New trailer discussion & ideas

[milkie62]

I am in the market for a 12k trailer.First,my brush mower is 7 foot so I will need a deck over trailer.My tractor is a Kubota M6800 with FEL.The local builder is telling me an 18 foot with beaver tail is what I want.I may transport pickup trucks also.I want a tool box and winch on the front.Stake pockets so that I can have removable sides if needed for lawn equipment.Anybody buy a trailer and wish they had something different after they bought it ? Any thoughts or ideas appreciated. I am also looking to buy a 555-655 Ford backhoe down the road that I would need to transport no more than 10 miles.I may need to upgrade the axles.

 

[PoorPlowboy]

If you want the bucket strapped down to the deck, you will need every bit of 18ft just for the tractor. Add another 2 1/2 ft for a toolbox and winch. Ideally, and legally, you'll want the brush cutter tailwheel to rest on the deck. Add another 1 1/2 ft for that. You have to have a couple of feet of deck to get your weight distribution correct. The toolbox on the front is going to move your loaded weight further back on the deck, possibly making you light on the tongue.

If I were in your position, I would get a 22+5 or 24+5 14k gooseneck. Put the toolbox at the front of the deck, if you don't opt for underslung toolboxes. Drive close to the toolbox and sit the bucket down on top of the gooseneck and tie it down. Rest the brush cutter on the dovetail if required, but it should rest on the deck with only the tailwheel out over the dovetail.

 

[George2615]

I agree with getting a minimum of 20' for a trailer and if you are considering a 555 / 655 later, a 12K trailer isn't going to carry the load. A 555 w/ BH is around 14K.
Buy or build a trailer bigger than you think you need.

 

[franklin2]

What are you pulling this with? I agree, I don't know what your tractor weighs in at, but as soon as the word "backhoe" came up, I think you need a gooseneck also. Most full size backhoes are pulled around with goosenecks and large pickup trucks(usually dually's) or a dump truck with a pintle hitch. A regular ball hitch mounted on the frame has it's limitations.

I pulled a full size small backhoe with my f250 and a bumper pull trailer. I won't do that again.

 

[jenkinsph]

In most cases you can buy a name brand trailer cheaper than having one custom made. Make sure you compare the costs carefully. I agree you should be looking at larger trailers if a full size backhoe is in your plans and you may need a bigger truck too. A typical 12k bumper pull can handle a payload of 8,500 to 10,000 lbs. depending on the design. With a gooseneck you can put more hitch weight on the truck but the trailer itself weighs more too.

at any rate make sure the payload of whatever trailer you buy or build has room for growth and plan changes.

 

[bdog]

I have never bought a trailer and wished it was smaller or lighter duty. Get at least a 14k and strongly consider gooseneck. Deckovers are really tall and scary to load things on. I have a load trail gooseneck with a steel diamond plate floor and drive over fenders. The fenders are only 8" or so above the deck and flat on top. You can drive up on them with a truck and not hurt them. I really like it because it is low to the ground and you can fit anything on it.

 

[milkie62]

Well I guess carrying a backhoe is out.I have a 2500 Chevy and do not want a 5th wheel hitch in my bed for the amt I would be needing to move a backhoe.Would probably remove the FEL whenever carrying tractor & brush hog.Thanks

 

[franklin2]

I see the M6800 weighs about 6000lbs. You can carry that fairly comfortably with your truck and a bumper pull trailer. Add the FEL and the bush hog and you could still carry it, though you would have to be a little more careful with it.

It's not about if the truck or the trailer are going to break in half or something like that, it's about being able to comfortably drive the whole rig, stopping and changing lanes, going around turns and down steep hills. You can haul some pretty heavy stuff, but you need to drive slow and careful and plan ahead for stopping. Something you do not want to do on a regular basis if you will be hauling it all the time.

 

[George2615]

Your truck and any 10,12,or 14K bumper pull trailer (preferably at least 20') will haul your M6800 with FEL.
A 555 or 655 would be too much. You would need a 20K trailer for that.

 

[jwmorris]

In most cases you can buy a name brand trailer cheaper than having one custom made. Make sure you compare the costs carefully.

Being a builder of custom trailers I agree with this. I will also add that one can generally buy a used trailer for less money than just the steel would cost to build it.