Safe Tractor trailoring

[George2615]

My previous GM 1/2 ton 4x4 pickup was rated to tow 8200 Lb. It had a small 8 cyl with an auto trans. I never had any problem hauling 6K with it. Only problem was gas mileage went from 15.5 down to about 8 or 9 when towing. You didn't mention what year truck it was but if its a late model it should have no problem. He'll just need a pocket full of money or a CC to keep filling up. And remind him to drive defensively, leave extra room in front for stopping, and take his time.

 

[George2615]

My previous GM 1/2 ton 4x4 pickup was rated to tow 8200 Lb. It had a small 8 cyl with an auto trans. I never had any problem hauling 6K with it. Only problem was gas mileage went from 15.5 down to about 8 or 9 when towing. You didn't mention what year truck it was but if its a late model it should have no problem. He'll just need a pocket full of money or a CC to keep filling up. And remind him to drive defensively, leave extra room in front for stopping, and take his time.

 

[wushaw]

Tell him not to tow in overdrive.

 

[wushaw]

Tell him not to tow in overdrive.

 

[keeney]

There are lots of threads about this on the forum related to making sure the tractor is loaded on the trailer safely. in summary:

1. Take great care going up down ramps, make sure trailer is scure while doing so. Probably should be hitched to the truck. Flip-down ramps with built-in stands are best. Otherwise jackstands or something underneath to hold rear of trailer from squatting while loading is required. Wear your seatbelt with ROPs up if tractor is so equipped.

2. Make sure the trailer is long enough. Long enough to be able to place the tractor far enough forward to get correct tongue weight. Also long enough so that nothing is hanging off the front or back.

3. Chain the tractor down with some suitable chains and binders. I won't go into all the reasons, but the consensus opinion for that weight would be to use at least 5/16" grade-70 "transport" chains. Somebody who likes overkill would use 3/8" grade-70 chains. Use four chains for the tractor - one on each of the four corners. If it has a loader use two more chains to hold down the loader. Use two more for a rear attachment. Also chain down any attachments loaded seperately with at least two chains each. When counting chains, each chain needs to be independently fastened on each end. A chain looped over something or through more than one place without being fastened securely only counts as one chain. Chains need to be fastened to tie-down rings or stake-pockets designed for that purpose on the trailer, and should be connected to sturdy parts of the tractor like around the axles, weight bar, or frame.

4. Tongue weight. Follow the trailer and truck recommendations (making sure there is a compatible overlap). Typically around 10-15% of the weight needs to be on the tongue. Verify by noting that the bumper of the truck goes down, not up when compared to the unloaded condition. Unlike a boat trailer, there is no pre-set location for the tractor on the trailer, so the tractor will have to be carefully positioned front to back to get the tongue weight correct.

- Rick

 

[keeney]

There are lots of threads about this on the forum related to making sure the tractor is loaded on the trailer safely. in summary:

1. Take great care going up down ramps, make sure trailer is scure while doing so. Probably should be hitched to the truck. Flip-down ramps with built-in stands are best. Otherwise jackstands or something underneath to hold rear of trailer from squatting while loading is required. Wear your seatbelt with ROPs up if tractor is so equipped.

2. Make sure the trailer is long enough. Long enough to be able to place the tractor far enough forward to get correct tongue weight. Also long enough so that nothing is hanging off the front or back.

3. Chain the tractor down with some suitable chains and binders. I won't go into all the reasons, but the consensus opinion for that weight would be to use at least 5/16" grade-70 "transport" chains. Somebody who likes overkill would use 3/8" grade-70 chains. Use four chains for the tractor - one on each of the four corners. If it has a loader use two more chains to hold down the loader. Use two more for a rear attachment. Also chain down any attachments loaded seperately with at least two chains each. When counting chains, each chain needs to be independently fastened on each end. A chain looped over something or through more than one place without being fastened securely only counts as one chain. Chains need to be fastened to tie-down rings or stake-pockets designed for that purpose on the trailer, and should be connected to sturdy parts of the tractor like around the axles, weight bar, or frame.

4. Tongue weight. Follow the trailer and truck recommendations (making sure there is a compatible overlap). Typically around 10-15% of the weight needs to be on the tongue. Verify by noting that the bumper of the truck goes down, not up when compared to the unloaded condition. Unlike a boat trailer, there is no pre-set location for the tractor on the trailer, so the tractor will have to be carefully positioned front to back to get the tongue weight correct.

- Rick

 

[texasjohn]

cgadbois, Glad to get all the details... and Congrats on such a complete reply!

You were initially worried about your guy being able to make the trip safely. He can and almost certainly will.

We all have to use the equipment that we have. What he has is very adequate for the job, IMHO.

My main concerns are all resolved in the positive... particularly that he has trailering experience already and that there are working trailer brakes.

He's good to go.... give him a warm send off and a warmer welcome when he gets back /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif And encourage him to take his time... it's not a race... it's a tractor haul... and I encourage you to climb up on it and start tractor'in when he rests up from the trip... it'll show him you are a good sport and interested in his new toy... er... tool. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

 

[texasjohn]

cgadbois, Glad to get all the details... and Congrats on such a complete reply!

You were initially worried about your guy being able to make the trip safely. He can and almost certainly will.

We all have to use the equipment that we have. What he has is very adequate for the job, IMHO.

My main concerns are all resolved in the positive... particularly that he has trailering experience already and that there are working trailer brakes.

He's good to go.... give him a warm send off and a warmer welcome when he gets back /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif And encourage him to take his time... it's not a race... it's a tractor haul... and I encourage you to climb up on it and start tractor'in when he rests up from the trip... it'll show him you are a good sport and interested in his new toy... er... tool. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

 

[MrJimi]

Now we all feel safe, You can make him a nice cooler/picnic basket with his favorite goodies.
have a good and safe trip
Jim /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[MrJimi]

Now we all feel safe, You can make him a nice cooler/picnic basket with his favorite goodies.
have a good and safe trip
Jim /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif