whistlepig
Elite Member
I agree that too much trailer is better than not enough. But when you start getting in to the 10K plus size trailers it kind of conflicts with the "occasional use" trailer idea.
Need to buy a trailer for occasional use
- Thread starter Twinkieflyer
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Tenn_Blue
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I second going with a > 7,000 trailer. Several good reasons to go up to a 8-10k trailer:
1. Trailer will usually be built much better than a 7k trailer. Look at them side by side, and there is no comparison. Frames, axles, tires, all usually better quality and heavier duty.
2 Much better to have a safety factor with the trailer. If you go with a 7k trailer, you will be at or near the limit with it = no safety margin. With a 10k trailer, you would only be loading the trailer at 70 -80% of capacity. Less stress on the equipment.
3. Ability to carry things you didn't plan on. Unless you really abuse it, a trailer will last a long time. You may end up wanting a bigger tractor, or need to haul implements, or ???? - having the extra capacity makes it easier.
4. Length - get a trailer longer than you think you will need. A lot of tractors will fit on a 16 foot trailer, but is much easer to use an 18-20 foot one. Easier to balance the load, load implements, etc. But remember that length equals weight = less load capacity - a tight factor anyway with a 7k trailer
5. Price increase won't be that much more.
I have a 22 foot, 14k trailer, and a Deere 2320 tractor :confused2:= way overkill. BUT, I occasionally haul between Tennessee and Florida, and often haul multiple items at once. Also have a skidsteer and excavator that better fit the trailer. I only wanted to buy one trailer - this will haul pretty much anything I need it to. Get what you need, but better to have too much than too little!
1. Trailer will usually be built much better than a 7k trailer. Look at them side by side, and there is no comparison. Frames, axles, tires, all usually better quality and heavier duty.
2 Much better to have a safety factor with the trailer. If you go with a 7k trailer, you will be at or near the limit with it = no safety margin. With a 10k trailer, you would only be loading the trailer at 70 -80% of capacity. Less stress on the equipment.
3. Ability to carry things you didn't plan on. Unless you really abuse it, a trailer will last a long time. You may end up wanting a bigger tractor, or need to haul implements, or ???? - having the extra capacity makes it easier.
4. Length - get a trailer longer than you think you will need. A lot of tractors will fit on a 16 foot trailer, but is much easer to use an 18-20 foot one. Easier to balance the load, load implements, etc. But remember that length equals weight = less load capacity - a tight factor anyway with a 7k trailer
5. Price increase won't be that much more.
I have a 22 foot, 14k trailer, and a Deere 2320 tractor :confused2:= way overkill. BUT, I occasionally haul between Tennessee and Florida, and often haul multiple items at once. Also have a skidsteer and excavator that better fit the trailer. I only wanted to buy one trailer - this will haul pretty much anything I need it to. Get what you need, but better to have too much than too little!
coobie
Super Member
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+1 on the PJ trailers.I have a 3 year old 20ft. 7,000 lbs axles that is holding up real well.coobie
OP
Twinkieflyer
New member
Thanks for all the info everyone. I came very close to buying a Big Tex 10k trailer that was 18 feet. In doing a sanity check, I called around and found out that if I was flexible on time frame, the cost to have a rollback guy move the tractor 20 miles was going to be between 100 and 150 bucks. With only having to move it 5 times or so a year, I decided that was a good option. I didn't have the best tow vehicle, the expense of keeping the trailer for occasional use, storage, etc. made me think the convenience of beckon call wasn't worth it.
Thanks for all the info, if circumstances change, I think I know what to do. Also, at trade in time, I think I will be thinking of better tow vehicles, but the Durango pulls the 20 foot boat so well, it works for now.
Thanks for all the info, if circumstances change, I think I know what to do. Also, at trade in time, I think I will be thinking of better tow vehicles, but the Durango pulls the 20 foot boat so well, it works for now.
mefyj
Member
Guess I'm a little late but my 2-cents worth... as I just went down this road.
My tractor with loader and gannon weighs 5500 lbs and with my masted-forklift attached (my haviest attachment) it's an additional 600 lbs.
I searched Craigs list for a couple of months and found a nice 20' Arizona brand trailer with 5200# axles and brakes both axles. It was only two years old with one bad tire and I got it for $1800.
It's a good heavy trailer as it weights 2400# empty. Total flatbed but has 6' ramps and if I add a 4" block at the bottom of the ramps I can load easily even with the backhoe attached. (I also have a dirt ramp near the shed so ramps are not needed).
My tractor with loader and gannon weighs 5500 lbs and with my masted-forklift attached (my haviest attachment) it's an additional 600 lbs.
I searched Craigs list for a couple of months and found a nice 20' Arizona brand trailer with 5200# axles and brakes both axles. It was only two years old with one bad tire and I got it for $1800.
It's a good heavy trailer as it weights 2400# empty. Total flatbed but has 6' ramps and if I add a 4" block at the bottom of the ramps I can load easily even with the backhoe attached. (I also have a dirt ramp near the shed so ramps are not needed).
Soundguy
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i think you are guessing light on the trailer weight. my 16' wood deck car hauler is 1740#.. id go with the 8k trailer.. it would make you leagal onthe laod and tow vehicle carring your stated load.....
soundguy
soundguy
Soundguy
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but too small is absolutely wrong, unsafe and illegal. if you have to go 8k or 10k to pull the load.. then that's what you do...
soundguy
some zilch
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i think the op is doing the right thing here....
he does not have a "real" tow vehicle for the load
he does not have a "real" need for a large trailer very often
why not pay someone else $150 to move the tractor when he needs it? no trailer maintenance, no parking, no over loading his vehicles.
seems like a great idea.
he does not have a "real" tow vehicle for the load
he does not have a "real" need for a large trailer very often
why not pay someone else $150 to move the tractor when he needs it? no trailer maintenance, no parking, no over loading his vehicles.
seems like a great idea.
Soundguy
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on the other hand.. no spur of the moment moves.. and after he 'rents' 11 times he could bought a trailer....
all something to think about..
soundguy
all something to think about..
soundguy
crazyal
Super Member
Pay to move it a few times and keep your eyes open for a used trailer or just break down and buy one. Unless you only plan on keeping your tractor for a year or so or you'll be buying a second tractor for the other location you'll soon hit the point where you could have bought one (don't forget taxes and registration fees though). Once you have a trailer if you need to bring your tractor (or anything else like a car or truck) to the dealer or some other unplanned trip it's not going to cost you.
At around 7200 lbs there's a difference in trailers. You'll notice the number of lug nuts will go from from 5 to 6. If the 8k trailer has 6 lug nuts per wheel then it has heavier axles (bearings and brakes) and if needed you can add a spring and beef up the trailer a little (may need to upgrade the tires as well).
At around 7200 lbs there's a difference in trailers. You'll notice the number of lug nuts will go from from 5 to 6. If the 8k trailer has 6 lug nuts per wheel then it has heavier axles (bearings and brakes) and if needed you can add a spring and beef up the trailer a little (may need to upgrade the tires as well).