Looking to get a truck w/ tractor transport in mind (MF 1540)

[nikerret]

Tractor data puts the MF1540 at just over 3,000 lbs. I’m guessing with a loader and rear ballast, the 5k is a good bet. Sure, he could run a 7k trailer, maxed out, but that leaves no room for further expansion. I’ve never lamented having too much trailer, but I sure hate running out of it.

 

[nikerret]

I would stick to a V8. Preferably, without cylinder deactivation.

 

[ottawarob]

Brakes are not an option for that large of a trailer.

There is an F-150 option that has greater towing capacity than some versions of the F-250 SuperDuty. 7 lug nuts per wheel is the tell for the really heavy duty payload/towing package. Should have Load Range E tires. Most likely find the 3.5 EcoBoost engine.

First of the year there were a number of these off-lease 2014's around here. 130-160k miles. 2WD, 8' bed. Used by independent contractor for local utility company. The best one I saw was $13k. Year end closeouts on new F-150 was too good for me to pass up.

Genuine Ford integrated trailer brake controller is about $225. Is a dealer-added option. I think it is the best TBC for a Ford as it is integrated with vehicle stability control and ABS. Plus its a clean install in a dash knockout designed for it.

Looking for real data on trailers suggests the bare trailer will weigh about 2000 pounds. With two 3500 pound rated axles you can carry 5000. This is right on the line for your plans. I would dare suggest "it will serve for short occasional use." The axles are not going to be perfectly safe at 6999 pounds and immediately fail at 7001. But while your tractor may be approximately 5000 pounds, how much is it with a FEL and/or cutter?

5.5k was the rough number he gave me for tractor, FEL + implement.

 

[ottawarob]

5.5k was the rough number he gave me for tractor, FEL + implement.

Grumpycat, I appreciate that reply! So the Ram 1500 with the v8 and nicer axle ratio has a tow capacity of around 11k pounds. I figure at 6k of tractor and gear, still gives me a lot of wiggle room for a big trailer... I think?

The off lease costs are crazy at some of the used lots around here, ouch.

 

[ottawarob]

Tractor data puts the MF1540 at just over 3,000 lbs. I’m guessing with a loader and rear ballast, the 5k is a good bet. Sure, he could run a 7k trailer, maxed out, but that leaves no room for further expansion. I’ve never lamented having too much trailer, but I sure hate running out of it.

This is out of my realm of experience, what's the next jump up from a 7k trailer? 10k?

 

[nikerret]

This is out of my realm of experience, what's the next jump up from a 7k trailer? 10k?

Trailer axles for tandem single wheel start at 3,500 lbs. then it’s typically 5,200; 7,000; 8,000.

Two 3.5k is a 7k trailer. Usually, only one axle will have brakes, on this size. Typically has a 2” ball.

Two 5k axles is a 10k trailer. At this point, you’re likely to see brakes on each axle and move to a 2 5/16” ball.

Two 7k axles is a 14k trailer. Almost always has brakes on both axles, 2 5/16” ball.

The 8k axles are fairly rare. They often have bigger wheels to accommodate the heavier load rated tires.

The GVWR, say 14,000 lbs, includes the weight of the trailer and the load. The bigger and heavier built the trailer, the less you can haul. Some GVWR’s will allow for tongue weight (the weight the truck holds).

 

[ottawarob]

Trailer axles for tandem single wheel start at 3,500 lbs. then it’s typically 5,200; 7,000; 8,000.

Two 3.5k is a 7k trailer. Usually, only one axle will have brakes, on this size. Typically has a 2” ball.

Two 5k axles is a 10k trailer. At this point, you’re likely to see brakes on each axle and move to a 2 5/16” ball.

Two 7k axles is a 14k trailer. Almost always has brakes on both axles, 2 5/16” ball.

The 8k axles are fairly rare. They often have bigger wheels to accommodate the heavier load rated tires.

The GVWR, say 14,000 lbs, includes the weight of the trailer and the load. The bigger and heavier built the trailer, the less you can haul. Some GVWR’s will allow for tongue weight (the weight the truck holds).

Thanks, that's quite helpful! Yeah, totally get the heavier trailer / less you can tow trade off. Keenly aware with my forester, had to run light trailers.

I feel like a 10k trailer and a v8 F150 / 1500 with the right axle ratio is what I'll be looking for. The F250 and 2500s are really nice, but that is a lot of extra truck (and money) for the few times I want to tow the tractor 50km.

 

[nikerret]

Thanks, that's quite helpful! Yeah, totally get the heavier trailer / less you can tow trade off. Keenly aware with my forester, had to run light trailers.

I feel like a 10k trailer and a v8 F150 / 1500 with the right axle ratio is what I'll be looking for. The F250 and 2500s are really nice, but that is a lot of extra truck (and money) for the few times I want to tow the tractor 50km.

I would look at both. The 1500 with a towing axle can be hard to find and the 2500 are sometimes lower cost than the 1500. Good to have options. If you can find a 2011-2014 F-150 with the 6.2L, that’s a great truck. Rare, though.

 

[4570Man]

Why would you buy a half ton truck for a not daily driver and a get stuff done truck? A 3/4 or ton tows much better. And keep in mind “up to” is the key word in a tow ratings. It’s likely much less right off the start depending on the option package and even then it requires a perfect trailer setup.

 

[4570Man]

i expect people to come in here and say you need a 15k gvw goose neck and a 1 ton, but you don't.

.

You’re right. Why settle for only double overkill?