Looking for a commercial grade equipment trailer, suggestions?

[Verticaltrx]

As the title implies, I'm in the market for a new equipment trailer for my business. My old 1970's vintage 8K trailer is completely worn out and isn't safe anymore. The 8k rating on it is also very generous and it doesn't have the capacity I need as I start to get larger equipment.

I'm looking for a new trailer in the 10K to 12K range, 18' to 20', with adjustable height pintle hitch. I'll be using it almost every week, hauling everything from lumber and building supplies, bundles of fence posts, to various types of equipment. Largest equipment that I'd be hauling would be a JD 5045E with bush hog and FEL. Occasionally I rent Kubota TLB's (B26, L39, etc) and also sometimes skid steers as large as a T190 Bobcat.

Trucks I'd be using to to this trailer with would either be a 4wd F250, Cab/Chassis F-350 11' flatbed, or C60 dump truck. Obviously I wouldn't be loading it as heavy behind the F-250 as I would the other two trucks.

So far the two manufactures that I'm most interested in are Hudson Trailers and Kaufman Trailers. They are both local to me and I believe they are near top of the line when it comes to quality. Both manufactures build trailers north of 20-tons, so that tells me they know a little about building equipment trailers. With that said, I'm also looking for suggestions on other makes of similar quality. Also suggestions on 10K vs 12K, 18' vs 20' other options to include, etc. My budget is about $3500.

Thanks for any info.

 

[Wolfy]

I have a 12,000 GVW Pequea deckover. I bought new in 2004, $3,500 - $4,000, I can't remember exact figure. It has been great, its heavy duty and theres plenty of room for my Kubota backhoe. I really like the 8 lug wheels. ( the 10,000s have 6 lugs )Only downside being, it does sway more at highway speeds (towing with a srw) than a bobcat style trailer.

 

[Diamondpilot]

2 things come to mind. First is $3500 for a trailer that will be used every day and last is a shot in the dark. You need a top quality trailer, this is not cheap.

Second thing is remember that a 10K trailer for example is not rated for 10,000# payload. Its 10,000# max load, that is trailers empty weight and cargo.

I would guess they class of trailer you need is going to cost you more than you are willing to spend for one and is going to be heavy, about 3,000# empty or more. On a 10K trailer this will leave you with 9,000# for payload, probably not enough. A 12 K trailer will have better margins. Heck, I had a 25,000# 25+5 GN and it weighed about 6,500# empty with the winch, battery, chains in the tool box ect. It was heavy and because of this it was legally allowed to carry 18,500#.


As for the number of lugs I have 2 trailers in my drive way right now with 6,000# axles. One is a tandem and one is a tri so trailer A is 12,000# and trailer B is 18,000# and both have 6 Lugs. Around here the only thing we see with 8 lugs is 7,000# axles or bigger.

By the way your tractor is 5,100# with no fluid in the tires, no loader, no implement. I am guessing you are at nearly 7,000# alone for the tractor and FEL and say another 800# for your implement you have on. I would go no less than 12,000# 20'

Chris

 

[Wolfy]

My 12,000 GVW trailer weighs 3,000lbs empty, leaving a 9,000lb load. My brother in law had the 10,000 GVW version, leaving a 7,000lb load. I can't say if the axles are different, besides the lugs. I never put 9,000lbs on it, and like having more strength than I need. Where I bought my trailer, the owner told me a few customers buy the 12 and ask for a special 10 plate installed....I'm thinking a 12 used as a 10 should last a very long time.

 

[Verticaltrx]

Thanks for the quick replies.

I guess pricing is a fairly regional thing, there are numerous trailer manufacturers in this area which I believe it why you can get good deals. The two trailers in the following links can both be had for $3500 or less:

Kaufman 6-ton

Hudson 6-ton

Both meet my approximate specs, Thoughts on these two models?


As for the axles, wheels, etc. While I won't often be hauling anywhere near 9K, in my experience the larger 7.50-16 tires that come on the larger trailers sure seem to hold up a lot better than the little 15"ers on the 10K units. Tires seem to be the number one failure on trailers, so I'd like to eliminate that problem area.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I was thinking GN, yes, you should be able to get a pintle like you stated for $3500. Sorry for the Confusion. As for pulling it with your F-250, that is not a issue. Guys pull way more load than that everyday around here.

Make sure you get standard wheels, not the MH style that are a pain.

Chris

 

[Wolfy]

I used to have a Hudson, it was heavy for what it was, a 4 ton. You are totally right about the tires, 16" is the way to go. My friend just bought a Kaufman last year, I looked at it closely, I liked it.

 

[downslope]

My 12,000 GVW trailer weighs 3,000lbs empty, leaving a 9,000lb load. My brother in law had the 10,000 GVW version, leaving a 7,000lb load. I can't say if the axles are different, besides the lugs. I never put 9,000lbs on it, and like having more strength than I need. Where I bought my trailer, the owner told me a few customers buy the 12 and ask for a special 10 plate installed....I'm thinking a 12 used as a 10 should last a very long time.

Are you saying the 12,000 GVW trailer is no heavier than your brother in law's 10,000 GVW trailer? You'd think the 10K trailer would have a lower empty weight, unless it's a different construction or dimensions.

 

[bill50cal]

it looks like hudson sure likes to push the #s. for example look at the GCWR than the axles and tires on the hudson V kaufman. IMHO I would go with kaufman as the spec's look more realistic.

 

[Wolfy]

downslope, I believe the empty weight is very close. I'm not absolute sure though....but both trailers have been parked side by side. The frame and rails looked the same, the big difference I saw was the 6 lugs and the 15 inch tires. I'm sure the 10 would be a fine trailer, but my Kubota is almost 7,000 lbs and I did not want to "just make it". I would have no objections of hauling my 5,000 lb Ford on a 10.