Tilt Trailers Good? Bad? Real World Input Appreciated

burnetma · Oct 29, 2009

tlbuser said:
Why are you saying you can't use the full bed ? Mine is a 20' w/16' tilt deckover. I can place a 3 bottom plow on the front then add the tractor w/ 8' disc.

The manufacturer has drawn a line across the back of the deck ad put a sign saying no load past this point. I am not sure if it is a frame strength issue or legal concern over low tongue weight.

PACMMAX · Oct 30, 2009

Sorry to jump on someone else's post but I have been agonizing over many of these same questions. I have a Kuboda L39 and have been researching trailers. Tons of usefull info here but does anyone have an opinion about the additional height of a deck-over vs drop deck being a problem with the added height? The drop decks have a much lower center of gravity. It seems the deck-over is more versatile but I have been wondering if there could be stability problems with the load that much higher?

I've been looking at 20 foot PJ Trailers both tilt and non, deck-over and drop deck.

Any thoughts?

Thanks,
Paul

flusher · Oct 30, 2009

PACMMAX said:
Sorry to jump on someone else's post but I have been agonizing over many of these same questions. I have a Kuboda L39 and have been researching trailers. Tons of usefull info here but does anyone have an opinion about the additional height of a deck-over vs drop deck being a problem with the added height? The drop decks have a much lower center of gravity. It seems the deck-over is more versatile but I have been wondering if there could be stability problems with the load that much higher?

I've been looking at 20 foot PJ Trailers both tilt and non, deck-over and drop deck.

Any thoughts?

Thanks,
Paul

I've been looking at the same PJ trailers. Right now I like the non-tilt lo-boy (drop deck) with GN to haul my parade tractors (about 4500 lb max)--I'm concerned about stability issues with the deckover.

I'll have to go with triple ramps since I'm planning on getting a few old tractors with tricycle/narrow front wheel configuration. Tilt beds are nice for handling this type of tractor, but I can't justify the added cost compared to the ramps.

Deckovers are nice since the bed width is the max allowable (8.5 ft). I measured the PJ 20-ft low-boy --83" between the fenders. I can live with that.

Duffster · Oct 30, 2009

flusher said:
I've been looking at the same PJ trailers. Right now I like the non-tilt lo-boy (drop deck) with GN to haul my parade tractors (about 4500 lb max)--I'm concerned about stability issues with the deckover.

I'll have to go with triple ramps since I'm planning on getting a few old tractors with tricycle/narrow front wheel configuration. Tilt beds are nice for handling this type of tractor, but I can't justify the added cost compared to the ramps.

Deckovers are nice since the bed width is the max allowable (8.5 ft). I measured the PJ 20-ft low-boy --83" between the fenders. I can live with that.

I have done alot of pulling gooseneck and don't think that stability is a real concern with the deckover.

archerm3 · Oct 31, 2009

I bought a 20' tiltbed carhauler about 10 years ago and it's probably the best $2000 I've spent on any tool. On mine the entire bed tilts, the tongue is jacked away from the bed frame. No unusable space, but if you load the rear too heavy, it won't swing down on it's own to lock itself together. In this case, I take a comealong or a big fat heavy friend to step on the front of the bed to get the bed back down, then reposition the load for proper tongue weight.

This thing is absolutely wonderful for winching dead loads onto the trailer and not messing with ramps. Cars without wheels, sheds, shooting houses, fridges, logs. Just handy as heck.

Renze · Nov 1, 2009

What you guys need is a folding trailer: it combines the advantages of deck-over and tiltbed.

Minor problem i see, is that you guys dont run air compressors for the brakes in this trailer class, so you'd have to install an electric over hydraulic pump to lift the rear end of the trailer to travel height. On the trailer in the picture, its done by air bellows, the same ones used for the axle suspension.

BOBBYROGERS · Nov 3, 2009

theirs a company called hitch&buggy you can find them on the internet they are in iowa they sell a lot of different types of the trailers you are all talking about the man that runs the company's name is doug and he seems to treat custimers really well and has years in the industrie and can tell you about every type of tilt made along with their pros and cons you should look him up and give him a call be for you buy he loves to talk trailers weather you buy from him or not

skidsteer.ca · Nov 5, 2009

Those with tilt beds,how much extra weight does it add to the trailer or what are your empty weights for various size trailers?

I just have the foldup ramps, but the one trailer has spring assist and that sure work nice. My 5 year old can almost stand the ramps made from 3" channel on that trailer.
Ken

wolfpack2 · Nov 11, 2009

I have been looking at one of these at a local dealer. They appear very well built with grease fittings on all pivots, sealed wiring and good paint finish. Their web page has some good pictures and specs for all the different trailers that they make.

TILT BED EQUIPMENT TRAILERS Sure-Trac Trailers - Novae Corp.

Diamondpilot · Nov 11, 2009

wolfpack2 said:
I have been looking at one of these at a local dealer. They appear very well built with grease fittings on all pivots, sealed wiring and good paint finish. Their web page has some good pictures and specs for all the different trailers that they make.

TILT BED EQUIPMENT TRAILERS Sure-Trac Trailers - Novae Corp.

Looks like a nice trailer but heavy. If ordering one I would insist on Radial Tires. They spec Bias on most.

Chris