Is my trailer big enough?

OrangeJunk · Mar 6, 2005

I'm thinking of buying a BX23 and have a 5 by 10 foot trailer. The plate on the tongue says GW of 2990. The tires are 15" and fairly heavy. The BX23 weights 2600 lbs. Do I have enough length? Can I hold the weight? My truck is a Chev 2500 so I think this is clealy not an issue.

I am brand new to TractorByNet so if I am posting incorrectly or asking stupid questions please let me know.

Cliff_Johns · Mar 6, 2005

( I am brand new to TractorByNet so if I am posting incorrectly or asking stupid questions please let me know. )

Not a stupid question at all. Good question. I would point out that Gross vehicle weight includes the weight of the trailer. How much does the trailer weigh?

How far are you taking it? Any hills or bad road?

Cliff

OrangeJunk · Mar 6, 2005

I would guess that the trailer weights about 450 pounds, maybe 500 with the rear gate. I intend to trailer between Richmond and Mathews Virginia, a distance of about 85 miles, only on rare occations. The roads are excellent. My trailer has a metal frame and a 2 by 8 wood floor. The BX23 dealer said he could load it for me and tell me if it looked safe?

BigAl · Mar 6, 2005

Welcome !
Your truck is more than enough to haul with . Does it have a electric brake module installed on it ? There cheap and a life saver . If your trailer has electric brakes on one or more axles than it is a must . Depending on how your trailer is constructed and weighs in at empty , will make the final decision on how much you can safely carry . More than likely you will be fine ,but if you should have a problem or accident the law will take a hard look at your total weight . Also you should check your trailer tires and see what your "Load Range" is . They will have a weight limit stamped into the sidewall . Is your trailer a single or two alxe ? I would hate to have a tire blow out on a single axle trailer under full load at highway speed . /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif You might want to consider selling your trailer and going with one that is a bit larger with more carrying capacity . A 7'x16' used car trailer is fairly reasonable ,has a load range of about 7000 pounds , and would have lots of room for all those little goodies you will end up buying eventually for the tractor . You might want to consider it .With your existing 5'x10' trailer you are already at the max it can handle and maybe more .
Again welcome aboard ! By the way , There is no such thing as a "stupid question".
/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gifHold it ! There is one ! Never ,never , ask a women how much she weighs /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif!
Big Al

OrangeJunk · Mar 6, 2005

Thanks Big Al. I've been reading alot of the "rather be safe than sorry" posts this evening and your advice makes me think I better invest in a new trailer. Maybe I'll rent for the very rare times that I need to transport? It seems like there are way more tractor enthusiasts out west than on the east coast. I do know that I can't wait to get mine. A friend has a 28 acre farm and I go out and bush hog his property just for fun on his L3400. I can see where you could really get hurt on a tractor both by my very very limited experience and by the many posts on near accidents.

Thanks for the help.

BigAl · Mar 6, 2005

Wait ! Wait ! Wait ! You go over to a friends and bushhog for fun ? Man have I got a great deal for you ! I am going to allow you to come to my ranch in Idaho and work for free ! I won't charge you a cent /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif.You can even take breaks and watch the Elk ! ( on your own time of course) . Seriously though , Renting would be the way to go if you trailer only a few times a year . By the time you figure wear and tear , insurance , lic fees and so forth you will be way ahead to rent .
Big Al

dbelisle · Mar 7, 2005

I bought a used 16 foot tandem axel trailer for $900.00. I put new tires and wheels on it and did some other work to it, but I still have less than $1,400.00 into it. I may take a while but if your are looking you will find a used one for $800 to $1,400.
Then you can hall your tractor with implements on it and not worry about it.

Dave in NH

LBrown59 · Mar 7, 2005

( I'm thinking of buying a BX23 and have a 5 by 10 foot trailer. The plate on the tongue says GW of 2990. The tires are 15" and fairly heavy. The BX23 weights 2600 lbs. Do I have enough length? Can I hold the weight? My truck is a Chev 2500 so I think this is clealy not an issue.

I am brand new to TractorByNet so if I am posting incorrectly or asking stupid questions please let me know. )

Mine is 15 feet long therefore it won't fit in a 10 foot space.

Scozz · Mar 8, 2005

Orangejunk ..my 2 cents would be to sell the current trailer and upgrade to a tandem w/brakes. Like other members said they are rather cheap and once you have it you'll find plenty of use for it. I'd be lost without mine ... Scozz

hazmat · Mar 8, 2005

your advice makes me think I better invest in a new trailer 

Good thoughts. I bought a new 7,000# GVW 16' tandom car hauler for $1,500 new. Includes electric brakes on both axels. Cheap insurance...

Welcome to tbn /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif