10,000 # vs 14,000# trailer for compact tractor

[3930dave]

So I finally made a decision. I'm going to get the Big Tex 14ET-18' . That's their 14k, 18' non-tilt equiptment trailer. The one I'm getting has the Mega-Ramps- (these things are huge and solid looking) it also has a slight 32" dovetail.

I spent a lot of time at the dealer looking at this and the Big Tex 14-TL tilt that I mentioned in the first post. I really like both, but I think that I'll get more versatility from the non-tilt. I spoke to Big Tex customer service and he told me that they are both equally durable. The non-tilt weighs about 500 pounds less than the tilt- he said all the extra weight goes solely into making it tilt, not making it any stronger.

Another big selling point for me was that the one I'm getting it on sale right now for $4300. That seemed like a pretty good price, even compared to prices on the same trailer around the country.

I did check out the Kaufmann trailers- they seem real nice on paper- pretty comparable to the Big Tex. Shipping out to me was $600, which isn't bad. That said, they did not seem better than Big Tex (at least the models I was looking at) and there was not much of a cost savings over the Big Tex that I'm getting on sale. So I figured I'd buy the Big Tex since I can get it right now and see it in person first.

I'm pretty excited- will be picking it up next week. I'll let you guys know how I like it.

Enjoy the trailer. In that range, I would have gone with the 14k too.

Buddy of mine had a 16' Big Tex - it stood up well for him, and that's saying something ! He's gotten a bit better with age, but in younger daze he was the type that would break an anvil.....

This may not be your first rodeo, but if this is your first multi-axle utility trailer, be sure that you understand your State regs well...... around here it can get spendy fast if you don't have 'em stickered properly.

Rgds, D.

 

[fried1765]

Enjoy the trailer. In that range, I would have gone with the 14k too.

Buddy of mine had a 16' Big Tex - it stood up well for him, and that's saying something ! He's gotten a bit better with age, but in younger daze he was the type that would break an anvil.....

This may not be your first rodeo, but if this is your first multi-axle utility trailer, be sure that you understand your State regs well...... around here it can get spendy fast if you don't have 'em stickered properly.

Rgds, D.

Trailer registrations/licensing/use regulations, are much more reasonable than in Canada.

 

[3930dave]

Trailer registrations/licensing/use regulations, are much more reasonable than in Canada.

Agreed, generally, but you do have some high-tax States too. Idaho doesn't strike me as one of them, but I really have no clue.

Even here, trailer fees vary tremendously between provinces.

Rgds, D.

 

[ovrszd]

A longer trailer is ALWAYS better....except in some cases, when it is not!
I bought a 20' - 14K trailer, and really wanted a 22' or 24', but.....
I store everything inside, and 22' or 24' would not leave me short of space for me to store a car ahead of the trailer.
The 20' deck just barely works for my TLB.
I put the tractor bucket forward, with the bucket edge down against the stop rail of the trailer deck, and the bucket open face forward.
I curl the hoe as much as possible, and it rests solidly on the back of the beaver tail.
Very luckily, the weight distribution works out well also.
A 2' longer trailer would have eliminated one entire vehicle spot in my building.
The trailer has plenty of length, if I instead, chose to load my FEL Ford 1920 with bush hog.
I would have preferred longer.... but in this case,.... longer would NOT have been better.
At my age, my next "upgrade" will likely be an "underground grade".

Maybe could have parked the TLB facing the trailer with the bucket resting on the trailer and gained back that 2'??

 

[ovrszd]

Agreed, generally, but you do have some high-tax States too. Idaho doesn't strike me as one of them, but I really have no clue.

Even here, trailer fees vary tremendously between provinces.

Rgds, D.

They do down here too Dave. Some states tax/fee the heck outta ya and some states don't require any tags of any kind..... Go figure.

 

[3930dave]

They do down here too Dave. Some states tax/fee the heck outta ya and some states don't require any tags of any kind..... Go figure.

If you have low fees :thumbsup: enjoy, but do it quietly :shhh: , lest your tax dept starts getting ideas !

Rgds, D.

 

[Sprinklerman]

I bought a 10K trailer instead of a 14K trailer . I wanted the heavier trailer but didnt need it . The 2 reasons I went with the 10K . I can pull it behind a class B truck ( 10K is the limit) And in Maryland a separate insurance policy is required over 10K lbs .

 

[ovrszd]

If you have low fees :thumbsup: enjoy, but do it quietly :shhh: , lest your tax dept starts getting ideas !

Rgds, D.

No kidding!!! I think they may have already tricked us here in Missouri. For 2017 they offered "permanent" renewals on trailers as long as you own it. One of my trailer license is $18 per year. $59 buys you a permanent renewal. I went for it on all three of my trailers. Now watch Missouri eliminate the need for trailer plates next year.........

 

[Aquamoose]

I bought a 10K trailer instead of a 14K trailer . I wanted the heavier trailer but didnt need it . The 2 reasons I went with the 10K . I can pull it behind a class B truck ( 10K is the limit) And in Maryland a separate insurance policy is required over 10K lbs .

I recall reading about a member who wanted a stout trailer for peace of mind but detests the complex 14k issues with the government, licensing, tags, and so on when a trailer rated for 10k was far simpler. His solution? He simply custom ordered a 14k trailer with one tiny modification, the manufacture stamped a 9,990 GVWR on it!

 

[fried1765]

Maybe could have parked the TLB facing the trailer with the bucket resting on the trailer and gained back that 2'??

Don't understand your response.
Tractor bucket (edge down), is as far forward as possible...against the forward deck stop, with bucket edge vertical.
Hoe bucket, fully curled, is all on the trailer, but just barely.
Top of folded dipper stick hangs out about 2'
There is no way to gain 2', and I don't need to. I put a flag on it.
This positioning description is for transport only.
Perhaps you are thinking I want to park the TLB in front of the trailer?
The TLB does live with it's feet on the floor,(actually I jack it up for winter storage) but in my other barn.
I just need enough length to park a vehicle (Jeep or 8N) in front of the stored trailer.