Hauling BX2200/MMM/FEL

[JMP]

Looking at purchasing a trailer for hauling my BX2200 with MMM and FEL. Any susgestions on what size trailer. I plan on using an Olds Mini van to haul it. Looked at a 6.5 X 12 single axle with loading ramp. Measured my tractor from bucket to three point and measured a little under 12'. Would this work? Anyone know of a 14' trailer and brand?

JMP

 

[Will_C]

JMP;
I haul my BX on a 6.5'x12' single axle trailer. It is a tight fit with the FEL, as you mentioned. My trailer is a Worthington aluminum model. The advantage in this is more usuable, legal payload. In most states, 3000lbs is the max. registered weight for a trailer without brakes. Most of the single axle trailers can be licensed for 3500lbs if they have brakes, but it seems like a steep price too pay for 500 lbs. extra capacity.
My trailer weighs 650 lbs., the BX, MMM, and FEL comes in at around 2100 lbs., leaving me a little below the legal weight.
I don't know of any 14' trailers in a single axle configuration, although I know Worthington (and probably other manufacturers) will custom make about anything.
Other TBN'ers may tell you that a tandem 16' trailer is your best choice, but it seems like you are in the same situation that I am in regards to a tow vehicle. While I am unfamiliar with the Olds mini-van, I use a 4cyl. Toyota Tacoma with a tow rating of 3500lbs. A tandem axle trailer would put the total weight over what I could/should haul. The single axle trailer enables me to get the job done.
Having said that, as soon as I buy a new full-sized truck. I will be ordering a tandem trailer to take advantage of the increased towing capacity.
Sorry if this post ramblied a bit much.
Will

 

[JMP]

Thanks Will,
How do you load your tractor on the trailer? With FEL attached, do you drive on forwards or back it on? Wandering about weight being to heavy on tongue or lifting on tongue.

A olds Mini Van is a 6 cyl rated at 3500 Lbs. Basicly like anyother Mini Van.

Did Find at Farm&Fleet A 6X16 trailer but cost is just under $2,000.00. The 6.5 X 12 was end of year sale for $995. Christmas is coming so money gets tight.

thanks again Will
JMP

 

[JMP]

Sorry,
6X16 trailer at $2,000 was a tandom axle.

 

[jph_in_Bama]

I have a 7.5 x 16 dual axle trailer that I haul my BX2200 with one of my implements and 4 wheeler back and forth to the hunting club just about every weekend. I paid $600.00 for my trailer used. It does not have brakes! I pull it with a Nissan Frontier 6 cyl. While it is a load, ,and I want a Full size pickup, it does the job.

 

[Will_C]

JMP;
I have found that either backing on or putting the bucket on the tounge assembly will balance the load. The Worthington trailer I have was around $2100, complete with a 2000lb rated ramp. It is an expensive trailer, but very well designed. I have used it for three years without any problems, not even so much as a lose wire.
Again, the only problem I see with the common 6.5x12 trailer that you mention is the legal weight issue. I would guess the trailer you are referring to probably weighs 1200-1300lbs, meaning you will be overloaded with your tractor.
Many people don't worry about such things, but growing with a father who was a trucker, I am sensitive to these items. I feel comfortable driving anywhere knowing I am both legal and safe.
If an another vehicle is your future, the tandem trailer sounds like a good deal. I am not sure that your current tow situation would make it wise. That tandem trailer probably weighs 1800-2000 lbs, leaving not much payload room with your mini-van.
Good luck,
Will

 

[Steven]

I have a Mid Atlantic 16' with two 3500 lb. axles with electric brakes on all four wheels for my bx-22. I do a lot of trailering for odd jobs and found the tandem tracks better on the highway (no sway), and the electric brakes give you more control when stopping. cost $1800. Your sure to feel the load behind you with the mini van. and electric or surge brakes would definetly help stopping. surge brakes do not require any added wiring for your trailer connection, small added cost for safety. make sure the tractors load on trailer is distributed correctly over the axle this will also help in trailering.

 

[pemad]

There are a lot of options out there. I have a 6.5'x14' trailer that I pull my BX around with. It fits on the trailer fairly nice. If you can go the extra mile and buy a dual axle trailer I would recommend it as my trailer is pushing the edge on max weight with the BX, FEL and implement.

 

[Rick Jay]

JMP,

I have no experience towing anything, but I have been doing some research on towing capacities of vehicles for a possible future RV purchase.

We currently have a Honda Odyssey minivan with the hypothetical 3500 pound towing limit. If you dig deeply enough into how most of the manufacturers determine towing capacity, it is tied to the gross combined vehicle weight rating. This number is usually determined with an empty vehicle. So, if you weigh 200 pounds and will be driving your vehicle, your towing capacity is now 3300 pounds. Have a 200 pound partner? Now it's down to 3100 pounds. What I found out is that our Odyssey, with 2 adults, 3 kids, a golden retriever and suitcases & supplies reduced our towing capacity to about 2500 pounds, which makes it unuseable for any RV we were interested in.

I looked at the Toyota Sequoia, nice vehicle, tows 6500 pounds or so...but the wife "loves" the minivan. Oh well. Now I'm looking at Class C motorhomes, but that's another story.

As one who usually errs on the side of caution, I would recommend finding a better trailer and tow vehicle combination. If you were only going to tow it a few miles, once or twice a year when no one else was on the road, then maybe it would be worth the risk.

Just my $0.02.

~Rick

 

[Anonymous Poster]

If possible go with a tandem axle trailer. If your unsure about the size you are comfortable with rent one first and give it a tow for a day/wkend. I've rented from uhaul when I wanted to tow to a friend house and then used the trailer for mulch and gravel. Our Uhaul dealer also had some ramps for the trailer, nomally it just has a small tgate. The trailer I use is not going to have dirt/gravel or mulch in it. I'll screw-up the rental trailer for that(the trailers even has a "don't fill gravel beond this height
sign". Part of the choice is in how long are your arms and how deep are your pockets. Just like pole barns you will rarely wish you had a smaller trailer (exept when your storing it!) Check the weight of the trailers I went with aluminium it save a couple of pounds and I also have the axles that are the rubber dounut flex type, much smoother ride plus normally lower to the ground. The rig I have doesn't just hall the BX2200 the other toys go in there also so it does more than double duty. Look down the posts for "bx2200 stuff". I still rent a beater trailer from uhaul and loaded with no breakes, I still get a healthy push with my suburban, it's not the best feeling in the world!!

Just my couple of cents worth good luck in your seach

Tony