Replacement Trailer Type & Sizing

[Too many Kubotas]

Dealers seem to like to fill their lots with 10 times the amount of 2500’s as 3500’s.
Probably due to the fact that 3500’s are into CDL territory now.

In my case, I'm perfectly legal with the 14,000 lb. GVWR, and my longish (32') flatbed trailer is rated at 25K. Yep, 39K CGVWR and just fine on a regular license.

Now, had I still been in CA that would've been an entirely different story. Have snuck in there twice and got away with it (flatbed alone means stopping at the scales, which I didn't) but not pushing my luck again.

With this load I was maxed out, and probably then some, but never had to enter CA.

 

[jyoutz]

A Ram 2500 is basically identical to a 3500, except for the rear suspension and the mandated 10K max GVWR, so I wouldn't worry too much about the weight.

There are always air springs in case the rear sag is a problem.

I had a spring shop add an extra leaf to the rear springs on my Dodge 2500. The cost was reasonable.

 

[nisaacs]

A Ram 2500 is basically identical to a 3500, except for the rear suspension and the mandated 10K max GVWR,

It is only mandated if the manufacturer rates the 2500 as a class 2. Ford and GM are now over the 10k if you want, on the 250/2500.

So far, Ram 2500 max gvw is 10k and why I have a 2500. I agree with your air bag comment, It will do anything a 3500 SRW will do.

 

[arto98607]

I completely agree. I don't really understand 2500s.

Then again, I understand 1500s much less, unless all you want is a car with a bed in the back.
And I've learned to really dislike bumper pull trailers.

Yes, I'm opinionated, but it's almost all based on experience.

My "new" flatbed is rated for 7000 lbs by the manufacturer - would you call this a bumper pull setup (It's connected to the Superhitch, not the bumper)?

 

[Too many Kubotas]

My "new" flatbed is rated for 7000 lbs by the manufacturer - would you call this a bumper pull setup (It's connected to the Superhitch, not the bumper)?

That means it has 3,500-lb. axles, which I learned to stay away from...the hard way.

For not much more you can get the larger spindles,bearings, and brakes of 5,200-lb. axles.
And don't forget that you can mix and match, using the beefier axles with 3,500-lb. springs.

And while on the subject of suspension, I might be able alienate a few more people by pointing out that I really dislike torsion axles, for several reasons. Basic leaf springs have many advantages, I think, and air suspension is great on trailers (too).

Anyway, the trailer doesn't know if it's hooked to a ball on a ballmount in a receiver, or a trailer ball attached to a bumper. It's still usually referred to as a bumper pull.

 

[dieselscout80]

Also, unless I run into a really great deal I am likely looking at used trailers.

 

[Too many Kubotas]

Also, unless I run into a really great deal I am likely looking at used trailers.

To a large extent you'd have to check for the same things either way. Crappy electrical connections, that the bearings are lubed, and the brakes adjusted correctly.

What scares me about used trailers is how most people treat them. I'd be prepared to buy new tires, fix some electrical, maybe change suspension bushing, and quite possibly weld up some cracks.

And quality brands seem to hold their value quite well, so the price difference may not be that large. Yes, there are good deals out there, but don't be afraid to spend time to find them, and then drive a few hundred miles.

 

[Fixastuff]

It is only mandated if the manufacturer rates the 2500 as a class 2. Ford and GM are now over the 10k if you want, on the 250/2500.

So far, Ram 2500 max gvw is 10k and why I have a 2500. I agree with your air bag comment, It will do anything a 3500 SRW will do.

View attachment 821904

What bags did you get? I'm thinking about a set for my 2014.

 

[nisaacs]

What bags did you get? I'm thinking about a set for my 2014.

I went with the Air Lift 5000.

 

[arto98607]

That means it has 3,500-lb. axles, which I learned to stay away from...the hard way.

For not much more you can get the larger spindles,bearings, and brakes of 5,200-lb. axles.
And don't forget that you can mix and match, using the beefier axles with 3,500-lb. springs.

And while on the subject of suspension, I might be able alienate a few more people by pointing out that I really dislike torsion axles, for several reasons. Basic leaf springs have many advantages, I think, and air suspension is great on trailers (too).

Anyway, the trailer doesn't know if it's hooked to a ball on a ballmount in a receiver, or a trailer ball attached to a bumper. It's still usually referred to as a bumper pull.

Sure I agree bigger the better, but this 7000 lbs will be fine for what I need to haul and the price was right.
I am not planning to haul my bulldozer with it, if needed there are rentals or heavier haulers for hire nearby.

 

[Too many Kubotas]

Sure I agree bigger the better, but this 7000 lbs will be fine for what I need to haul and the price was right.

Do check the caster on the axles. It took me two sets of axles to figure out why the inner bearings would start turning on the spindles, spreading fine particles through the bearings in the process.

The trailer is very light, and rarely had more than 3,000 lbs. on it, which turned out to be part of the problem - there wasn't enough weight to make the slight bend in the axle tubing straighten out.

Combined with that I had set the springs to a certain ride height (adjustable spring hangers) especially the front axle ended up with negative caster, which in turn lead to toe-out. That removed the inward force on the inner bearing, making it turn on the spindle.

A different balance beam and moving the outer ends of the springs to the correct holes in the hangers created a slight positive caster on both axles (the third set), and they've been happy ever since.

Not saying that this couldn't apply to heavier axles with bent tubes, too, but I've never had any such issues with those.

 

[dieselscout80]

It is only mandated if the manufacturer rates the 2500 as a class 2. Ford and GM are now over the 10k if you want, on the 250/2500.

So far, Ram 2500 max gvw is 10k and why I have a 2500. I agree with your air bag comment, It will do anything a 3500 SRW will do.

View attachment 821904

Those look like they may limit axle articulation, do they?

 

[LD1]

I think with a SRW truck that pulling forward far enough to put the loader on the neck may put too much hitch weight on the truck.

Your tractor is similar to mine in physical size. I like my 24' bumper pull. I got rid of a 25' gooseneck deckover. Just dont like climbing up on and off the thing all the time. The lower deck is much nicer. And I can fit in areas I couldnt with the gooseneck.

 

[nisaacs]

Those look like they may limit axle articulation, do they?

In theory they might but not for my use. Say If I were rock climbing. I almost always have a gooseneck dump attached so I need the capacity and stability.

 

[stumblinhorse]

I like my diamond c GN it is 20’ with 2’ dove. Low deck and my equipment goes on it no problem. I just don’t trust bumper pulls with 14k loads pushing 18k all in. last week hay pickup…

 

[dieselscout80]

I had a spring shop add an extra leaf to the rear springs on my Dodge 2500. The cost was reasonable.

Can’t do that with coil rear springs.

Ram 2500s from 2014 and newer have coil springs front and rear except for the ones that rear air suspension.

I am NOT against adding supplemental air bags.

 

[dieselscout80]

I like my diamond c GN it is 20’ with 2’ dove. Low deck and my equipment goes on it no problem. I just don’t trust bumper pulls with 14k loads pushing 18k all in. last week hay pickup…View attachment 822183

I have a line on a used gooseneck set up just like yours.

 

[nisaacs]

I'm trying to decide on the length I need. I think 22' (20' flat & 2' dovetail) is about right to allow for positioning to balance the load and maybe carry a second implement.

However, if I switched to a gooseneck would a 20' trailer be long enough as the loader bucket could set on top of the gooseneck hitch? I found a 20' gooseneck (18' flat & 2' dovetail) for sale somewhat local to me.

I would think you would be fine with this trailer. The shorter it is the less weight will go on the pin. Pretty sure your tractor will not overload the truck loaded all the way forward. The rear attachment will help offset the pin weight.

My Loadtrail is similar to the D/C pictured. 22' + 2' dove, 14k. If needed, the fenders are removable to load a wide load, then reinstall them. I tow all my trailers with a 2500 '01 Dodge or '21 Ram 2500.

Hauled this monster load to Rock Springs, Wyoming then brought the old Ford back.

 

[stumblinhorse]

@nisaacs s 100% correct. I can pull the fenders if I need extra 4-6” width, then re-install them. But my 75C fits between the fenders no problem and the bucket can set on the GN. Then I can load it with my bush hog still attached.

 

[dieselscout80]

he D/C pictured. 22' + 2' dove, 14k. If needed, the fenders are removable to load a wide load, then reinstall them. I tow all my trailers with a 2500 '01 Dodge or '21 Ram 2500.

What does your gooseneck weight empty?