Finally able to transport!

[GordNovo]

Well the missus gave me the nod to start shopping for a trailer for the horses. I couldn't pass up the opportunity to kill two birds with one stone, so I made sure it could also accomodate the 2305!

There's a slant wall on the inside, dividing the cargo from the tack room , giving me 10' length on the butt wall and 14 ' length on the head wall. Based on some initial measurements, I can get the tractor in with the FEL attached, but I'll need to take the rear ballast off (bb, blower or whatever).

With 2X7000# axles, I shouldn't have any difficulties pulling the tractor around.

One thing I'll need to determine is which way to park it to best position the heaviest point over the axles. My guess is the FEL and motor are probably the heaviest meaning I should probably back into the trailer.

I imagine I'll also need to fashion some kind of strapping system to secure the machine inside the closed trailer, or do you think I can get away with blocks around the front and back wheels with the e-brake engaged?

I haven't checked code restrictions in our province yet.

Anyhow.. I'm getting the gooseneck hitch installed this week and heading down to Wichita to pick it up next week. Can't wait!

 

[deereguy]

Looks like a nice trailer with many years of service to you. I'm not sure I would try the block idea, kinda like your thought of the strap/tie downs anchors or something with the E brake.

Good Luck and thank the Mrs.

 

[ACKBill]

Straps/chains, no question. The reason being, that if you hit a big enough bump and the machine bounces, it's not secured to anything while it's bouncing. Plus, if you are in a wreck of some sort, the tie-downs will keep the machine restrained/contained and you won't get run over by your own machine. In the US, at least, the Federal trailering laws are very specific about how you connect your trailer to your tow vehicle, lighting and require using "adequate" tie-downs.

When you choose them, get ones that are heavy enough to restrain the machine in a worst case situation and that the anchor points you use will stand the stress too.

BILL

 

[johndeere_2210]

Well the missus gave me the nod to start shopping for a trailer for the horses. I couldn't pass up the opportunity to kill two birds with one stone, so I made sure it could also accomodate the 2305!

There's a slant wall on the inside, dividing the cargo from the tack room , giving me 10' length on the butt wall and 14 ' length on the head wall. Based on some initial measurements, I can get the tractor in with the FEL attached, but I'll need to take the rear ballast off (bb, blower or whatever).

With 2X7000# axles, I shouldn't have any difficulties pulling the tractor around.

One thing I'll need to determine is which way to park it to best position the heaviest point over the axles. My guess is the FEL and motor are probably the heaviest meaning I should probably back into the trailer.

I imagine I'll also need to fashion some kind of strapping system to secure the machine inside the closed trailer, or do you think I can get away with blocks around the front and back wheels with the e-brake engaged?

I haven't checked code restrictions in our province yet.

Anyhow.. I'm getting the gooseneck hitch installed this week and heading down to Wichita to pick it up next week. Can't wait!

Curious, what kind of truck do you have for the trailer?

 

[Deadman]

More than a half ton obviousely!

 

[GordNovo]

More than a half ton obviousely!

Well actually.... I'll be pulling with a '04 Dodge Ram QC 1500 with a 5.7 Hemi.

The truck weighs 5000#
The trailer weighs 4800#
The tractor weight is 1500#
The FEL weight is (est) 1000#

With my 392 axle ratio, I'm good to 8500#s according to my manual.

The truck's CGVWR is 14,000#s.

Based on my calculations, I'm well within limits! (unless someone tells me the FEL weighs 2500#s!!!)

Plus with the gooseneck, controlling this load shouldn't be too difficult (I hope)

 

[George2615]

By your specs you should be able to haul the 7300# (trailer with tractor inside) just fine. Be prepared for a loss in fuel mileage when towing that much weight behind you and allow for plenty of room to stopping. Now that the Mrs. gave you the nod for the trailer maybe she'll give you the nod for a 3/4 or 1 ton with a diesel (hint hint).
Once you get the hitch and hook the trailer to it then you can load the tractor inside to see where you'll need to install some tiedowns to hold the tractor. Your local tractor supply store sells D-rings that can bolt through the floor using either a backing plate or bolted to the trailer frame underneath. then you can secure your tractor to them with chains and binders.

 

[Deadman]

Thats way more than I'd do with a Half ton, simply because Todays half tons are built very light and have the weakest components on them.....axles, brakes, frames, suspension, transmissions, tires, wheels,......etc.

Not that a 1/2 ton can't pull it, but the general rule of thumb is that you NEVER put a 5th wheel trailer behind a 1/2 ton. You better get yoruself a new set of stiffer tires, because you get a TON of side-pressure from a 5th wheel trailer and stock 1/2 ton tires will not take that stress at high speed for long periods of time.

Just be safe and enjoy it!

 

[joes_427_vette]

Looks like a nice trailer. Is it constructed out of steel or alum ? I know the steel ones tend to pull hard and of course with the extra weight comes the push when stopping. I would go with the stiffer sidewall tires to be on the safe side. Otherwise I think you can pull it fine. A relative has a 4 horse trailer with a tac room and sleeping quarters in the front. His V-10 ford scouts out the fuel stops on a consistant basis.

 

[johndeere_2210]

Well actually.... I'll be pulling with a '04 Dodge Ram QC 1500 with a 5.7 Hemi.

The truck weighs 5000#
The trailer weighs 4800#
The tractor weight is 1500#
The FEL weight is (est) 1000#

With my 392 axle ratio, I'm good to 8500#s according to my manual.

The truck's CGVWR is 14,000#s.

Based on my calculations, I'm well within limits! (unless someone tells me the FEL weighs 2500#s!!!)

Plus with the gooseneck, controlling this load shouldn't be too difficult (I hope)

Have you or are you considering adding trailer brakes adjustment to the truck? I know there are different options, but mine is adjustable (adjust the amount of current to the trailer brakes) and you can make the trailer slow down the truck very nicely as opposed to making the truck do everything. It's one thing to pull something, but it's another to stop. Happy Towing.

 

[GordNovo]

Have you or are you considering adding trailer brakes adjustment to the truck? I know there are different options, but mine is adjustable (adjust the amount of current to the trailer brakes) and you can make the trailer slow down the truck very nicely as opposed to making the truck do everything. It's one thing to pull something, but it's another to stop. Happy Towing.

Yes, it comes with electronic breaks, so I had the Intella-Stop Digital brake controller installed. (See pic)

I've also attached a picture of the 2 5/16 Hidden Hitch in the hidden position and in the ready-to-use position. I think they did a nice job with the install.

To simplify the install, I also had a spray-in liner installed.

I took my neighbors similar trailer out for a test drive last night and it handled just perfectly. The brake controller worked excellent.

I'm picking my trailer up this weekend!

G

 

[johndeere_2210]

Yes, it comes with electronic breaks, so I had the Intella-Stop Digital brake controller installed. (See pic)

I've also attached a picture of the 2 5/16 Hidden Hitch in the hidden position and in the ready-to-use position. I think they did a nice job with the install.

To simplify the install, I also had a spray-in liner installed.

I took my neighbors similar trailer out for a test drive last night and it handled just perfectly. The brake controller worked excellent.

I'm picking my trailer up this weekend!

G

Looks very professional and enjoy the towing. I'm sure you are aware of this, but don't forget the tailgate when unhooking and moving forward, keep those shinny parts straight! I know how simple it is to trash a tailgate!

Be sure to post a picture of the 2305 inside the trailer and how it pulls.

 

[Deadman]

Be safe, and remember the HEMI is not your limiter on how much weight you can safely handle. The Hemi will pull way more than your truck can handle, so just use your head!

 

[GordNovo]

Well I'm pleased to report that my trip to Wichita was a success!!

Weather was perfect there and back, the 1/2 ton handled the trailer through the hills on Interstate 29 without much challenge. The electric brakes worked very well in stopping the trailer. The Ram 1500 had a good 4 inches of travel remaining in the shocks. However, this may be a different story once the trailer is loaded with cargo!

People were right about scouting for gas stations on the way back. I averaged 17mpg there and only 8-9mpg on the way back!

Here's a picture of pappa with his new crib....

Pictures of his baby (2305) in the crib will be coming next