Minimum trailer size for BX-23

LBrown59 · Jul 17, 2005

( 1*After measuring and weighing my BX23 the smallest that I would use there would be an 8' x 14'
2*, tandem wheels,
an approximate load capacity of 2500 lbs.
3*The BX with Loader and BH will tip the scales at over 1600 lbs.
Kevin
)
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1*14' is a foot shorter than the bx23 at 15 feet therefore you need at least 16 feet.
2*Brakes are a must on all 4 wheels and the min load rating for each axel is 3500 pounds.
3*This is way off .It's more like 2567 pounds.

LBrown59 · Jul 17, 2005

The BX should not be hauled on any trailer that has anything less than 2 axles with brakes on each axle and rated at least 3500 pounds load capacity per axle.

Proper saftey weight distrubition becomes an issue on a trailer shorter than say 14 feet.

LBrown59 · Jul 18, 2005

( ( I am beginning to believe that it is better to have a stable full of BX tractors than it is to have all the implements that fit one tractor. I hate taking the loader on and off, especially if I have to put the loader valve back on to use the snow blower or sweeper. I am seriously thinking of buying a used BX1800 to keep the front mounted quick hitch on permanently.)

Boy, I hear that. On one hand, I like having only 1 internal combustion engine to maintain, as opposed to having a gas engine on each one: tiller, chipper, generator, etc. On the other hand, changing implements is a pain.
)
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
1*I like having only 1 internal combustion engine to maintain, as opposed to having a gas engine on each one: tiller, chipper, generator, etc.
2*On the other hand, changing implements is a pain. That's why I have most of my implements on dollies and on smooth concrete.
==============
 1*however if that one engine happens to fail it means no tiller, chipper, generator, etc.
2*I can do these six things with out having to change an implement.
1-endloader
2-back hoe
3-mow with 2 different mowers at the same time.
4-till
5-use a front blade
6-pull up to 3 trailers and or use up to 3 drag chains.

LBrown59 · Jul 18, 2005

( ( ( I am beginning to believe that it is better to have a stable full of BX tractors than it is to have all the implements that fit one tractor. I hate taking the loader on and off, especially if I have to put the loader valve back on to use the snow blower or sweeper. I am seriously thinking of buying a used BX1800 to keep the front mounted quick hitch on permanently.)

Boy, I hear that. On one hand, I like having only 1 internal combustion engine to maintain, as opposed to having a gas engine on each one: tiller, chipper, generator, etc. On the other hand, changing implements is a pain.
)
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
1*I like having only 1 internal combustion engine to maintain, as opposed to having a gas engine on each one: tiller, chipper, generator, etc.
2*On the other hand, changing implements is a pain. That's why I have most of my implements on dollies and on smooth concrete.
==============
 1*however if that one engine happens to fail it means no tiller, chipper, generator, etc.
2*I can do these six things with out having to change an implement.
1-endloader
2-back hoe
3-mow with 2 different mowers at the same time.
4-till
5-use a front blade
6-pull up to 3 trailers and or use up to 3 drag chains.
 )
*******************
 P S 
For me the convenience of avoiding the never ending implement switching is well worth forgoing the one engine concept.

JeffRey30747 · Jul 18, 2005

I picked up a Tekonsha Prodigy from RJay's Performance on the internet for just a little over $100 plus you get a discount on any related accessories ordered at the same time as the controller. It works great and we have my Tacoma and my father's F-150 both wired so that it just plugs up and snaps into the pocket mount and is ready to go. Wiring harness adaptors are available for the more common prewired vehicles, too.
RJay's Performance Center

Jeff

Spudgunner · Jul 18, 2005

"Great minds..." and all... this is exactly what I did except for a Jeep Grand Cherokee. I really like the Prodigy and would do it again. Had good luck with RJay's as well. And yeah, many newer rigs have a socket/plug already prepped for the brake controller. Our Jeep did not (it is a 2000 model); however, the blue trailer brake wire was labeled and easy to find. I recommend running BOTH power and ground wires directly to the battery on their own circuits with inline fuse or CB protection.

( I picked up a Tekonsha Prodigy from RJay's Performance on the internet for just a little over $100 plus you get a discount on any related accessories ordered at the same time as the controller. It works great and we have my Tacoma and my father's F-150 both wired so that it just plugs up and snaps into the pocket mount and is ready to go. Wiring harness adaptors are available for the more common prewired vehicles, too.
RJay's Performance Center

Jeff ) /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Gowfster · Jul 18, 2005

My wife was nice enough to stop at an autoparts store and get the tekonsha Pilot unit. (under the brand name Reese) It just had the four bare wires coming out, so I had to splice into the factory cable- a nuisance, but not a big deal. I didn't get to test drive as the wife is now sleeping, but I'm bothered that the display for the unit always stays on, like it isn't powered by a switched source. I realize that the drain is probably small, but don't remember seeing other trucks with the display lit up in the past when turned off. Do you guys have the same experience? When I unplug the trailer, the lights go off... Is it possible I did something wrong? I can hear the brakes actuate when I press the pedal or do it with the manual switch, so I know that part works. Thoughts?

DannyD · Jul 19, 2005

Ny controller will light a small dot when I push the brake pedal with the trailer unconnected, other than that, it is not on. When the connector gets wet, it will stay on, or when I push the brakes it will show what number I have it set on. Dealer said not to worry, just moisture

surfran · Jul 19, 2005

Danny,

Here is an easy trick I use. The BX weighs a couple thousand pounds or more with a backhoe. Rule of thumb is 10% tongue weight so 200-250 is pretty good with a BX.

I weigh about 210-220 (depending on time of year). What I have done to set my trailer and BX up is to hook up trailer empty. Next measure the height of the bumper from the ground. Next step on the hitch and measure how far the bumper goes down. That movement equals ~220 lbs. Now you have a reference point for loading the BX.

My next trick is to use one of my roller stands that I use with my miter saw, table saw etc. It is height adjustable so it works great. I set it behind the bumper and level it with the bumper (taking care that it will not interfere with the bumper moving when I load the tractor). Drive the BX on the trailer and watch for the bumper to move down the distance you already tested and your done.

You can also use tape measure and two people if handy, just seems that whenever I'm loading the tractor eveyone else is doing something different.

Here's also a picture of my BX on the trailer I bought this Spring. I am trailering about 200 miles each week now for mowing at my Lake property and this trailer set up is awesome.

The 16' handles so much nicer than the 10' that I was using not to mention having the brakes is a world of difference when stopping.

JeffRey30747 · Jul 19, 2005

Spudgunner,
I wired the hot lead and the ground directly to the battery with "self-resetting circuit breaker" protection as detailed in the Tekonsha wiring instructions. I had never even heard of such a component until that point and RJay's was one of the few places that I could even locate one.
My Prodigy controller stays in sleep mode after you tap the brake pedal and there is no trailer connected, too. I didn't really care for this much either and my simple solution was to unplug it, remove it from the pocket mount, place it in the little carrying case provided and store it in the console of my truck.
Jeff