Another stupid trailer question

[dieseldude]

Bought the 5x12 single axle trailer today. The trailer weighs only 600lbs.Thats 2900lbs to spare.The tractor fits pretty good. I got two chain binders, one per axle and opposite sides of the tractor. I hope thats legal. And a ratchet strap on the bucket.
The tractor balanced itself good with the trailer axle center of the tractor axles with about 100lbs tounge weight. I would be nice to have brakes but I wont be going over 40mph and staying on all the back roads I can.
I attached a photo to show how it fits.
Thanks to all

 

[Skidmark25]

Dieseldude, Good luck with the trailer & keep us posted, I have the identical set up as you - B7610 with loaded rear tires, LA352FEL (& Woods BH6500) and a 2002 Tacoma V6 4wd 5 speed. - So I have a 950 lb. hoe in addition to your set-up

I too would like to tow it no more than 20 or 30 miles and don't want to get a 1/2 or 3/4 ton truck and dual axle trailer.

 

[wushaw]

Tight fit but it fits. I have the same problem /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif
I noticed one chain attached to the left ft. and the other on the rt. rear??
If so it has potential to move. You might want to attach some stake pockets on the side of the frame for your tie downs when you get time.

 

[RobertN]

Getcha a couple more binders. Should be one on each corner... Each should tie independantly. I only use two chains, but use four binders. With 20' chains I have enough to make independant ties at each corner. You are putting the tractor on a small trailer, behind a small truck. Do everything you can to ensure that tractor will not move on the trailer.

Our local trailer shop has brakes, backing plate and drums, for about $100 each/side. You could add brakes for a little over $200. Controllers are $50-$150, depending. Well worth it. See my note above; I had my tractor on a dual axle trailer, but no brakes on the trailer, and had to make an emergency stop. I did it, but it was pushing my 3/4 ton around pretty good. I was taking it real easy to begin with, but when that little car cut in front of me and slowed, it was a real handful.

$300 or so to put brakes on the trailer and a controller in the truck is a small investment compared to the price of your truck, trailer, tractor, and life.

 

[TheKid]

I think you should have more than 100lbs of tounge weight. I think they recommend 10 to 15% of the load weight.

 

[Bird]

Be very, very careful. Like TheKid said, you don't have enough tongue weight to prevent fishtailing if you only have 100 pounds.

 

[Av8r3400]

That much weight behind a mini-truck on a single axle trailer without brakes is an accident looking for a place to happen, IMO. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

Why spend $10-15,000 (or more) on a tractor, then go cheap on a trailer for hauling it? Makes no sense to me. A real trailer, with brakes on both axles could be had for $2000 new and would be much safer behind your truck, not just for you but, the other people on the road too. I guarantee you will scare yourself silly at some point with this setup, and I hope no one is injured and none of your equipment is damaged.

I sincerely wish you the best of luck.

 

[dieseldude]

I took the trailer out to my parents on friday with no problems. I was more worried about the trailer holding up than I was about braking. I keep my speed between 45 and 50 and drove defensivly. The manually transmission really helped with braking.
It would be nice to have a tandem axle trailer with brakes,but that means a bigger truck that I really cant afford now.
Thanks

 

[gregL]

dieseldude
I once towed a single axle 18 ft RV (2000 lbs.+/-) behind a 4 cyl. Nissan King cab 4x4. The problem was not with pulling power or even straight line stopping; however an evasive maneuver gave me a new appreciation of the laws of physics. I now fully understand the statement "tail wagging the dog". Luckily I had enough room to pull it out. Be careful and upgrade your towing rig as soon as you can.
Best Regards and good luck.
Respectfully
Greg L.

 

[penokee]

diesel - attached is a picture of guardrail damage in front of my camp last week. Younger driver had too large a load of firewood in his trailer and not enough towing vehicle to handle it. Started to fishtail, resulting in trailer spinning him around - both sliding sidewise into the guardrail - 40 foot drop to ledge rock. The skid marks on the pavement shows where he was sliding. Would guess that the driver had skid marks in his drawers if not worse /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
penokee /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif