New HD equipment trailer

[4570Man]

I prefer the ramps since I don't even need them to load a tractor on an equipment trailer. I've only hauled my tractor on a tilt trailer once but I didn't like the idea. There was only about a foot of deck that didn't tilt at the front. I like to load several implements at the front then load the tractor. The tilt deck wasn't very friendly to doing that.

 

[Complete Turf Care]

Thanks guys, really appreciate the advice so far. Another quest... for an equipment hauler moving my tractor, do you prefer tilt deck or equipment ramps?

I have never owned a tilt deck, so I can't comment on those.

In my case, some if my equipment is 3 wheeled, so I need a full width ramp instead of 2 'slide in' or 'fold up' ramps. But, my full width ramp does not allow me to haul anything that would hang off the back of the trailer, such as a brush hog wheel.

I also have a 28' gooseneck trailer and on it, I have the fold up ramps with spring assist. I prefer the fold up over the 'slide in' because they are just easier to handle.

 

[Peter 315]

I prefer the ramps since I don't even need them to load a tractor on an equipment trailer. I've only hauled my tractor on a tilt trailer once but I didn't like the idea. There was only about a foot of deck that didn't tilt at the front. I like to load several implements at the front then load the tractor. The tilt deck wasn't very friendly to doing that.

How do you load without the ramps ?

 

[Redbug]

Tilt deck is the best for me. My last one had ramps and I came to believe they were a PITA. I had slide in ramps which were heavy. The tilt up ramps type prevents longer loads from being carried and take up space on the back...unless the trailer is long enough. If you get tilt deck type trailer, get one with the angled deck at the end all the way across. I have seen some that have a deck just where the tires on a tractor normally go. But what if you want to drive your lawnmower or atv on top? Also, you can get tilt decks that have a portion of the front non-tilting. Mine has a 6 foot portion stationary which is good to put extra stuff not attached to the tractor.

 

[downsizingnow48]

I had a PJ 14k 20ft equipment trailer with dovetail and fold up ramps, that was a very nice trailer. But I found I really did not need the carrying capacity. And the dovetail subtracted from the useful length. I replaced it with a Big Tex 10k 18ft trailer with what they call Mega Ramps. Folded all the way up, they provide a full flat 18ft bed. They can be left straight up too. And they are full width, so loading is easier and safer than on the usual fold up ramps. So far I like it fine.

 

[4570Man]

How do you load without the ramps ?

With a dovetail equipment trailer the end is only about a foot off the ground. Lift the front end up with the loader and the back wheels will climb it.

 

[Peter 315]

With a dovetail equipment trailer the end is only about a foot of the ground. Lift the front end up with the loader and the back wheels will climb it.

OK beaver tail up here makes sense now

 

[Navvet]

I was looking for a new "Last Trailer I Will Ever Buy" ....

I needed it to be big and strong enough to haul my Mahindra 4025 with a FEL and backhoe as well as easy enough for me to use hauling motorcycles. Ramps were out because my wife rides a Can Am Spyder (3 wheels) and I also have a JD AMT 626 (5 wheels). So a tilt bed with a straight back edge was the ticket.

There are 2 manufacturers of trailers within driving distance so I looked at them as well as "Big Tex" and all the other major brands. I went with the Gator (picture below). I went with a 16K 20' + 4' tilt bed. The 4' stationary is big enough for my needs and I really like the low bed tilt. easy to load anything including my wife's Can-Am - Spyder 3 wheel motorcycle.

The Gator has a much stronger gooseneck made out of 12" "I" beams and the frame is all 6" X 3" (I believe) square tube. The tires were upgraded to 17.5 in 16 ply, and came with a spare.

This is a beast that's easy to handle, drives great, loads easy. looks good (powder coat finish), and was significantly cheaper straight from the factory.


Take a look at them, you may be surprised.

 

[fried1765]

Whatever you do, I strongly suggest you custom order your trailer instead of buying off the lot. Unless they have exactly what you want. I have ordered the last few trailers I bought and it is very much worth the 5-6 weeks wait for years of having what you need.

Having said that, my last trailer is a TopHat brand 20' bumper pull with 2 - 7k axles and tailgate ramp and 2' dovetail. You can read more about my trailer here. http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/trailers-transportation/391715-new-tophat-20-trailer.html

I really like mine, and it fits my needs very well.

I ordered also, and very glad I did.

 

[JJZ 109]

I'm happy with my 22' 14K PJ full tilt trailer. I agree that you may want to go longer. I went from a 20' to 22' when I upgraded trailers.

Looks like the same trailer that I bought last summer. It took me several years to be able to get a tilt bed, but I'm glad that I made the move.

Thanks guys, really appreciate the advice so far. Another quest... for an equipment hauler moving my tractor, do you prefer tilt deck or equipment ramps?

Having owned both types, for my uses the tilt bed is better for sure. But different people have different equipment and uses, that's why there are several styles.
Evaluate what and where you're going to haul and make your decision from there. Anyone who tries to steer you totally one way or the other is just trying to fit their solution to your situation.