How can I determine my trailer's load capacity?

[MossflowerWoods]

Guys & Gals,

I have a fellow TBN'er who wants to come over and bring his tractor (Bobcat CT122, no load in tires).

I have a 5x12 flatbed with angle iron sides, sinle axle, leaf springs, metal ramp, etc. (see pic).

I have managed to load 3 of my Harley's on it at one time, but was unable to lose tailgate so did not tow. I estimate I had at least 2200 lbs on the trailer at that point.

So, before I loan my trailer to a friend to tow a CT122 over to play tractors, how can I determine if it will actually manage this load?

I bought this trailer used and have no info on it.

Thanks in advance!
David

 

[moored4]

Go to Pro- Line's web site and look at their trailers spec. and see which one is your's and it should give you the load limites.:thumbsup:

 

[MossflowerWoods]

Go to Pro- Line's web site and look at their trailers spec. and see which one is your's and it should give you the load limites.:thumbsup:

DOH!

I never thought of that. I just assumed it was a local guy (my neighbor bought it in Georgia I think, I bought it from him years ago).

David

 

[moored4]

PS. Besure that if you do lend him your trailer that since it's a single axel that he's position the load over the axel in the proper place. Look out for fish tailing and/or too much toung weight! :thumbsup:

 

[LD1]

Does his tractor have a loader??? If so, I think it will be too heavy for your trailer.

If not, I think you'll be ok.

Just guessing, but it is probabally a 3500lb axle. Trailer probabally weighs ~1200lbs, Tractor weighs 2100lbs.

So....3500-1200=2300lb capacity. Plus ~500lb tongue weight would give you a ~2800lb capacity. Ok for just a tractor, But the loader would probabally push it if that applies.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I would not tow that tractor on a single axle trailer.

But for reference measure the diameter of the axle tube. I am guessing yours are about 2 1/3" That would make it a 3500# axle.
Figure trailer axle sizes, R and P Carriages
This chart will tell you what axles you have.

Most of the time on these smaller cheaper built trailers there are no brakes so even though they use a 3500# axle they de rate it to 2990# to keep it legal. Most states require brakes over 3000#. By doing this they build the trailer to 3000# specs. This is with the metal frame and more importantly the tires. Look at your tire load ratings.

Trailers I have sold like that in the past way about 800# empty so that would leave you with 2200# of legal capacity.

One other factor is that gate does not look up to the task of loading a CUT to me. You will bend it all up.

Chris

 

[LD1]

I would not tow that tractor on a single axle trailer.

But for reference measure the diameter of the axle tube. I am guessing yours are about 2 1/3" That would make it a 3500# axle.
Figure trailer axle sizes, R and P Carriages
This chart will tell you what axles you have.

Most of the time on these smaller cheaper built trailers there are no brakes so even though they use a 3500# axle they de rate it to 2990# to keep it legal. Most states require brakes over 3000#. By doing this they build the trailer to 3000# specs. This is with the metal frame and more importantly the tires. Look at your tire load ratings.

Trailers I have sold like that in the past way about 800# empty so that would leave you with 2200# of legal capacity.

One other factor is that gate does not look up to the task of loading a CUT to me. You will bend it all up.

Chris

x2 on the lift gate.

But whats the harm in hauling a 2100lb tractor on a 2200# cap trailer using your #'s.

Whats the difference in that vs a few quads and a trail bike, or a couple of ZTR's with 4 weedeaters, 2 blowers, and a pushmower?? Or a laod of mulch.

2200lbs is 2200lbs, it doesnt matter what form it is in, as long as it cam be loaded safely with that gate.

I know we all like to go overboard here, but for crying-out-loud he doesnt need an 18k gooseneck just to pull a 2100lb SCUT

 

[MossflowerWoods]

Pro-Line is merely a dealer name.

5x12 seems to not be a std size.

There is a weight lable, I can't read it, but I believe the trailer was purchased/built at Diamond C Farm Equip in Lyon's VA probably 10 years ago or so.They are out of business as far as I can tell.

Chris,

I suspect you are EXACTLY right on the weight limits. Most similar trailers I can find online are 2990.

As to the tailgate, I can take another pic, but it is metal mesh welded to a fram made of 1x2 rectangular tubing. The hinges are welded at both ends, the tail gate is removable, the pin side is on the trailer, I think there are 4 of them.

Is the mesh the weak spot, or the tubing?

Until I am healed up, I cannot climb under trailer (could not get up I fear) to measure axles.

Thanks to all of you. I am learning a ton.
David

 

[MossflowerWoods]

I know we all like to go overboard here, but for crying-out-loud he doesnt need an 18k gooseneck just to pull a 2100lb SCUT

SHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!

YES I DO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

At least that is what I will tell the wife when it is time to BUY one! :laughing:

David

 

[radioman]

sorry- chris is right- the trailer you got is pretty much too lightweight for a cut tractor. your mesh gate will bend as there is no supports where tires will go.