Straight axle vs. drop axle?

[Iplayfarmer]

I like my low trailer also but it does not have drop axles. Its deck height is only 14" and its a 18'x82" 7,000# trailer. No dove tail or gate, just slide in ramps from the rear. Very easy to use and load. Only weighs 1,250# empty so it has a 5,750# payload. Perfect trailer for me.

My last trailer was a 25+5 GN Deckover 25,000# unit. Hated it. Hated the GN for the loss of my truck bed. Hated the deckover for its load height and ramp angle. Hated the Dove Tail for its loss of flat floor space. Only liked its heavy duty load capacity but for no more than I used it I can pay someone to move my heavy stuff for a $100 or so. The darn thing weighed 5,800# and some change empty.

Chris

Tare weight is another good point you make. This may or may not have anything to do with the axles, but it's important to consider when buying or building a trailer. I found mine weighs 1760. Having over 5K pounds of payload is a big plus.

 

[deepNdirt]

many of the axle's I've seen only have a drop of approx 6-8 inches which doesn't seem like much, although to some it might make the deference in pulling the trailer with a tractor or load through a shop door opening, etc,etc,
and I would think being lower would help cut down on wind shear,

 

[Iplayfarmer]

many of the axle's I've seen only have a drop of approx 6-8 inches which doesn't seem like much, although to some it might make the deference in pulling the trailer with a tractor or load through a shop door opening, etc,etc,
and I would think being lower would help cut down on wind shear,

Where 6-8 inches makes a big difference is in load angle. If you raise a deck from 12" to 18" with 4 foot ramps it takes your load angle from 14 degrees to 20 degrees.

 

[newt92]

Here are some pictures of the two trailers I have. 16' with drop and 20' with strait. Both 3,500 lb axles, and both the same tires and same size.

In front is the 16' w/ 3' gate made of 1 1/2 tubing. Behind is the 20' w/ 4' gate made of 2" tubing. Both trailers sitting on level ground and sitting level (via a level).

Now, where I see the biggest advantage is the lighter weight of a 3' gate vs. 4' gate, and second the height of the 3' gate while traveling. With my mowers, the mowers cover up most all the wind drag.

Now some measurements..

Trailer deck height

16' 18"
20' 22"

Top of gate to the ground when up.
16' 50"
20' 67"

Ground clearance at the tail
16' 8 1/2"
20' 11 3/4"

These measurements are with a empty trailers ( well the 997 on the front of the 20' but jacked up)

 

[JDgreen227]

Here are some pictures of the two trailers I have. 16' with drop and 20' with strait. Both 3,500 lb axles, and both the same tires and same size.

In front is the 16' w/ 3' gate made of 1 1/2 tubing. Behind is the 20' w/ 4' gate made of 2" tubing. Both trailers sitting on level ground and sitting level (via a level).

Now, where I see the biggest advantage is the lighter weight of a 3' gate vs. 4' gate, and second the height of the 3' gate while traveling. With my mowers, the mowers cover up most all the wind drag.

Now some measurements..

Trailer deck height

16' 18"
20' 22"

Top of gate to the ground when up.
16' 50"
20' 67"

Ground clearance at the tail
16' 8 1/2"
20' 11 3/4"

These measurements are with a empty trailers ( well the 997 on the front of the 20' but jacked up)

VERY informative and illustrative post....well done....:thumbsup:

 

[Mahindra One]

Diamonpilot, curious as to the make of your trailer. Is it alum or steel? I have the same size Big Tex and it weighs over 2200!

 

[Diamondpilot]

Diamonpilot, curious as to the make of your trailer. Is it alum or steel? I have the same size Big Tex and it weighs over 2200!

Mine is a Jerry James 18'x82". Its a 2004 model. It has 205/75/15. That weight was not with the spare tire mounted or the winch and tool box on the tongue.

Its tough as can be. Hauled 2 Pontiac's 35 miles each Friday for a friends son. Its hauled many of cars 1000's of miles. Has also had a Suburban on it, a GMC 1/2 ton, a Dodge 1/2 ton, Trail Blazer, Durango, and numerous tractors. Even a boat.

http://www.jerryjamestrailersinc.com/index.htm

Chris

 

[TimS]

Newt, can you please indicate the manufacturer of your trailers?

I am looking for a trailer to carry my JD455 and 40 Loader combo, and I am having trouble finding a company that has exactly what I'm looking for - a low deck is one factor. Thanks!

Tim

 

[newt92]

Newt, can you please indicate the manufacturer of your trailers?

I am looking for a trailer to carry my JD455 and 40 Loader combo, and I am having trouble finding a company that has exactly what I'm looking for - a low deck is one factor. Thanks!

Tim

The 16' I ordered at the manufacture down in Sikeston Missouri. C & H Trailers.
The 20' different manufacture but still in Sikeston. (now dont laugh at me here) Wanda's Trailers.

 

[Diamondpilot]

The 16' I ordered at the manufacture down in Sikeston Missouri. C & H Trailers.
The 20' different manufacture but still in Sikeston. (now dont laugh at me here) Wanda's Trailers.

I have done business with a couple of manufactures in Sikeston. Good people down that way. I buy most of our stuff from Jerry James Trailers.

Jerry James Tandems

Chris