Help Needed with trailer options

[Diamondpilot]

I personally would spend a few dollars more and upgrade to 12K unit. It usually the same axles and brakes, just heavier tires and hardware. My guess would be $200 to upgrade. Just make sure you have them upgrade the spare also.

Chris

 

[jimainiac]

It's exciting to order a trailer custom made, the chance to get it just the way you want it, as opposed to "off the lot". We had a 20' trailer made when we ordered our Kubota L3830 years ago. Here are a few thoughts:
A black paint job will be much more forgiving down the road, but to each his own there.
I don't think there's such a thing as too many tie downs. You never know where you're going to need them.
Back up lights. If they don't come standard, I'd ask for them. They can double as loading lights.
I'd ask for enough room on the A frame - tongue area for a large toolbox. Great for holding tie-down chains, binders, wheel chocks, etc. etc.
As someone else mentioned, make sure the jack is mounted far enough back to lower the tow vehicle's tailgate, even when turned at an angle.
It's probably standard procedure, but it's important to have support legs under the ramps, and the longer the ramps the milder the angle when loading and unloading.
I think you said you're planning on making it wide, but I had the fenders spaced out wide enough to be able to drive a pickup truck on.
Good Luck!

 

[downslope]

I agree with DP. If tractor FEL is 7095 that only leaves 2905 for trailer. You are cutting it close, if it works at all. Buy the heavier trailer now and you won't be sorry later. You can skip the fenders and the paint but you need the 16" centers.

 

[Owenslee]

I personally would spend a few dollars more and upgrade to 12K unit. It usually the same axles and brakes, just heavier tires and hardware. My guess would be $200 to upgrade. Just make sure you have them upgrade the spare also.

Chris

Your on the money...the difference is only $175....not counting the upgraded spare.

12K it will be...

Would seem to be money better spent than the heavier tread plate fenders.

But I can see that one removable fender offers some added flexibility for side loading and wider track vehicles.

And yes...it will be ordered in the widest configuration with 82" between the fenders.

All the suggestions received have been very helpful.

 

[930ck]

I am going through a similar trailer buying situation was looking at a 10000# trailer to save app. 500# of trailer weight over a 14000# trailer. Came to the conclusion that the weight and few hundred dollars I would save was not enough to offset the extra capacity of the heavier built trailer.

 

[kenmac]

I'd ask for enough room on the A frame - tongue area for a large toolbox. Great for holding tie-down chains, binders, wheel chocks, etc. etc.
!

I agree. My A frame (tongue) is 6 ft long fron front of trailer to coupler.This is where my box is located for chains,binders,etc,

 

[jejeosborne]

The orange paint would look nice but hard to keep nice. Black is easy to touch up. I have painted a few trailers and always added hardener to the paint for added shine and durability, maybe they could add it to the black as well. Maybe kubota orange pin striping for a custom look.

 

[Owenslee]

Thanks to all who replied.

Order was placed on Tuesday.

Decided on the heavier 12,000 capacity.

Went with Kubota Orange with hardener and black pin stripes.

2-3 week delivery

They also included triangular diamond plate steps at front and rear of each fender...at no charge. Normally a $60 option / side.

They offered steel conduit welded in place for the wiring harness but from previous experience they are a PITA to troubleshoot so I went with the removable flex conduit.

The 2' extended tongue will result in a total 5.5 ft long tongue with space for the winch, jack and tool box.

The additional 1/2" dia x 3" tall tie down loops, two welded on the inboard side of each fender on the deck channel and two on the front of the deck should offer good tie down options.

Thanks again to all. I think the final trailer configuration will serve my needs VERY well.

Will post pictures when received.

Kerry

 

[Diamondpilot]

Sounds nice.

Chris

 

[Owenslee]

Sounds nice.

Chris

Thanks Chris for your guidance.

BTW, weight of the finished trailer was estimated to be 2300 lbs.

An identical configuration quoted by Jerry James was quoted $130 higher without the diamond plate steps, additional tie-downs, teardrop fenders or optional paint color with hardener...and their trailer was estimated to be 1900 lbs....400 lbs lighter....which left me wondering where the structure was being made lighter.

I was very impressed with the people at Retco and their willingness to help in every way they could. Good people.