Car Hauler vs Regular Flatbed

[scott123456789]

I need to bring my tractor in to the dealer but do not currently own a trailer. They want about $100 one way. From what I can tell I need about an 18' and 20' would be even better for my needs. Would like to be able to throw a 6' disk my massey 135 and bush hog on the trailer for transport. Or my FIL's L3400 kubota with 5' bush hog and loader. I feel like I am right on the edge of the 3500 dual axle trailer and 5000+axles.

Secondly I have had to rent three uhaul car haulers within the last two years and would love the trailer to dual purpose as a car hauler but my car is awfully low to the ground and requires a dove tail and long ramps.

Is it possible to get a standard railed flatbed with a dove tail? How useless is a traditional car hauler for farm use, hay, metal other assorted large items?

 

[RickB]

A 7000 lb trailer will be too light for you. A 10K# car hauler would work providing your tractors will fit between the fenders (maximum width you can find is very near 82"). Otherwise, a 10K# deck-over is in order, but they suck as car haulers because of the short beavertail and abrupt transition between deck & tail.

 

[Diamondpilot]

My 18' car hauler with a flat deck and 5' slide in ramps has hauled three Corvettes with no issues. If I can haul a Vette I am sure I could haul anyyhing.

Its a low boy and only 14" deck to ground.

Chris

 

[saltbranch]

Is it possible to get a standard railed flatbed with a dove tail? How useless is a traditional car hauler for farm use, hay, metal other assorted large items?

By traditional car hauler I am thinking with out side rails?
I dont like having side rails, for me it gets in the way for alot of loads. Downside is you have tie everything down...which is not really a bad thing. I had a trailer built by C&M trailers in Ennis Tx.They are the MFG, and you eliminate the middleman. Mine is G/N but they also make the same version in a bumper pull. 20; with 10" channel drive over fenders. I had the deck in front and rear of fenders brought out to width of outside of fenders. I am 83" wide between fenders and 102'' wide with tie down rail in front/rear of fenders. I can load round bales 2 wide and stack on top in center. Plus I can load wide stuff like frames etc on top of the fenders and tiedown, if I need to I can use the fenders as a Tie down point also

 

[scott123456789]

My rear wheels are just set at 66" or so at the moment. And the kubota is a bit narrower. I figured the 10K# would be needed. I thought the dove tail makes life a bunch easier. But perhaps with longer ramps that wouldn't even be needed. Really don't plan to haul the car but if I have a flatbed I want that to be an option with out farm vehicles etc.

 

[bosshog]

They are pros and cons to both trailers. First let's do the car hauler
Pro's Low to the ground, lightweigh,t easy to load.Con's may scrape the ground in lower areas, sometimes it's hard to find a fastener spot around the fenders.
Now the deck over. Pro's More surface space on the deck, No fenders to avoid, Can have fastners all along the rails.
Con's Heavier, Higher center of gravity while driving, harder to load because of heights

 

[Bee950]

I wouldnt buy anything until you talk to Tiger Trailers. These are the most overbuilt trailers I have seen, and thousands less than Big Tex for what you get. My flatbed will haul anything that will fit on it. Its literally a 20K deck on 14K axles and it has two 6K gooseneck jacks on the nose. Trout trailer Sales in Porter Texas is where I got mine. They have prices on their website.

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[scott123456789]

Ii believe I have a tiger dealer in town here. How heavy is that beast? Currently only have a 1500 dodge to pull with.

 

[RickB]

Ii believe I have a tiger dealer in town here. How heavy is that beast? Currently only have a 1500 dodge to pull with.

That's probably a 2500-3000lb tare wt. trailer. Overkill for a half ton pickemup.

 

[Bee950]

I believe its in the 3000 to 3500 pound range. That being said, its the best pulling trailer I have ever pulled. I dont feel it back there at all.

 

[scott123456789]

I don't believe I'd have to have the drive over fenders so I'm thinking their heavy duty car hauler would suffice. How much under the capacity should I be with my tractor weight. Book says 3650Lbs, plus a 5' bushhog or disk

 

[yelbike]

I believe its in the 3000 to 3500 pound range. That being said, its the best pulling trailer I have ever pulled. I dont feel it back there at all.

But what's your tow vehicle?

Over built isn't always best. Neither is bigger better. Size it sensibly and load is accordingly. Keep in mind if you go with the 20' deck, it may be a good idea to go with the twin 5000 lbs axles as it may be real tempting to add an extra implement because you have the deck space but might not have the weight capacity.

An important option in my opinion is the brakes on BOTH axles.

My trailer is probably 1800-2000# curb weight.

 

[scott123456789]

Just doing a rough calculation with 3500 axles I thought they normally consider that a 5k capacity. 3600 plus 600 for bush hog even plus my disk would still be sub 5000. And that would be a whole bunch cheaper. I really don't know or have any reason for more than 5k capacity as the 135 is the biggest equipment I own or am related to.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Just doing a rough calculation with 3500 axles I thought they normally consider that a 5k capacity. 3600 plus 600 for bush hog even plus my disk would still be sub 5000. And that would be a whole bunch cheaper. I really don't know or have any reason for more than 5k capacity as the 135 is the biggest equipment I own or am related to.

My trailer has 5,600# capacity and my tractor with a implement weights that. Tractor and FEL are around 5,200# alone. Its a 7K trailer. Never a issue. I have towed as large as a Tahoe and a Silverado on it.

I also own two boats. One is 9,700# on the trailer and the trailer has 2 6,000# axle and a GVWR of 12,000#. Never a problem. The other is 15,600# on the trailer and is on a trailer with 3 6,000# axles and a GVWR of 18,000# . No problems either.

I do not see a issue with towing right upto max weight. That is why they have a limit.

Chris

 

[RickB]

I do not see a issue with towing right upto max weight. That is why they have a limit.

Chris

I fully agree.
I was thinking the OP's equipment weighed more than he is now saying.

 

[LD1]

I think you will be fine with the 7k trailer, but the 20' is going to be almost a must.

Your massey 135 weighs 3500-3800lbs depending on the engine. With a disk and loaded tires, maybe 5k or a tick over. So 7k will work fine, and even an 18' trailer would work fine for that.

The L3400 is 2600#, add ~1200 for loader and bucket and we are at the 3800 or so that the massey is. So with loaded tires and an implement, you will still be fine.

The issue with the 3400 is the length with the loader on and a LONG implement like the bushhog you mention. When I tow mine with the 5' hog, the tailwheel hangs off the back of my 20' trailer by about 6". So an 18 would definatally not work.

 

[scott123456789]

Exactly what I needed to know. My FIL has an old 20' trailer without ramps, didn't think it was going to be strong enough but apparently it should be good to go. Assuming it has 3500 axles. Just need to build a good set of ramps.

 

[art]

Hawke builds a great car trailer and the weights are from 7,000,10,000 or 12,000 and from 16. 18. and 20 foot long. The good, is removeable fenders and tilt deck so the loading is easy for a low profile car or a pallet of lumber with the fenders removed. The bad is they are a little pricer then trailers with ramps. I'd never go back!

 

[Dr Dave]

Bee950 that looks like a well built trailer, I like the dual jacks, and the drive over fenders. Once you own a trailer, you will find many uses for it, your setup offers more possibilities. What does that setup sell for, if you dont mind me asking?

Dave

 

[gumshu]

I wouldnt buy anything until you talk to Tiger Trailers. These are the most overbuilt trailers I have seen, and thousands less than Big Tex for what you get. My flatbed will haul anything that will fit on it. Its literally a 20K deck on 14K axles and it has two 6K gooseneck jacks on the nose. Trout trailer Sales in Porter Texas is where I got mine. They have prices on their website.

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That is one nice trailer with very nice features! Looks like the PJ B6 14K buggy hauler.