How big a trailer do I need?

[johnk]

Here's a pic when I was young and foolish with my first tractor trying to haul almost 4000 pounds on a 3500 trailer w/ single axle. When I went down the first big hill I WAS IN 1ST GEAR trying to get some braking action. I figured after my brakes were smoking my life and other peoples lives were more important than a few extra dollars. I since got a bigger tractor and a Tandem with Dual axles and Brakes on both. Sure makes for nice hauling. Don't skimp on the safety margin and also like others have said.... Make sure its big Enough so you don't have to go and buy another..

 

[Egon]

Just think of the lawsuit if something happens and the towing/hauling equipment does meet regulations.

Puts another perspective on towing that may be major.

Course I'm only going a few miles so??

 

[m7040]

bigger trailer is always better

 

[johnk]

Egon,

They say most accidents occur close to home......

 

[Dargo]

bigger trailer is always better

Yup, trailers are like women; they don't make 'em too big.

 

[LBrown59]

Egon,

They say most accidents occur close to home......

Move farther away then

 

[dholly]

To help judge, this is my B7610 and 18' tandem 7000# w/ brakes both axles. IMHO, 18' is not too big (brush hog still hangs over) and brakes are a must. Instead of a heavy car hauler, maybe a lightweight aluminum 7000# would work better if'n ya got the pockets.

 

[Dusty]

Before you purchase any trailer, first check the vehicles ability to handle such a trailer. No sense in purchasing a larger tailer that when it is combined with the weight of the tractor, your vehicle doesn't have the towing capacity to handle. If you get into an accident, even if the trailer is capable of handling the load, and the vehicle isn't, you will be cited and held responsible. Also, any mechanical damage that you might do to your tow vehicle by using a trailer that is too heavy for the tow vehicle will not be covered by the vehicle manufacturers warranty. Whenever a vehicle has a mechanical failure and that vehicle also has a tow hitch installed, it isn't hard for them to deny the claim saying that it was abuse. When towing, every aspect of the tow vehicle and the trailer needs to be considered if you want to be safe. Dusty

 

[patrick_g]

I have a Kubota L-4610 and my trailer has tandem 6000 lb rated axles. It is 18'3" on deck with a slight dovetail at back. I can load my tractor with FEL and bucket and HD 6' brush hog. The brush hog extends over the back of the trailer but the tail wheel gets no where near the road. This trailer has 4 wheel electric brakes and a break away system. It has diamond plate fenders and floor.

Those times when I didn't plug in the electrical connector (staying on my property exclusively) I soon learned to allow a very long distance to stop and this is towing with a 1 ton Dodge with 19.5 tires.

Do get trailer brakes and don't skimp on the controller, a few bucks can make a bit difference. Tenkosha (SP?) is one of the good brands. I realize that smaller chains are legal but I tie down with 3/8 grade 70 chains and binders.

You start out thinking you will not use the trailer much and then you keep thinking of things to do with it, including going off your property with the tractor to do various things. I'm not saying you need to buy super HD overkill everything but look at what you can buy for not so much more $. Few folks regret having equipment that does the job without needing repairs or subjecting them to too much pucker factor. The worst management decisions I have made were virtually always cutting corners too much because I would PROBABLY NEVER NEED TO DO MORE.

Another area to not skimp on is the coupler and hitch. Get a good hitch with more rating than you need and it will not fail you, likewise the coupler. I personally like the bulldog type but there are other stout types too.

Try to not have the socket on the truck too close to the hitch as when hitching up single handed you will miss once in a while and the trailer tongue can easily ruin the connector. Just guessing of course... I have no personal experience along these lines... ha ha.

Patrick

 

[ihookem]

I have a 7510 with fel and roto tiller. It is a 3000 pound trailor rating but in reality it's a 3500 because federal law requires brakes after 3000. I have had no problems at all but I did get a 6'14' trailor. I pull it all over all summer long and now wierd experiences at all. I'm sure it's safe.