4500 to move this. Your hitch is not rated for it.

Avpowerstn · Jun 13, 2016

bdog said:
You never did answer what you are using for a hitch?

I have pulled my 13,000lb skid steer on a 10 ton triple axle pintle hitch trailer that weighs around 6k behind my dually before and it did ok but I have a custom built hitch designed for the load and GMC rates my truck for 19k conventional towing.

I have a class A CDL and it is definitely required when towing the setup described above.

You have one heck of a load there that would be much better on a gooseneck and preferably a dually. That being said I know many people get by with what they have. Until we hear more about your hitch I think that is the weakest link in this setup and depending on what it is may be flat out unsafe. I would never recommend going over a manufacturers rating on anything but all that type of stuff has some safety margin built in. You can usually overload things a little with no adverse effects but when you start going double the ratings which you may be doing here bad things are going to happen. Not a matter of if but a matter of when.