New PJ Deckover

[Runner]

Finally got the new trailer. After much contemplation, decided on a PJ 10,000 lb GVW deckover, 20' long x 101" wide with 3' dove tail. Brakes both axles, 6 inch channel frame. Sorry for hazy pictures but it was 50 and rainy.

Not sure of the actual trailer weight, but it felt like around 3,000 lb or so towing.

Pics with equipment loaded to follow (when it quits raining....).

 

[schmism]

so thats a 17' flat 3' dove?

cause thats the shortest 20' flat deck trailer ive ever seen.

 

[Runner]

Yeah, that's "PJ talk" for a 20 foot deckover. Everybody else calls it a "17+3".

 

[Runner]

Had a chance to test-fit the new trailer over the weekend, and, as promised, here are some more pics. I have a W/D hitch setup, but I don't think I'll really need it with this truck. Didn't have a chance to road test yet.

Incidentally, I tried the "bathroom scale" method of measuring tongue weight and was surprised to find it to be 600 lbs empty. The title says this trailer weighs 3100 lbs. 20% seemed high, but I guess most all deckovers are that way.

I was also surprised to find that I had more loaded tongue weight with the tractor/rotary cutter on it, than with my pickup loaded. Couldn't measure the loaded tongue weight, but measured the rear bumper of the truck at 32 inches empty, 31.5 with empty trailer, 30.5 with tractor and r/c, and 31 with the pickup.

 

[jwhiskeycharlie]

Looking at the picture where you have your tractor on with the bucket, you have 70% or so off your weight between the truck and the forward trailer axle. Back you tractor up about 6-10" so your rear wheels are even with or just behind the front trailer axle and you'll put more of the tractor weight to the trailer instead of the truck.

JWC

 

[Runner]

whiskeycharlie,

Sounds like good advice.

I was also thinking that loading it backwards would be better. I don't think I could do it with the rotary cutter on, but it would work with the rear finish mower.

 

[Sterff]

After having the trailer now for 2 years how do you like it? Is the powdercoat still holding up?

 

[chrisdvorak]

how well does the triton v8 pull that trailer with a load on it?

 

[farmboy12]

how well does the triton v8 pull that trailer with a load on it?

I may be wrong...but if I recall correctly, Runner. the OP, has a V10 in his truck.


Kyle

 

[Runner]

So far, so good. There is one little spot (1 inch square) where I can see the powder coat starting to lift probably due to a spot they missed when prepping the surface. I can definitely understand what people are saying about the powder coat being harder to touch up.

On the plus side, it still shines like new and everywhere else looks great, including the underside.

As for functionality, I love the trailer and believe I made the right choice for me. When loading/unloading wood for my deck last summer, I really appreciated the flat deck and no fenders in the way. The trailer pulls like a dream and everything works fine.

One issue I do have with it: The springs on the spring-loaded ramps protrude towards the middle in such a way that they don't allow the ramps to come together close enough to get the entire width of the tires on my 2520 on the ramp surface.

My solution to this will be to simply remove the springs, which will allow the ramps to be placed about 8 inches closer together. Not sure how much harder this will make them to lift, but I don't think they're all that heavy.

Regarding the truck, farmboy is correct, it's a V-10 with 4:30 reard end, so it will tow anything I'll ever need to put behind it fine. It's a whole different animal than a diesel, i.e., likes to rev to do it's work, but that's the nature of the beast.