Equipment trailer, 16' vs 18' dilemma

[George2615]

I have a 20' tiltbed by H&H trailers. My previous was a homemade 16' beavertail trailer with 2 6K axles. 16' was fine if only hauling the tractor w/ loader but that was all I could put on it. I could not use a 16' if I had the loader and a rear brush hog. It would overhang which is illegal here. I got pulled over and was given a warning about that. I'm sure if you are not in a hurry and shop around you can find a nice used 18-20' trailer. You never know what you may decide to haul someday.

 

[JB4310]

Thanks for the comments everyone,
If I was buying new for sure I'd be looking at 18 footers, but this is the only decent deal I've found in a while. We have a well stocked trailer dealer near by and every time I go there I ask about trade ins or used and he never has anything for me, and the prices on new go up close to a grand a year seems like, I guess people are holding on to them even in this economy.

I don't think I would go as large as 20' as I don't think I need it. I'm not sure if overhanging equipment is illegal in this state, I suspect not since I have seen many like that.

I was thinking if I could squeeze it in 16' and got the trailer for cheap money it might be worth the trouble, but I better not go look at the 16 and just wait for an 18 to come up for sale.

Thanks, JB.

 

[JohnDeere4300]

I really think you would be more satisfied with a 18ft. i have a 20ft. and sometimes i need a extra 2ft.

I know a couple people who have a 16ft. and when they haul their tractor with a FEL and bush hog it is hanging off the end.
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[Soundguy]

If you can get the machine safely ballanced with correct tounge weight on a 16' AND you are getting a superb deal ($$$).. don't feel bad.. I bought my 16' for that reason. I'd LOVE an 18'.. but most of my stuff fits fine, and the long stuff gets away with a 2' overhang and a flag to make LEO's happy.... do check your state laws on overhang.

post back and let us know what you got.. we love pics..

soundguy

Thanks for the comments everyone,
If I was buying new for sure I'd be looking at 18 footers, but this is the only decent deal I've found in a while. We have a well stocked trailer dealer near by and every time I go there I ask about trade ins or used and he never has anything for me, and the prices on new go up close to a grand a year seems like, I guess people are holding on to them even in this economy.

I don't think I would go as large as 20' as I don't think I need it. I'm not sure if overhanging equipment is illegal in this state, I suspect not since I have seen many like that.

I was thinking if I could squeeze it in 16' and got the trailer for cheap money it might be worth the trouble, but I better not go look at the 16 and just wait for an 18 to come up for sale.

Thanks, JB.

 

[foggy1111]

I just bought a 16 foot PJ car hauler to haul my tractor. I think I am in about the same situation as you are...in many ways: infrequent use, not too big of trailer to get around, lite load situation....and I have a lite duty tow rig to pull with.

Probably the biggest reason I wanted a 16 foot trailer (14+2 BT) is to keep the length AND WEIGHT down for my tow vehicle.

After buying the trailer (a real cream puff used one...only 1 1/2 years old...$1700.) and sitting the trailer alongside my tractor/loader....I fail to see where more length "to balance the load" would provide any benefit for my situation. I have plenty of deck to work with...and the axels seem to be positioned just fine (allthough I have yet to load the equipment on the trailer). And for supplies and such, the 16' is more nimble.

Yes, if I put the cutter on the back and intend to haul it that way I will be about a foot over the back of the trailer....but I don't intend to do that (as weight becomes my concern)...and if I did....I can always hang a red flag on the back around here.

Anway....FOR MY PURPOSES....I think 16' is just fine. In my situation an 18"er would be a detriment. I'm glad I found a nice one....GOOD used trailers are hard to find.

 

[Soundguy]

After buying the trailer (a real cream puff used one...only 1 1/2 years old...$1700.) and sitting the trailer alongside my tractor/loader....I fail to see where more length "to balance the load" would provide any benefit for my situation. I have plenty of deck to work with...and the axels seem to be positioned just fine (allthough I have yet to load the equipment on the trailer). And for supplies and such, the 16' is more nimble. .

Toungue weight is the VERY important issue we are refering to with ballance.. To little toungue weight and the rear of the trailer can be heavy and de-weight your tow vehicle rear... too much toungue weight and the front steering members on your tow vehicle are lifted.. neither is good. and nothing like getting a fishtail or shimmy started when doing 70mph on a crowded hiway!

soundguy

 

[wwalkersd]

I recently picked up a Ford 2N on a rented 18' trailer. See the pictures here (they're a little big to post here). Modern loaders put the bucket a little closer in, but I'm pretty sure your 4310 is bigger than a 2N. Your backhoe probably extends about the same distance back as the TR3 rake in my photos. Looks a little cramped, doesn't it?

 

[LarryRB]

I too, live in north, central CT, and I have a Bri-Mar 18 ft , 12,000 trailer, With my L48 TLB Kubota. The 18 is just too short. The hoe overhangs my trailer by 4 ft in the rear,, I can't hook up my Woods hog mower and get both on the trailer, For this, I would need at least 24 ft or more.. I was set on getting a triaxle, bumper pull from Ct trailer, and decided not to for presemt economic reasons.

 

[wkpoor]

I went from an 18' to 24' and am real happy I did. Its nice to have the extra room regardless if what I'm towing needs it or not.

 

[marquis]

18', I wouldn't go anything less