what size trailer

[Teachu2]

I have comparable-sized tractor (3700lbs) and went with this trailer: Big Tex Trailers 7TV Tandem Axle Vanguard | Big Tex Trailers in a 16' bed size.

I added two more ribs to the tailgate and a couple of substantial D-rings in the bed. I haul my tractor up and down a long 7% grade with no issues. It'll handle the FEL and box blade or flail, but the 5' rotary is too long with the FEL. It also works great for hauling tree trimmings, sand, brick, even two cords of firewood.

It's the only trailer I own that has brakes. It weighs right at 2000lbs empty, which leaves me 5000lbs for cargo. I tow it with a 5.7L Tundra 4x4, which pulls and stops it with authority.

 

[Stomper]

Now thats a sweet trailer. Would be even better if it was a dump trailer

 

[Teachu2]

Now thats a sweet trailer. Would be even better if it was a dump trailer

Yes, but the dump trailer weighs quite a bit more.

 

[4570Man]

Your axles are adequate, but how’s the rest of the trailer? All the snowmobile trailers I’ve seen are pretty light. I wouldn’t have that big Tex pictured above unless the sides come off. Even then the sides are a waste of money unless you’re a landscaper wanting to haul mulch. Chaining down would be way harder than necessary and loading other things with the loader would be difficult. Here’s my grandpas trailer he uses to haul his L3800. It does the job but I’d like a little heavier trailer because you’ll overload it pretty quick with firewood or logs. I’d like a 14k trailer to use in place of my 22k duel tandem goose neck that pulls like a battle ship.

 

[Teachu2]

Your axles are adequate, but how’s the rest of the trailer? All the snowmobile trailers I’ve seen are pretty light. I wouldn’t have that big Tex pictured above unless the sides come off. Even then the sides are a waste of money unless you’re a landscaper wanting to haul mulch. Chaining down would be way harder than necessary and loading other things with the loader would be difficult. Here’s my grandpas trailer he uses to haul his L3800. It does the job but I’d like a little heavier trailer because you’ll overload it pretty quick with firewood or logs. I’d like a 14k trailer to use in place of my 22k duel tandem goose neck that pulls like a battle ship. View attachment 537937

While I'd prefer a full-sized dump truck pulling a 14k+ trailer, my needs don't justify the expense. I can't justify the expense of replacing my tried-and-true Tundra with a 1+ton tow vehicle, as I don't do work for others with my equipment and haul less than 10 trailer loads a year for myself. While the Tundra is a very capable half-ton, and is rated to tow 10,700lbs IIRC, I've had about 10k in equipment trailer and 3/4 ton Chevy crew cab behind it on a steep grade, and did not enjoy that experience. I decided to buy a trailer that would carry tree trimmings and brush well, and would carry the tractor as needed - not the other way around. It was relatively simple to add some stout D-rings in the bed of the trailer, bolted through the crossmembers. It's as big as I want to maneuver through the trees on my property, is plenty wide for the tractor, and keeps me from overloading my tow vehicle. It makes a very capable rig for transporting my CUT, which is very similar to the OP's needs.

Now when I need to haul a serious piece of equipment, like a frontloader, road grader or excavator, I call my wife's uncle. He's happy to loan me any of those, a lowboy, and a Kenworth (at least the last one was). Waaay too much rig to transport 4k of CUT, though, and rather limited in the woods around my house.

 

[4570Man]

I never recommend a heavier truck or 14k trailer because I understand it would be ridiculous for your needs. A 7-10k car hauler trailer will be plenty.

 

[Teachu2]

I debated getting a car hauler and adding sides. That's very common in my area. For my use, the trailer with sides works better than a car trailer, especially after adding a couple of ribs to the tailgate. It's the same size deck. It has spoiled me a bit, as I can contain a load better. I've hauled pallets of bricks and retaining wall blocks, as well as gravel, rock, fill dirt, fertilizer, firewood, and 16' lumber. For trimmings and brush. I was using bucket forks - but I just bought a EA Wicked Root Grapple. Either way, load it and throw a few ratchet straps on it, cinch it down and go. Unloading is more time-consuming, but a large enough dump trailer to haul the tractor would weigh too much. My neighbor is happy to trade me tractor work for use of his 5x12 hydraulic dump trailer if I need it.
If I'd had the funds, I would have bought a car hauler and a smaller hydraulic dump trailer. That would have been close to triple the cost, though.

 

[Jstpssng]

I figured the same about all the above comments. I just wanted to confirm. I will sell it and get the proper one. Thanks

Better oversized than undersized. A member here posted about his experience a few years ago; he suddenly found himself trying to control his truck at highway speed after his front straps snapped and the tractor rolled back. He later determined that although the trailer and tie downs were rated heavy enough for his tractor the former had flexed on a bump, causing his straps to fail.

 

[schmism]

I have 20' flat 10K equipment trailer and would not recommend anything less for a class 2 CUT. One thing that is frequently omitted when talking about trailer length is axle location and available space to place the tractor on the trailer and achieve the correct tongue weight.

most 20' are 18' flat 2' dove. Im not a fan of this as i frequently haul hay or other flat goods that would be problematic on the last 2' of non-flat trailer. If you were in a location that has good trailer fabrication you might be able to order a movable dovetail but again the extra cost over just a flat deck would be something you would have to justify.

I have strongly considered a 24' - 18' tilt 6' stationary version. I think the tilt decks are a good option if your going to moving drive up equipment on it frequently. If your not using it more than once a month i don't think it would be worth the extra cost.

I do like removable ramps that store below as opposed to attached fold up ramps. fold ups can interfere with the ability to hang mowers etc off the rear of the trailer.

 

[lennyzx11]

Here's my 22 ft 10k tilt. I'm pretty satisfied with it as is.