Hello, I'm very new to posting a message, please bear with me! My boyfriend is purchasing a tractor in the mid-west and is expecting to trailer it home on a custom built aluminum trailer. The total weight of trailer and tractor is about 6000 lbs. He is going to pull it with a 1/2 ton Chevy truck. Can anyone abate my fears of having serious problems on the trip? The trip is from the mid-west to Oregon - yes, over mountains. Thanks for any help!
Safe Tractor trailoring
- Thread starter cgadbois
- Start date
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Hello, I'm very new to posting a message, please bear with me! My boyfriend is purchasing a tractor in the mid-west and is expecting to trailer it home on a custom built aluminum trailer. The total weight of trailer and tractor is about 6000 lbs. He is going to pull it with a 1/2 ton Chevy truck. Can anyone abate my fears of having serious problems on the trip? The trip is from the mid-west to Oregon - yes, over mountains. Thanks for any help!
Joe1
Platinum Member
This raises a lot of questions, but it's good that this is asked before trying to tow an overloaded and unsafe load.
Are you certain of the weight?
How many trailer axles and trailer brakes?
What is the Combined Gross Vehicle Weight rating for the truck? That's truck, contents and passengers and loaded trailer the truck is designed to tow.
What kind of hitch will be used, i.e. bumper with a ball or a frame mounted hitch?
Will equalizing bars be used to distribute weight to truck and trailer axles?
Will an anti-sway be used with the hitch?
What engine, transmission and axle ratio on the truck?
In what condition is the truck.
Does the truck have a towing package?
How much "stuff" will be hauled in the truck?
This is the kind of info that will help others decide if your can SAFELY tow the load. A lot of excess weight can be towed, but in an emergency, can the rig be stopped safely in a reasonable distance and a straight line? If you look back a month or so in this section of this website you'll see that this has been discussed at great length.
Are you certain of the weight?
How many trailer axles and trailer brakes?
What is the Combined Gross Vehicle Weight rating for the truck? That's truck, contents and passengers and loaded trailer the truck is designed to tow.
What kind of hitch will be used, i.e. bumper with a ball or a frame mounted hitch?
Will equalizing bars be used to distribute weight to truck and trailer axles?
Will an anti-sway be used with the hitch?
What engine, transmission and axle ratio on the truck?
In what condition is the truck.
Does the truck have a towing package?
How much "stuff" will be hauled in the truck?
This is the kind of info that will help others decide if your can SAFELY tow the load. A lot of excess weight can be towed, but in an emergency, can the rig be stopped safely in a reasonable distance and a straight line? If you look back a month or so in this section of this website you'll see that this has been discussed at great length.
Joe1
Platinum Member
This raises a lot of questions, but it's good that this is asked before trying to tow an overloaded and unsafe load.
Are you certain of the weight?
How many trailer axles and trailer brakes?
What is the Combined Gross Vehicle Weight rating for the truck? That's truck, contents and passengers and loaded trailer the truck is designed to tow.
What kind of hitch will be used, i.e. bumper with a ball or a frame mounted hitch?
Will equalizing bars be used to distribute weight to truck and trailer axles?
Will an anti-sway be used with the hitch?
What engine, transmission and axle ratio on the truck?
In what condition is the truck.
Does the truck have a towing package?
How much "stuff" will be hauled in the truck?
This is the kind of info that will help others decide if your can SAFELY tow the load. A lot of excess weight can be towed, but in an emergency, can the rig be stopped safely in a reasonable distance and a straight line? If you look back a month or so in this section of this website you'll see that this has been discussed at great length.
Are you certain of the weight?
How many trailer axles and trailer brakes?
What is the Combined Gross Vehicle Weight rating for the truck? That's truck, contents and passengers and loaded trailer the truck is designed to tow.
What kind of hitch will be used, i.e. bumper with a ball or a frame mounted hitch?
Will equalizing bars be used to distribute weight to truck and trailer axles?
Will an anti-sway be used with the hitch?
What engine, transmission and axle ratio on the truck?
In what condition is the truck.
Does the truck have a towing package?
How much "stuff" will be hauled in the truck?
This is the kind of info that will help others decide if your can SAFELY tow the load. A lot of excess weight can be towed, but in an emergency, can the rig be stopped safely in a reasonable distance and a straight line? If you look back a month or so in this section of this website you'll see that this has been discussed at great length.
texasjohn
Super Member
Joe1 asks all the right questions, thus I'll give you my blunt thoughts.
If this is the first time your boyfriend has pulled a trailer with any significant load, then he'll wreck before he gets home. If he has some trailer pulling experience and can back up a trailer, he has a chance.
IMHO, the only way that this can have a successful outcome with adequate safety is that the trailer be a gooseneck, have adjustable brakes that work, maintain speeds under 50MPH at all times, your boyfriend must carefully plan ahead his speed both up and down hills, slow to a stop well ahead of where you MUST stop, no panic stops, plan ahead before you pull into a parking spot or around a corner so you have an adequate exit path.
From your description, things are on the very edge of a problem. The pickup is light. Hopefully it has a very big engine. The tow weight is rather heavy.
Fundamentally, either your boyfriend has good judgement or not in how to drive. That can't be taught.. but is critical to a successful outcome.
If you answer fully all the questions that Joe1 asked, then I am sure that other TBN members will provide their opinions as well.
I HAVE done what your boyfriend is planning.. and survived.
In my case it was 5500 pounds of live cattle with a bumper hitch 1/2 ton underpowered pickup, no trailer brakes but on mostly level ground, for 250 miles. White knuckles all the way. And, I already had lots of experience hauling with lighter loads and/or better gear. I have twice had a trailer start whipping around on me... and done a 360 circle on the highway... thankfully, somehow, didn't turn over... you can't believe how fast it happens!
I wish you both the very best and a safe trip with good weather!
The best advice I can give is to approach this effort with extreme respect for what can happen and use constant and extreme care during the drive. Usually it takes 3 simultaneous problems for an accident to occur. Speed control and anticipatory/defensive driving are the factors that remain under your control after the tow vehicle, trailer and load are all selected, loaded, chained down, and mechanically ready for the trip. Be ready to change tires!
If this is the first time your boyfriend has pulled a trailer with any significant load, then he'll wreck before he gets home. If he has some trailer pulling experience and can back up a trailer, he has a chance.
IMHO, the only way that this can have a successful outcome with adequate safety is that the trailer be a gooseneck, have adjustable brakes that work, maintain speeds under 50MPH at all times, your boyfriend must carefully plan ahead his speed both up and down hills, slow to a stop well ahead of where you MUST stop, no panic stops, plan ahead before you pull into a parking spot or around a corner so you have an adequate exit path.
From your description, things are on the very edge of a problem. The pickup is light. Hopefully it has a very big engine. The tow weight is rather heavy.
Fundamentally, either your boyfriend has good judgement or not in how to drive. That can't be taught.. but is critical to a successful outcome.
If you answer fully all the questions that Joe1 asked, then I am sure that other TBN members will provide their opinions as well.
I HAVE done what your boyfriend is planning.. and survived.
In my case it was 5500 pounds of live cattle with a bumper hitch 1/2 ton underpowered pickup, no trailer brakes but on mostly level ground, for 250 miles. White knuckles all the way. And, I already had lots of experience hauling with lighter loads and/or better gear. I have twice had a trailer start whipping around on me... and done a 360 circle on the highway... thankfully, somehow, didn't turn over... you can't believe how fast it happens!
I wish you both the very best and a safe trip with good weather!
The best advice I can give is to approach this effort with extreme respect for what can happen and use constant and extreme care during the drive. Usually it takes 3 simultaneous problems for an accident to occur. Speed control and anticipatory/defensive driving are the factors that remain under your control after the tow vehicle, trailer and load are all selected, loaded, chained down, and mechanically ready for the trip. Be ready to change tires!
texasjohn
Super Member
Joe1 asks all the right questions, thus I'll give you my blunt thoughts.
If this is the first time your boyfriend has pulled a trailer with any significant load, then he'll wreck before he gets home. If he has some trailer pulling experience and can back up a trailer, he has a chance.
IMHO, the only way that this can have a successful outcome with adequate safety is that the trailer be a gooseneck, have adjustable brakes that work, maintain speeds under 50MPH at all times, your boyfriend must carefully plan ahead his speed both up and down hills, slow to a stop well ahead of where you MUST stop, no panic stops, plan ahead before you pull into a parking spot or around a corner so you have an adequate exit path.
From your description, things are on the very edge of a problem. The pickup is light. Hopefully it has a very big engine. The tow weight is rather heavy.
Fundamentally, either your boyfriend has good judgement or not in how to drive. That can't be taught.. but is critical to a successful outcome.
If you answer fully all the questions that Joe1 asked, then I am sure that other TBN members will provide their opinions as well.
I HAVE done what your boyfriend is planning.. and survived.
In my case it was 5500 pounds of live cattle with a bumper hitch 1/2 ton underpowered pickup, no trailer brakes but on mostly level ground, for 250 miles. White knuckles all the way. And, I already had lots of experience hauling with lighter loads and/or better gear. I have twice had a trailer start whipping around on me... and done a 360 circle on the highway... thankfully, somehow, didn't turn over... you can't believe how fast it happens!
I wish you both the very best and a safe trip with good weather!
The best advice I can give is to approach this effort with extreme respect for what can happen and use constant and extreme care during the drive. Usually it takes 3 simultaneous problems for an accident to occur. Speed control and anticipatory/defensive driving are the factors that remain under your control after the tow vehicle, trailer and load are all selected, loaded, chained down, and mechanically ready for the trip. Be ready to change tires!
If this is the first time your boyfriend has pulled a trailer with any significant load, then he'll wreck before he gets home. If he has some trailer pulling experience and can back up a trailer, he has a chance.
IMHO, the only way that this can have a successful outcome with adequate safety is that the trailer be a gooseneck, have adjustable brakes that work, maintain speeds under 50MPH at all times, your boyfriend must carefully plan ahead his speed both up and down hills, slow to a stop well ahead of where you MUST stop, no panic stops, plan ahead before you pull into a parking spot or around a corner so you have an adequate exit path.
From your description, things are on the very edge of a problem. The pickup is light. Hopefully it has a very big engine. The tow weight is rather heavy.
Fundamentally, either your boyfriend has good judgement or not in how to drive. That can't be taught.. but is critical to a successful outcome.
If you answer fully all the questions that Joe1 asked, then I am sure that other TBN members will provide their opinions as well.
I HAVE done what your boyfriend is planning.. and survived.
In my case it was 5500 pounds of live cattle with a bumper hitch 1/2 ton underpowered pickup, no trailer brakes but on mostly level ground, for 250 miles. White knuckles all the way. And, I already had lots of experience hauling with lighter loads and/or better gear. I have twice had a trailer start whipping around on me... and done a 360 circle on the highway... thankfully, somehow, didn't turn over... you can't believe how fast it happens!
I wish you both the very best and a safe trip with good weather!
The best advice I can give is to approach this effort with extreme respect for what can happen and use constant and extreme care during the drive. Usually it takes 3 simultaneous problems for an accident to occur. Speed control and anticipatory/defensive driving are the factors that remain under your control after the tow vehicle, trailer and load are all selected, loaded, chained down, and mechanically ready for the trip. Be ready to change tires!
Joe1
Platinum Member
I've reread these posts, and I'm not necessarily as pessimistic at TexasJohn. I l see a lot of 1/2 ton trucks towing travel trailers that exceed 6,000 lbs. If your boyfriend has a late model 1/2 ton with a towing package and the proper GCVW he may be just fine. Those tow ratings are sometimes at sealevel.
The rule of thumb is that for each 1,000 feet in altitude, the normally aspirated (not supercharged or turbocharged) engine looses 3-4 % of its horsepower. Thus at 8,000 feet a 250 HP engine might only be putting out 170 - 190 HP, which still might be adequate if driven properly and not pushed too hard.
Good luck with this project.
The rule of thumb is that for each 1,000 feet in altitude, the normally aspirated (not supercharged or turbocharged) engine looses 3-4 % of its horsepower. Thus at 8,000 feet a 250 HP engine might only be putting out 170 - 190 HP, which still might be adequate if driven properly and not pushed too hard.
Good luck with this project.
Joe1
Platinum Member
I've reread these posts, and I'm not necessarily as pessimistic at TexasJohn. I l see a lot of 1/2 ton trucks towing travel trailers that exceed 6,000 lbs. If your boyfriend has a late model 1/2 ton with a towing package and the proper GCVW he may be just fine. Those tow ratings are sometimes at sealevel.
The rule of thumb is that for each 1,000 feet in altitude, the normally aspirated (not supercharged or turbocharged) engine looses 3-4 % of its horsepower. Thus at 8,000 feet a 250 HP engine might only be putting out 170 - 190 HP, which still might be adequate if driven properly and not pushed too hard.
Good luck with this project.
The rule of thumb is that for each 1,000 feet in altitude, the normally aspirated (not supercharged or turbocharged) engine looses 3-4 % of its horsepower. Thus at 8,000 feet a 250 HP engine might only be putting out 170 - 190 HP, which still might be adequate if driven properly and not pushed too hard.
Good luck with this project.
texasjohn
Super Member
cgadbois, are you there? The answers to my and Joe1's questions are needed.
Certain answers will lead to a satisfactory prognosis... others will not... We're both trying to offer suggestions for safely completing this project. Answers to the questions will help us address your concern.
But, there cannot be any guarantees.
Safety is always a probability discussion....
The safest probability is with the right equipment, rightly maintained, rightly loaded, right driving skill/attitude, and right weather. That said, good drivers with a proper load and good equipment and weather can have problems.
Like Joe1, I too wish you good luck with the project.
Certain answers will lead to a satisfactory prognosis... others will not... We're both trying to offer suggestions for safely completing this project. Answers to the questions will help us address your concern.
But, there cannot be any guarantees.
Safety is always a probability discussion....
The safest probability is with the right equipment, rightly maintained, rightly loaded, right driving skill/attitude, and right weather. That said, good drivers with a proper load and good equipment and weather can have problems.
Like Joe1, I too wish you good luck with the project.
texasjohn
Super Member
cgadbois, are you there? The answers to my and Joe1's questions are needed.
Certain answers will lead to a satisfactory prognosis... others will not... We're both trying to offer suggestions for safely completing this project. Answers to the questions will help us address your concern.
But, there cannot be any guarantees.
Safety is always a probability discussion....
The safest probability is with the right equipment, rightly maintained, rightly loaded, right driving skill/attitude, and right weather. That said, good drivers with a proper load and good equipment and weather can have problems.
Like Joe1, I too wish you good luck with the project.
Certain answers will lead to a satisfactory prognosis... others will not... We're both trying to offer suggestions for safely completing this project. Answers to the questions will help us address your concern.
But, there cannot be any guarantees.
Safety is always a probability discussion....
The safest probability is with the right equipment, rightly maintained, rightly loaded, right driving skill/attitude, and right weather. That said, good drivers with a proper load and good equipment and weather can have problems.
Like Joe1, I too wish you good luck with the project.
