New Trailer

[twabscs]

Hi All,

Well, I've been going round and round with what to do for a trailer and tow vehicle. I bought an F150 SC two years ago and really like it. However, I really need an F250/350 or so to trailer my tractor with implements. After wrestling with the option of trading in the F150 SC for a larger truck and taking a $8K "hit" on the transaction, I just decided to get the trailer that I wanted (long-term) and do my best with the F150 for another year or two. The idea is to just use the trailer for moving my tractor/loader/box blade (5500 lbs) for now.

Initially, I was just looking for a 10K trailer but all they had were 16/18 ft ones. It was just a few hundred more for a 20 ft/14K trailer with dovetail and adjustable, spring assisted ramps.

So, today I picked up the trailer attached. It is rated for 14K and has brakes on both axles. I had them install a class IV hitch along with the brake controller. All of this for much less than the transaction costs of moving to an F250 SC. I need the SC truck, as that is currently the "family car" as my wife has a sporty two door. (Hey, I got a tractor so she had to have her sports car)

The first test will be tomorrow as I'm taking the TC40D to the dealer (~45 miles). I'm anxious to see how it does on the highway. My plan is to take it slow but so far it seems to handle the trailer fine.

Thanks,

 

[twabscs]

Here's a close up of the class IV hitch setup.

 

[twabscs]

Another picture of the trailer and tow vehicle. I'll get some better pics tomorrow, it's tough to get the full view in a subdivision...

 

[ronjhall]

Tom
Nice trailer. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Get an Equalizer hitch for your truck. Once you have used one you will never tow a heavy load without one. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
Check out this thread.
Click Here

 

[johnday]

Tom; Excellent choice of trailer! It appears that you'll be grossing out around 8800# loaded with your tractor, so, PLEASE, be very careful, you might be a tad overloaded. I don't recall what the max trailer rating is for a 150, but your right, you really do need that Superduty. Sounds like a good way to sway the CFO, if you know what I mean /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif You'll never regret having more trailer capacity than you need at this time.

BTW, is that a bulldog coupler? I've thought about changing my coupler over to a bulldog, but not sure what I would gain in the way of safety.

At any rate, smart purchase, and the safe way to go /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[twabscs]

Thanks Ron, I'll check into them. I've heard about them but don't have any experience with them.

 

[Bird]

Tom, I don't think you'll have any problem if you get your weight distribution right. If it were me and I didn't have any way to weigh everything, including the tongue weight, I'd measure the height of the rear bumper, put the tractor on the trailer and measure again, move the tractor forward or backward until the tongue weight lowered the back bumper 1.5" to 2".

 

[twabscs]

Hi John,

Thanks for the encouragement! I think I made the right choice given the circumstances. The primary issue of getting a new truck isn't the CFO, she said "go ahead." I just can't "deal" with losing 3-4K on my trade in and then paying an extra 4-5K on the new (used) truck (e.g., moving from F150 to same year F250 w/V10). I'm okay with dealers making some money; it's just the principle of getting taken both ways that gets me. Yes, it's a deep seeded, philosophical issue that I have. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif Probably caused by some event in my youth.

The problem, though, is that I'm close to my limit on the F150. The title says the trailer weighs 2500 lbs. That plus the 5.5K tractor puts me at 8K. The max on F150 varies with style, rear-end, engine, etc. I have the 5.4, 3.55, and 17 in tires. The max trailer weight is 7100. However, if I had 3.73 gears and 16 in tires, I can go to 8200? If my truck was 2WD, max is 8600? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif Sounds like the truck can handle 8K, but my components may be stressed some. I don't plan to do very much trailering so I should be okay. I may also remove the FEL for the trip to the dealer tomorrow. That will save 1100 lbs.

Yes, that's a bulldog coupler. It seems safer as it hugs the ball very tightly with no room for movement. Trailer man said they were "better." Must be. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[gugy]

Tom,Great looking rig.I like that adjustable Bulldog coupler.
Good Luck And safe towing

 

[twabscs]

Hi Bird,

Yeah, that's what the trailer guy said, but you put it more accurately. He said, "put the majority of the tractor over the trailer wheels and make sure the trailer is still level. You don't want the back end of the truck to drop very far." I'll use your measurements tomorrow after loading.

Thanks,