Minimum Trailer Size

[AntrimMan]

If you already have the machine you could measure it.
If not you could go to a dealer and measure it.
You could take my word that I measured mine, L3130 LA723 BH90 and the minimum trailer would be 20' long. If you play the game and put the loader bucket on the tongue and swing the back hoe you may be able to get away with less but you can't pin the hoe in that position and it will look odd enough to the experienced eye of the law to beg a second look and those people will treat you like the Roman's treated Christians.
I think a 10K rating is cutting it close, too close perhaps. Do your homework and be sure of the rating and load.
That tractor with implements puts you into the semi-serious category if you do it safely and you should or don't do it at all.
You could also do a TBN search and comsume the wealth of discussion on just this subject.

Luck is with you in that you are in NC. Do a web search on Kaufman trailers... or click here... http://www.kaufmantrailers.com/ . They sell direct to the customer, you can go pick it up when it is ready, and they are the least expensive by far. I think they are a good match for your intended use. There is another Kaufman in TX, that's not the one I'm refering you to. I have no connection to the company whatsoever, I don't even own one.

Be wise in whatever you do, you will need a decent vechicle to tow that package.
TrailerLess Martin

 

[GeneD14]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( What size truck do you guys use to tow a 10K trailer? One of the things that has been stopping me from buying one is the question of will my truck handle it? I have a 1995 K2500 "light-duty" (6 lug wheels) 3/4 ton, 4WD, Chevy pickup. )</font>

For my 10,000 GVW trailer I use an F350 with the new Tow-Command braking system. It is better too go big on the truck rather than too small. I have had to make an emergancy stop going from 55 mph to zero to avoid an accident and if I had too small of a tow vehicle or in sufficient trailer brakes I may not have escaped serious injury. I'll attached a picture of the set-up I have now.

 

[RedRocker]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">(
I was really hoping I could get by with a 16' 7,000lb trailer. Surprising, huh? )</font>

That's what I have, I'll sell you mine, it works, but I'm wanting a 22' so I can haul my quad too. Otherwise I'd go with a 20'. Can't have too much truck or too much trailer. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[GeneD14]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( If you already have the machine you could measure it.
If not you could go to a dealer and measure it.
You could take my word that I measured mine, L3130 LA723 BH90 and the minimum trailer would be 20' long. )</font>

I agree that 20' would be the shortest you should consider if you have implements. See how my tractor fills a 20' trailer.

 

[fjblair]

Great, now I need a Freightliner and a CDL /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I am seriously reconsidering my "minimum" specifications. I see a lot of guys around home towing some pretty big stuff on some pretty small trailers and just figured it was okay to "get by".

Not many 20' trailers for sale around here, mostly 16's and an occasional 18' with a 2' dovetail. Of course the trailer dealer says a 16' will do, cause he makes do with one. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

FB

 

[Highbeam]

We have the same truck except for your rear end is a semifloater and mine says 1500 on the side. Oddly, the 2500 truck with the 350 has a lower tow rating than my 1500 in 98-99.

It is not the GVWR of the trailer that dictates whether or not you can tow it. I towed a 12,000#GVWR trailer just fine when it was unloaded since it only weighed 2500# or so. It is all in how you load it.

The 2300# 10k trailer that I plan to buy for my future 4000 lb tractor will weigh 6300 when loaded plus I have a margin of 3700# before the trailer is overloaded. That margin is great for longevity of bearings, tires, the frame, and the hitch.

Your tractor will weigh about 5000#. If you chose a 7000# GVWR car trailer that weighed 1500# then I you be left with a 500# margin. That is not enough to carry home the brush hog. Plus, what about chains, binders, and fuel. When you only have a 500# margin, you must look at the details.

True you may want to limit what your truck tows to 7000lbs. I My opinion is that the worst way to do this is by using a trailer that is maxed out at 7000.

I have about 90% decided to downsize to that 4000 lb tractor so I can keep my truck plus a few other benefits. I could get away with a 7k# trailer but the 10k# trailer is only about 1000$ more here in WA.

 

[wushaw]

My L2800 with FEL and BH is too long for my 16' 7000lb GVW trailer, I have to curl the bucket down and rest it on the ft. bar of the trailer so I don't have anything hanging off the rear end.
My B7500 fit this trailer just fine.
My next trailer purchase will be a 20-22' 12,000GVW gooseneck, I just haven't decided on flatbed or utility type bed...it doesn't matter I don't have the $$$ anyway.

 

[penokee]

DME - I tow with a Chev 2500HD (3/4 t) 4WD. Have been told that the 2500 HD is a 3/4 T on a 1 ton frame, not sure if this is fact. Have Hydraulic Surge brakes on all 4 wheels of the trailer, which works nice for braking. Occassionaly use 4WD up steep grades. I rarely haul on US or Interstate - mostly State, County and Local roads.
penokee /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[fjblair]

I am looking at 20'/5 ton trailers now. Thanks a lot /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

After going back and looking at the 16'/3.5 ton and comparing it to the bigger trailer, there is a lot of difference. Two different frames entirely.

Martin, thanks for the heads up on Kaufman. Spoke to them today.

FB

 

[Highbeam]

I am set to go pick up my 5 ton 18' including the 2' dovetail in about 2 hours. It is made by PJ trailers out of texas and distributed all over I'd guess. Supposed to be 3100$ here in WA.