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

[Sprinklerman]

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!

Mine is stamped 9998 gvw .

 

[BWSwede]

Flip up ramps are nice but you can't have anything extend past the rear of trailer. Sometimes this is needed to get the correct weight balance on the trailer.

 

[newbury]

Not expert but here's some of my experience........I like sides on my trailer where i can add 2 x 12's so as to haul gravel, rock, dirt etc. Going to the quarry to pick up 3 tons of gravel makes the trailer much more useful. Then there are the times when my kids needed to move their furniture from place to place. It's real handy then. An, Oh yeah, I trailer my CUT around for mowing, tilling etc.View attachment 503985
I wish that it is about 4 feet longer however.
Cheers,
Mike

If you've got stake pockets sides are easy.

Here's the trailer and tractor


Do you want sides with that?


Maybe an enclosed trailer?



And they disassemble easily.

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!

When I registered my trailer in Virginia in 2009 I was asked if I wanted to register it for less than 10K even though it said 12K on the title.

Which bring up a question which might rate a separate thread.

How is your local law enforcement checking your trailer GVWR?

I've read here:

An update...

This has all been very educational. But from you guys and from other discussions my brother and I have had.

My brother called a state weigh station, the state police, and the VDMV. They all said the same thing. They don't really care about the 'derated' number when they pull you over, they go straight to the axle ratings, which are generally shown correct. Even if the tag is pulled, they'll just look at the lugs and rim diameter and get the axle rating lickity split.

They then look in the door jam of the truck and find the GVWR. Then they add them together. They are looking for that magical 26k# number.
<snip>

Keith

So what does derating a trailer get you in your state?

 

[Kubota3710]

I think the GVWR is a number created by the manufacturer. It is odd to me that law enforcement would use a company created number to decide about issuing a ticket. If you read the DOT rules for semi's, I can't find mention of the manufacturer's ratings. Anyone know why this would be different for pickups? The basic premise, is companies don't make laws, so how could GVWR apply? I'm not advocating going over the manufacturers recommendations, but how does a manufacturer created number translate into law?

 

[Soldier415]

Flip up ramps are nice but you can't have anything extend past the rear of trailer. Sometimes this is needed to get the correct weight balance on the trailer.

You could always pull the pins and take the ramps off and put them in the bed of the truck after loading.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

I bought this 20' PJ trailer last week,

It's 14,000 GVW, I picked it over the 10K trailer for several reasons, one being the MUCH better jack!

It's HD, set back with a spring foot that's MUCH easier to use, especially when the trailer is loaded.

Of the trailers I looked at, the PJ's looked better designed, pressure treated deck, LED lights, bolt on fenders and wider between the fenders, things like that.

SR

 

[Kubota3710]

Nice looking trailer. I'm actually considing looking at the 22 ft version of that one tomorrow. Just reviewing this site and see my Duramax Hitch from Chevy is only rated at 7000 pounds of weight carrying. Does that mean I need to replace it with a more heavy duty hitch if I am going to be up around 10,500 pounds total with trailer and equipment?

 

[bdog]

I think the GVWR is a number created by the manufacturer. It is odd to me that law enforcement would use a company created number to decide about issuing a ticket. If you read the DOT rules for semi's, I can't find mention of the manufacturer's ratings. Anyone know why this would be different for pickups? The basic premise, is companies don't make laws, so how could GVWR apply? I'm not advocating going over the manufacturers recommendations, but how does a manufacturer created number translate into law?

Who else would know the GVWR other than the manufacturer? They built it they know what it is capable of carrying. On semis or at least mine it doesn't have a GVWR on the door. They are regulated by axle weights. Generally speaking you can't have over 20k on a single axle or over 34k on a tandem group.

With regards to a pickup you won't get a ticket for being over GVWR. They give tickets if you are over your axle weight ratings, tire ratings or registered weight. The GVWR is mainly used to determine what class of license you are required to have.

 

[buckeyefarmer]

I bought this 20' PJ trailer last week,

It's 14,000 GVW, I picked it over the 10K trailer for several reasons, one being the MUCH better jack!

It's HD, set back with a spring foot that's MUCH easier to use, especially when the trailer is loaded.

Of the trailers I looked at, the PJ's looked better designed, pressure treated deck, LED lights, bolt on fenders and wider between the fenders, things like that.

SR

Nice trailer.

 

[BrokeFarmerJohn]

I bought this 20' PJ trailer last week,

It's 14,000 GVW, I picked it over the 10K trailer for several reasons, one being the MUCH better jack!

It's HD, set back with a spring foot that's MUCH easier to use, especially when the trailer is loaded.

Of the trailers I looked at, the PJ's looked better designed, pressure treated deck, LED lights, bolt on fenders and wider between the fenders, things like that.

SR

Nice trailer.

PJ has been around awhile
that's a 6x12 landscape PJ with a 3500lb axle that's been in service since the late 90’s, it's my dad's and it's been used by the family and all his friends, thing is constantly being used and loaned out. That trailer is a tank, it's held up great in that time, I believe it's on its 3rd set of tires and it's still got the original deck.

I'm sure your PJ will last you a VERY long time.