Confusing Trailer Specs

[FlaDon]

I believe there are some awfully optomistic trailer manufacturers out there.

soundguy

Yep! Just about any that figure higher than the axle ratings are.

 

[Diamondpilot]

The coupler on my boat is rated at 18,000# and it uses a 2 5/16" couple. I have this matched with a 25,000# bar and hitch. I agree that most are not rated at that but I have seen some rated as high as 25,000#. Most are in the 12,000# range. The HD units are out there, you just have to look.

Does not matter really because the trailer is obviously optimistic on its rating to say the least. I would not put any more than 7,700# on it allowing for 10% on the tongue.

Chris

 

[hawkeye08]

I have seen 2 5/16 balls with 5000 lb rating and some with 30,000 lb rating, with many in between. My 20' trailer is rated for 10,000 lbs, but has two 5200 lb axles. there are additional licensing requirements for over 10,000 so mfg rates conservative in my case. My tires are also rated to handle the load. My empty weight is around 1900, so that gives me ~8000 lb capacity, more than enough for what I want to haul, even more capacity if you subtract the tongue weight.

just another data point, but basically what I am saying, there are many configurations, not all make sense.

 

[Duffster]

couplers are rated at 10% of the pulling rating.

Not all of them.

 

[Duffster]

Show me a truck that can handle 24% tongue weight while towing at or near it's maximum tow capacity.

Who said the tow vehicle would be at or near maximum tow capacity?

 

[Dmace]

Who said the tow vehicle would be at or near maximum tow capacity?

I was using that as a "worst case scenario".

 

[aczlan]

<snip>
I'd say that maybe it's a mis-print but it clearly says that the "Pro-series HBC10 5-ton" model has different axles and when you look up that trailer it does indeed have a pair of 5,200lb Dexter axles on a trailer still rated at 10,000lb capacity and it's rated at 12,230lbs GVWR vs. the trailer with two 3,500lb axles rated at 12,290lbs GVWR. :confused2:

Lastly, that "excellent" trailer only uses 3" channel for the main frame vs most other 12k equipment trailers that use 5" or 6" channels.

Did something change between you posted this and now? When I read it the trailer specs you linked, I come up with the following:

Axles: (2) 5,200 lb. E-Z lube Dexter w/ brakes
Main Frame: 3" x 5" x 5/16" Angle @ 8.2#
Crossmembers: 3" Channel @ 3.5#

Aaron Z

 

[TractorRob]

Did something change between you posted this and now? When I read it the trailer specs you linked, I come up with the following:


Aaron Z

Maybe Hudson Brothers is reading this thread

The PDF linked to earlier lists the VBCBI0516 as having "(2) 3,500 lb AL-KO ultrulube w/Brakes" axles, but the web page lists "(2) 5,200 lb Al-Ko ultrulube w/brakes."

 

[Skyco]

I believe there are some awfully optomistic trailer manufacturers out there.

soundguy

Optimistic? Naaahh....I think shady is a better word.

I've seen a lot of that in the trailer world, nonconforming lights as required by federal regs, tires that are under axle capacity and claimed trailer capacity etc.

I even have a 7k rated car trailer that had a 5k rated coupler on it. Called the manufacturer who stated "oh it is ok, don't worry". I asked what they would tell the jury if the coupler broke and the loose trailer killed a family. They later sent a guy to the dealer who cut off and welded new couplers on ALL their in stock trailers and mine. The same company also did not bother to put the legally required clearance lights on trailers over 80" wide...

Then my dump trailer (different manufacturer) rated at 14k gross was found to have tires totaling 12k on it...they sent me replacement wheels/tires, claimed it was an error on MY trailer. Well several months later I was at their factory and observed all the brand new 14k trailers going out with- yes- 12k worth of tires...

So I for one would be sceptical of ALL trailer specs without verifying the real deal...one just can't trust the manufacturer IMO.

 

[Dmace]

Did something change between you posted this and now? When I read it the trailer specs you linked, I come up with the following

Yeah, it looks like they changed the specs on the website for the VBCBI0516 trailer. I would still go under the trailer and physically check which axles it comes with.