A couple of "strange" towing/tie down questions

[MossRoad]

You will definitely enjoy having a 20' trailer!
I am surprised that the 7000 GVWR 20' trailer only weighs 2200 lbs.
I have a 16' 7000 GVWR cargo trailer (3/4" plywood deck) that weighs 2100 lbs., and it is only 16' long.

I have a 7000 pound 18' car hauler trailer with steel deck. It weighs 1500#. That gives me a 5500# usable capacity.

 

[4570Man]

A couple of "strange" towing/tie down questions

I usually figure the axel capacity as what you can carry with the assumption tongue weight is equivalent to the trailer weight. Am I bad wrong here? I also load the tongue heavier than 10 percent because I’ve got enough truck to do it.

 

[CincyFlyer]

Re: A couple of "strange" towing/tie down questions

I usually figure the axel capacity as what you can carry with the assumption tongue weight is equivalent to the trailer weight. Am I bad wrong here? I also load the tongue heavier than 10 percent because I’ve got enough truck to do it.

"Typical" tongue weight is what is required to prevent swaying. Normally, 10% to 15% of the weight of the loaded trailer. That is for "bumper pulling" only.

 

[blackrams]

You're trying to transport two different types of loads. Personally, I prefer the wheel straps for transporting cars and trucks (assuming they fit the tires on the vehicle). Versus tying down to the frame of the vehicle. The reason is, tying to the frame sucks the cars suspension down or, allows the vehicle to float as you hit bumps in the road. That floating can cause straps/tie downs to come loose. Using the tire straps secures the vehicle to the trailer and still allows the car to ride on it's own suspension and the trailers. At worst case, use the control arms if you aren't going to use the tire straps. The tire straps are not going to work on the rear tractor tires and most likely won't work for the front.

For the tractor, use straps or chains attached to the appropriate trailer tie downs and to the tractor using secure points already on the front and rear.
Personally, on my own tractor, I attached a receiver hitch to the front onto the frame. That allows me to move bumper pull trailers around with ease and provides a tie down point for when I need one. It's also handy for when (and you know this is going to happen) you get stuck. You'll now have a tow point in both the front and the rear. Just my 2 cents worth, do what you will with it.

Rams :drink:

 

[Reb954]

Re: A couple of "strange" towing/tie down questions

I usually figure the axel capacity as what you can carry with the assumption tongue weight is equivalent to the trailer weight. Am I bad wrong here? I also load the tongue heavier than 10 percent because I致e got enough truck to do it.

Weight limits on vehicles including trailers and pickups are quoted at GVW, Gross Vehicle Weight. From there they are broken out in tongue weight and sometimes axle weight limits. The tongue weight and axle weights are not added on to the GVW but are part of the GVW. These are only not to exceed weight limits.

With that in mind, my trailer is a 7,000 lb trailer and weights 1600 lbs so I can haul 5400 lbs. As I remember it has a 1000 lb (it may be 1500 lbs, I'm not sure) weight limit on the tongue which is a not to exceed weight limit.