HOW DO YOU TOW YOUR TRACTOR?

[Carl Bert]

I wanted to get some insight as to how everyone out there in "tractor land" loads and tows their tractor. I have a Kubota L3200 w/ BH 77 backhoe. I transport it on an 18 ft. dual axle trailer (no brakes on trailer) and I have found that if I back my tractor on the trailer instead of pulling it on forward, I actually put more weight towards the hitch, and axles which makes the tow a lot more stable. I do plan to get brakes on the trailer because I'm towing it with a 2004 Nissan Titan (5.6L v8) and althought it pulls it with no problems, it can be a little "hairy" at times when its time to stop. I posted these pics to see if anyone else has had my idea, and also wanted to note that even though the backhoe bucket extends over the front rail, I have had no problems with turn radius.....the bucket never gets close to the tailgate even in sharp turns.<img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=296263"/><img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=296264"/><img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=296265"/>

Why would you want to put more weight on the hitch? You need to balance the load on the trailer so there is minimal weight on the hitch. You don't want the trailer picking up the back of the tow vehicle, but you also don't want too much weight on it. What I do is get a measurement from the tongue of the trailer to the ground when the trailer is empty. When I load the tractor, I pretty much balance it so I maintain that same measurement.. Not sure if that's common practice, but it works great for me.

Oh and I would definitely recommend brakes on both axles.

 

[wcampbell47]

I have an 18 foot 7K axle trailer with no brakes on which I load a B3200, no backhoe but many times do have a shredder or land plane. I have 60 gallon spray rig that I attach fully loaded and transport on occasion. The majority of the tractor weight seems to be centered around the rear wheels. I drive on to a point that the rear wheels are about centered over the trailer axles. I watch the truck to make sure I get some weight on the hitch, but not too much. Your photos show the majority of the tractor weight going on the truck and hitch which for me is not the ideal situation. I want the trailer to carry the weight. I am thinking it would be very easy to get more than the 500 to 600 lbs of tongue weight on the truck which is normally the limit. I have an F150 with a 500 lb tongue weight limit. Recently I have had to replace the bearings in the rear end so I am now more cognizant of how much tongue weight and total weight I pull.

 

[Gary Fowler]

My sentiments exactly. Looks like 50+% of your load is on the truck which isnt good for the truck. I pull my B26 and LS P7010 with the rear wheels parked directly over the rear axles. That gives me plenty of tongue weight and doesnt overload my hitch (at least not badly)
First photo is how I loaded my LS on my 20 ft trailer and the second photo is how the dealer had it loaded when delivered.
For my B26 (no photos of it), I center the rear tires between the axles for proper weight on the tongue.

 

[RaydaKub]

<img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=296375"/><img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=296376"/>My sentiments exactly. Looks like 50+% of your load is on the truck which isnt good for the truck. I pull my B26 and LS P7010 with the rear wheels parked directly over the rear axles. That gives me plenty of tongue weight and doesnt overload my hitch (at least not badly)
First photo is how I loaded my LS on my 20 ft trailer and the second photo is how the dealer had it loaded when delivered.
For my B26 (no photos of it), I center the rear tires between the axles for proper weight on the tongue.

Gary, it looks like the dealer used a 5th wheel instead of a bumper hitch. You can load a 5th wheel quite a bit heavier on the truck, as your second picture shows.

 

[mvwicker]

Why would you want to put more weight on the hitch? You need to balance the load on the trailer so there is minimal weight on the hitch. You don't want the trailer picking up the back of the tow vehicle, but you also don't want too much weight on it. What I do is get a measurement from the tongue of the trailer to the ground when the trailer is empty. When I load the tractor, I pretty much balance it so I maintain that same measurement.. Not sure if that's common practice, but it works great for me.

Oh and I would definitely recommend brakes on both axles.

I second your recommendation for brakes on both axles. However, your balancing method is risky. The tongue weight should be 10% to 15% of the trailer+load weight. The sag at the hitch ball is proportional to the tongue weight, so if you balance the load to get no more sag than when empty, you could end up with too little tongue weight.

You could measure the tongue weight by unhitching the trailer, measuring the ball height, then measure the sag when standing on the ball to get the spring coefficient. I weigh about 200 lbs and cause a 1" sag, which is about the same as the sag with the empty trailer hitched up. To get about 600 lbs of tongue weight with a 5000 lb trailer+load weight, I position the tractor to get 3" of sag at the hitch ball.

Then I drive down the road like I'm hauling stemware and nitroglycerine

 

[lhansman]

Hi avc1830

I know you have an L45 so here is a photo of my L45 in a 14 foot 14,000 GVW Moritz dumper. If I park the L45 as far back as possible, even with four foamed tires (932 pounds), the forks and 4-in-1 bucket on the loader, the Laurin cab and my 12", 24" and 36" hoe buckets the trailer is legally loaded to within about 200 pounds of her maximum weight rating. This configuration is probably a little heavy on tongue weight but the rear axle of my 2012 F350 SRW diesel is only 200 pounds over the factory rating which is fine with me. This tows - and stops - very well at speeds up to 70 mph.



For those of you that are worried about tongue weight, remember that in order to avoid trailer sway 10 - 15 percent of the trailer weight should be on the tongue. As someone who has experienced trailer sway first hand I always ensure that I have closer to 15% of the weight on the tongue for safety's sake.

Regards,

Lauren

 

[El Wood]

Please, please, please more information about this trailer. Do you have any pics with the tractor in it? I am starting to shop for a dump trailer and need all of the advice I can get.

ac

AC,

Here is some info and pics on my dump trailer for ya...



GENERAL INFORMATION

Manufacturer

Model Year 2012

Model 80 wide 7' x 16' Legend Dump Trailer

Color Black

Stock Number: OXC1317523

DIMENSIONS
Deck Length 192"

Deck Height 24"

Deck Width 80"

WEIGHTS
Weight 3990#

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) 14,000#

BODY
Gate Type Greaseable Dump Gate

Lift Gear Hydraulic Piston Up/Down With 20' Remote Control

Chassis Construction All Steel Tube Frame

Paint/Finish Extra Durable Powder Coat Finish

Ramp Heavy Duty Ramps

ELECTRICAL
Electrical Sealed Wiring Harness, Solar Panel Charger

OPERATIONAL
Suspension Spring Axle With EZ Lube Hubs

Brakes Brakes On Both Axles

Axles Tandem 7000# Axles

Coupler 2-5/16"

Safety Features Pivoting Safety Bar Under Dump Bed

Jack Heavy Duty Top Crank Jack

 

[lhansman]

Hi El Wood

That is indeed a nice looking trailer and I wish I had a 16 footer rather than 14 feet. At the time the longest I could find was the 14' Moritz so that is what I purchased but I have actually been considering going to a tri-axle 18 or 20 foot dumper. The tri-axles have a 21,000 pound GVW which would give me a good safety margin with my machine and allow me to haul additional fill as well. I was offered a low trade in value for my Moritz and now that I know I am legal I will hold off trading unless I find a good deal on a used tri-axle.

Regards,

Lauren

 

[avc8130]

Hi avc1830

I know you have an L45 so here is a photo of my L45 in a 14 foot 14,000 GVW Moritz dumper. If I park the L45 as far back as possible, even with four foamed tires (932 pounds), the forks and 4-in-1 bucket on the loader, the Laurin cab and my 12", 24" and 36" hoe buckets the trailer is legally loaded to within about 200 pounds of her maximum weight rating. This configuration is probably a little heavy on tongue weight but the rear axle of my 2012 F350 SRW diesel is only 200 pounds over the factory rating which is fine with me. This tows - and stops - very well at speeds up to 70 mph.

For those of you that are worried about tongue weight, remember that in order to avoid trailer sway 10 - 15 percent of the trailer weight should be on the tongue. As someone who has experienced trailer sway first hand I always ensure that I have closer to 15% of the weight on the tongue for safety's sake.

Regards,

Lauren

Lauren,

LOVE it!

If you were to start again, would you get a 16'? It looks like it would make a significant difference. EDIT: I just saw your 2nd post. Clearly you would have preferred the 16'.

My only concern would be turning with the bucket over the tongue like that. Any risk/concern of contacting the truck?

ac

 

[El Wood]

Hi El Wood

That is indeed a nice looking trailer and I wish I had a 16 footer rather than 14 feet. At the time the longest I could find was the 14' Moritz so that is what I purchased but I have actually been considering going to a tri-axle 18 or 20 foot dumper. The tri-axles have a 21,000 pound GVW which would give me a good safety margin with my machine and allow me to haul additional fill as well. I was offered a low trade in value for my Moritz and now that I know I am legal I will hold off trading unless I find a good deal on a used tri-axle.

Regards,

Lauren

Lauren,

Nice setup there!!

I came very close to getting a 14' instead of the 16' foot. I was walking back and forth in the dealer lot trying to decide. I finally came to the conclusion that you can't go wrong on a few extra feet so I went with the 16'.

It tows very well with my bucket or grapple and ballast box. When I tow with my bucket and 5' brush hog, the mower hangs off the back or I have to pull forward and hang my bucket over the front like you.

A tri-axle dump trailer would be sweet. I don't recall ever seeing one that big before. The dealer I went to has a huge lot but none of those.

 

[PAPPASMURF]

Just wanted to chime in again and explain why I put more weight on the tongue. when I pulled the tractor on forwards (fel to the front), the trailer swayed pretty bad because the majority of the weight was on the back of the trailer (from mid-axle to rear end) this put the trailer in a tongue lifting position, and thus, made the trucks rear end very light (not good). when I put the tractor on as you see in the pictures it seemed to balance out perfectly. I havent done the math or anything, and since I posted this I am definately getting brakes on both axles before I tow again, but the Nissan Titan has a tow capacity of almost 10,000 pounds / heavy duty tow package, and the 4x4 suspension seems to hold the tractor and trailer very well. I may be missing something, and I am by far no expert on this, but any additional constructive ideas or comments are appreciated. I want to keep it safe, but it looks like I may be making some mistakes which I intend to correct asap! Thanks for all the feedback!:confused3:

 

[Code54]

I also back my tractor on my trailer - I have an 18' dovetail quad wheel trailer (with brakes) and pull a MX5100 with loader/grapple and rear blade. I back on to put some extra weight on the truck and I never have any issues with sway. I am pulling this combo with a 2012 2500 Dodge Diesel - I did pull it with a 07 Tundra (5.7L long bed 4x4) and while it was within the rating of the truck it just didn't feel real good towing that much weight with that truck, the Dodge just feels MUCH more planted. Guess it is the difference in the weight of the truck as well as a heavier suspension.

 

[94BULLITT]

Just wanted to chime in again and explain why I put more weight on the tongue. when I pulled the tractor on forwards (fel to the front), the trailer swayed pretty bad because the majority of the weight was on the back of the trailer (from mid-axle to rear end) this put the trailer in a tongue lifting position, and thus, made the trucks rear end very light (not good). when I put the tractor on as you see in the pictures it seemed to balance out perfectly. I havent done the math or anything, and since I posted this I am definately getting brakes on both axles before I tow again, but the Nissan Titan has a tow capacity of almost 10,000 pounds / heavy duty tow package, and the 4x4 suspension seems to hold the tractor and trailer very well. I may be missing something, and I am by far no expert on this, but any additional constructive ideas or comments are appreciated. I want to keep it safe, but it looks like I may be making some mistakes which I intend to correct asap! Thanks for all the feedback!:confused3:

You can use a bathroom scale and a 2x4 to check your tongue weight. Determining Trailer Tongue Weight | etrailer.com

Have you considered selling that trailer and getting one with brakes? You will have over $500 in doing the brakes yourself.

 

[PHILIP8N]

I felt comfortable when I did the following. Took truck to scales, got front and rear axle weight. Took truck and empty trailer to scales, got front and rear axle weight, plus trailer axles weight. Took truck and trailer and loaded tractor to scales, got axle weights again. From this, you can see where your weights are distrubuted. If the truck stop scales are not close to home, you can still do this all in one trip. May cost you 3 time $9.00, but it will keep you from guessing. Anyone towing over 3000 pounds needs to get trailer axle brakes before you cause collateral damage, hurt yourself, or most important, hurt/kill someone else who is innocent to your incompetence. Philip.

 

[azbinder]

Picture this if youcan.
Brand new (less that 10 hours) Grand L 30 series tractor w/ loader and backhoe and a 72" box scraper all on an new 18', 13000#gvw trailer behind a Ford F250. Scraper sitting on the front of the deck and then the tractor pulled on with the loader bucket sittong on the deck up against the scraper. This puts the backhoe hanging in the air behind the stand up ramps. Pull down the freeway at 65mph and guess what happens. If you guessed total disaster, you are correct. Bent up loader, backhoe, broken rear differential housing, bent wheels. Not a board left on the trailer deck, and both trailer axles bent. And the customer had the guts to blame it all on the trailer brakes not working

 

[check]

Just got this brand new, 7,000 lb., 18' car hauler with brakes on both axles, to haul my 2700 lb. Kubota BX25 TLB. Lots of capacity to spare, for extra implements. (Already have a rear blower, and probably a box scraper will be next.) I MAY carry the scraper with me when I go to a friend's to help him with his garage pad prep, but it will only weigh less than 500 lbs., so still plenty of leeway. Only paid $3,000 brand new for the trailer, complete with stowable steel ramps!:cool2:

Here's what I had before:

 

[wmonroe]

This is what i use, don't have any pictures of it with the 5240 on it. There is plenty of room though for implememts and to adjust front/back to get tongue weight just right.

 

[uncworbital]

I have a kubota L3800 with a 4in1 and flail mower. I tow it Toyota Tacoma with a 18' 7k dual axle trailer that has one set of electric breaks. Setup works good for me. I drive the tractor onto the trailer facing forward. The only problem is tongue weight so I typically bring the flail mower up with the 4in1 and park the tractor farther back on the trailer so it's weight is more centered on the dual axles.

 

[Reyer Farms]

I have a kubota L3800 with a 4in1 and flail mower. I tow it Toyota Tacoma with a 18' 7k dual axle trailer that has one set of electric breaks. Setup works good for me. I drive the tractor onto the trailer facing forward. The only problem is tongue weight so I typically bring the flail mower up with the 4in1 and park the tractor farther back on the trailer so it's weight is more centered on the dual axles.

Gotta pic? I would like to see it. I used to really enjoy pulling with the smaller toyotas.

 

[Reyer Farms]

This a picture of my wife's truck ( Eco boost), daddy's 18' performance car hauler, and the 5010. Loaded it a little tongue heavy to see how the truck would tote it. This was the first of many times I hauled it. It has done very well. Trailer has brakes but no controller in the truck. I'm taking daddy's m7040 to him this week or the next. We will see how it does. I use a gooseneck with my truck bc the extra weight with welder etc.