Need advice quickly one trailer purchase

[rasimmo]

Tire Tech Information - Load Range/Ply Rating Identification

This is the load range and ply information. The actual rating depends on the manufacturer. There is a specific range for each different letter, but I can't find that real easily.

 

[bcp]

Load rating according to code number on tire sidewall:

Tire Tech Information - How to Read Speed Rating, Load Index & Service Descriptions

Bruce

 

[Gary Fowler]

From my brief internet search, I believe you are most certainly correct. If the owner put 6 ply tires on it then even if the axles are 5200#, he limited the weight to 3500# axle rating. He does advertise it as 3500 which is likely why he put load range D tire on it thinking that it was lower rating than it is.
Is there any other way to tell what the load rating is on an axle other than the bolt circle?
Also we kinda go away from the original question, is the hydraulic surge brake legal for a braking system in Ark, Texas and Louisiana? OTHER STATES?

 

[jeffsw6]

Is this a DIY trailer or one made by a trailer company? If a company, it will most likely have a VIN and a weight rating on the trailer itself, but if not, you should be able to contact that company and have them look up what it was originally rated for.

If it is a DIY it is possible the axle is 5200# but the person does not know if the frame and brakes are up to a heavy load?

I understand why you are real interested in a 20' tandem trailer for $1500 but why hasn't the guy already found a local buyer, maybe it is junk? You won't really know until you spend time and fuel going there.

 

[Gary Fowler]

You guys have convinced me that I should really look at more options on this. After reviewing the photos, I noted that the wrap tongue doesnt go all the way to the fenders like all the trailers I have seen but stops about 2-3 feet from them which looks a little cheapo cost saving to me and weakens the frame considerably. Also with the 6 ply tires it is limited to their capacity regardless of the axle rating. A few other things make me a little nervous in that he couldnt find the title and there is no current license on it (Ark has a permanent plate) so maybe it was never registered or might be some other problem. And then the surge brake issue, just too many issues with it to feel comfortable with. I will just bit the bullet and look for a new one or at least one with all the paperwork and better info on it.

 

[yandeereguy]

surge brakes are hard on transmissions IMHO. the back and forth, 2 or 3 inches to take up the slack is brutal on the powertrain.
I ruined my f150 trans because of this and it cost me ALOT to fix I will never own another trailer with surge brakes, electric all the way.. My 20' haulmark had electrics and pulled behind a cummins/ram like she was'nt even there smooth going and smooth stopping

 

[Gary Fowler]

I never thought about that aspect of it. Really glad I passed on it now. Likely PO'ed the owner but if he hadnt dilly dallied around on delivery I would likely be stuck with it now. Sometimes you get lucky when waiting but I cant say the same for the seller. At least maybe he got the load of trash out of it that was holding him up on the sale.

 

[WM75Guy]

Rear axle brakes only and surge brakes are allowed per the Texas Transportation Code.

Sec. 541.401. MISCELLANEOUS TERMS. (4) "Gross vehicle weight" means the weight of a vehicle and the weight of its load.

Sec. 547.401. BRAKES REQUIRED. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), a motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, pole trailer, or combination of those vehicles shall be equipped with brakes that comply with this chapter. (b) A trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer is not required to have brakes if: (1) its gross weight is 4,500 pounds or less; or (2) its gross weight is heavier than 4,500 pounds but not heavier than 15,000 pounds, and it is drawn at a speed of not more than 30 miles per hour.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.

Sec. 547.402. OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF BRAKES. (a) Required brakes shall operate on each wheel of a vehicle except: (1) special mobile equipment; (2) a vehicle that is towed as a commodity when at least one set of the towed vehicle's wheels is on the roadway, if the combination of vehicles complies with the performance requirements of this chapter; and (3) a trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer with a gross weight heavier than 4,500 pounds but not heavier than 15,000 pounds drawn at a speed of more than 30 miles per hour, if the brakes operate on both wheels of the rear axle. (b) A truck or truck-tractor that has at least three axles is not required to have brakes on the front wheels, but must have brakes that: (1) operate on the wheels of one steerable axle if the vehicle is equipped with at least two steerable axles; and (2) comply with the performance requirements of this chapter. (c) A trailer or semitrailer that has a gross weight of 15,000 pounds or less may use surge or inertia brake systems to satisfy the requirements of Subsection (a). (d) Brakes shall be maintained in good working order and adjusted to operate on wheels on each side of the vehicle as equally as practicable.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.

 

[Gary Fowler]

I have moved on from that and am now looking at new stuff. NOW the other issue is do I want to by a lower priced 3500# GVW trailer that will haul anything but my LS or go ahead and spend an extra $1500 and get this car hauler one that will haul anything I can legally pull with my truck and then some.

20ft Heavy Duty 20ft Car Hauler 12,000 GVW - $2995 (Porter)
83in x 20ft - 6000lb EZ Lube axles with 1 brake axle - dove tail - 16in tires 10ply rated - comes with spare

Does this look like a good price, it is the only one I have found with 6000# axles anywhere in Texas or Ark.

 

[dynasim]

If you wait and watch on craigslist, you can find a 7k car hauler for 1500-2000. Many times, I have seen them for ~1000$, but was never able to get to them in time.

The key is having the cash ready, because resellers hunt for them, then mark them up to 2200$ around here. You only have hours to snag them.

Best Regards
Chris