Minimum Trailer Size

[fjblair]

What do you guys think the minimum size trailer would be for an L3130 with FEL and backhoe or bush hog attached? I know a lot depends on this or that, but I am looking for some general ideas?

I would not be moving the tractor very often, maybe 5-10 times a year at most. This would be a purchase not a rental.

Thanks.

 

[Highbeam]

Read my post in this same category. That 3130 is no light tractor and the loader is a stout one too. If you want to carry even one stout implement I have found that you will not be able to get away with the cheap and common 7000# GVWR car trailer. You will need at least a 10,000 GVWR trailer. I found an excellent trailer at PJ trailers, the 18', 10,000 lb GVWR, dovetail, bumperpull, for 3100$ here in WA.

 

[penokee]

Get one long enough to carry that entire setup. I had one made that has two-6,000LB axles, but when I have the Box Blade and FEL on, have to remove the tooth bar (That's how tight it is.) If I move my L3130 with the Bush Hog attached, have to remove the FEL - all big pain in the neck. My Loading Ramps fold up - currently getting them cut off at a welding shop and going with 5,000 LB aluminum ramps that I can remove completely so the Hog can hang over the backend of the trailer. Will attach a picture of my "Ramp Problem"
penokee /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Ps: Had the trailer custom made 10 years ago or so for my AC H3 Crawler - never thinking that I'd have anything else to haul /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[penokee]

Fj - A picture of one more problem you want to avoid. Punctured my tail gate with the tooth bar when turning too sharp, so removed the bar and raised the grapple up - for what it's worth, you may want to avoid these type problems.
penokee /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[RobertN]

A few hints from my towing expierences... I have a 16' 7000lb dual axle trailer.

Figure out what you have, and your worst case load for weight and length. As shown in pictures on this thread, a long load on a short trailer can be a problem

My worst case is when I have my mower on. I have a smaller Kubota, an older B8200( same size as B2710). I always run my loader, even though it is a quick attach. With the loader at the front of the trailer, my mower fits on the trailer, but the tail wheel hangs off. Fortunately, it balances pretty well(and, my tractor is light, at only about 3000lbs). When I run the scraper, I have a couple feet front and back to move/balance the load.

My trailer has a cargo capacity of 5500lbs. My 3000lb tractor is well within that. For your heavier tractor, add up the weights for everything you might carry. The numbers will surprise you... I have occasion to carry the tractor, mower and scraper some times. That is pretty much my max tractor load. I add the numbers for things like:
tractor
loader
mower
scraper
post hole auger
full fuel can
tool box
ice chest with lunch, refreshments
water cooler(I always carry a 5gal water cooler)

I'd bet your tractor exceeds the 5500lb capcity of a 7000lb trailer(remember, the trailer is included in the gross weight, mine weighs 1600lbs+/- 100).

Think too, about what else you might haul. I have hauled a car, pipe, lumber, firewood, Cub Scout parade floats, Cub Scout day camp docks for water front activities, small Bobcat, medium Bobcat, track-loader, my Kubota, my Farmall, my Dad's Ford 2N. Some of this was light, while some like the medium Bobcat were at my trailer max.

A few things to think about while you are looking at trailers...
A good brake controller
A spare(terrible to have a flat with no spare
Spare tire bracket/mount
jack/lug wrench(my trailer uses different size lugs than my truck...
LOTS of chain and rope hooks/d-rings
Lots of chain and a good set of binders(at least four

From what I have seen of similar tractors(my brother in law has a Kubota L2950), you would want to look at a 10klb trailer. Probably start looking at an 18' minimum, more like a 20' if you haul a rotary mower.

As long as you are at it, add up the weights for a trailer, tractor, implements, tool ect and make sure you have sufficient tow vehicle too.

That's more than you asked for, but are some good things to think about.

 

[fjblair]

Thanks folks this is great info. How important is having a trailer with a dovetail? Some 18' trailers seem to be 16' with a 2' dovetail, so the level deck length is still 16', right? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

I was really hoping I could get by with a 16' 7,000lb trailer. Surprising, huh?


Bear with me. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif


FB

 

[Egon]

Dovetails are a matter of personel choice. Very handy if you do a lot of moving and the trailer is dedicated.

I'd suggest a minimum of 20 feet and 10K rating with electric brakes.

As already mentioned the tow vehicle is also important. It is nice to be able to stop.

Egon

 

[mikim]

<font color="blue"> Surprising, huh? </font>
nah ... I did the same thing - went for the smallest trailer I thought I could get away with .... with my 8n I had a 16' ... it was too small so bought an 20' for my TC45 ....wish I had more. When I buy my next truck it will have a gooseneck hitch and I'll trade trailers for a 24' gooseneck. Don't half step it - If you buy "the smallest you think you can get by with" you'll be kicking yourself nlt the second year.

 

[Dargo]

Just to give you an idea of size, here is my 5030 (which is the same size) on a 20' trailer that has a 5' dovetail. This trailer has 2 8000 pound axles. In this pic, the only rear implement is a PHD. With a 7' bush hog, I'm all the way to the end.

Oh yeah, I also wanted to mention, with the FEL and 7' bush hog on, my tractor weighs right around 7000 pounds. As pointed out previously, you have to subtract the weight of your actual trailer from the combined axle rating to see what you can actually haul. Also, the amount of weight you pull grows pretty fast. I think my trailer empty weighs 5500 pounds. Add my tractor to that and I'm hauling 12,500 pounds. I think that would get heavy for a 1/2 ton truck in a hurry. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[DMF]

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.