Towing an L35 ?

Builder · Dec 4, 2008

jerrykn said:
Many thanks for the feedback.
The main problem other than gross overloading I have seen is an unbalanced load, which I will be quite careful about. I would like to keep the trailer load as low as I can. If it's not way to hard I would like to pull the buckets and load them in the Ford. Not only will it drop the trailer weight but it will be easier the balance the trailer so I get about 4-500 lbs on the hitch.

So what does it take to remove the buckets?

Jerry

I don't think it's possible to pull a 7,000lb load and have a tongue weight of 4-500 lbs. That would mean your trailer is rear-loaded too heavy and you may experience some loss of control. Realistically, you will have a tongue weight of more like 700-1,000 lbs (10-15%). Pulling weight off the tractor and loading it in the bed adds even more weight to the rear axle.

tractorman99 · Dec 4, 2008

TRANSPORTING L35

Since the L35 loader with backhoe weighs approximately 5997 lbs* (2720 kg), it痴 easily transported by a ｾ ton pick-up truck and a trailer rated 10,000 lbs. GVWR,

wkpoor · Dec 4, 2008

I don't think it's possible to pull a 7,000lb load and have a tongue weight of 4-500 lbs. That would mean your trailer is rear-loaded too heavy and you may experience some loss of control. Realistically, you will have a tongue weight of more like 700-1,000 lbs (10-15%). Pulling weight off the tractor and loading it in the bed adds even more weight to the rear axle.

I don't completely agree that 10-15% is always needed. Yes its a guidline but every trailer may vary on how much tongue weight is needed. It depended on how far back the axles are. With my tractor on my trailer I'm right about 12K total weight and I doubt I have 1000lbs. of tongue. It tracks perfect. Usually when I load a car or truck I pull it forward till I see the truck settle a little and thats it. Don't really know how much it there but with experience using that trailer I know what works. Look at boats. I'll bet most are around 5% tongue weight. They do just fine.
As for a little overload. I wouldn't worry about 500lbs either. Lord knows I've tested 7K trailers before many times to nearly twice their rated capacity. Never far though. Amazing just how much is factored into things. I've never had an issue but sure have been worried a time or 2. Afterwards I figured I knew where the next limitation threshold was or at least felt good about using a trailer to its max rating.

Builder · Dec 4, 2008

I don't think it's a necessity to have 10-15% t/w either. I was basing that on a traditional trailer configuration. However, I don't think it's realistic to think a 7,000lb trailer will only place 400 lbs tongue weight on the hitch.

An L-35 loaded on your typical 7K trailer will result in more than 400lbs t/w and that's the scenario the o/p presents.

That said, I agree with most of what you say!

jerrykn · Dec 8, 2008

Again thanks for the feedback, I'm definately in the 5 to 10% range for tongue weight. That give you positive load on thr towing vehicle for stability and keeps the load on all 4 trailer wheels even.
I appreciate all the comments and experience on loading a trailer up maybe a little past it's rating.
I will see if I can put some parts in my excursion to keep as near to 7K load on the trailer. The Ex's load rating is plenty to haul an extra 5-700 lbs or more in the back while towing.

Doing my maint on my trailer, packed the bearings,etc, I found the left side brake wire broke. Will fix that before I leave on Friday.

Looking forward to having th L35 TLB. Seems like a good time to buy. Prices on items that actually sell on ebay seem to be as low as I have seen. I'll give a report of how this unit is when I get back.

Jerry

Builder · Dec 8, 2008

jerrykn said:
Again thanks for the feedback, I'm definately in the 5 to 10% range for tongue weight. That give you positive load on thr towing vehicle for stability and keeps the load on all 4 trailer wheels even.
I appreciate all the comments and experience on loading a trailer up maybe a little past it's rating.
I will see if I can put some parts in my excursion to keep as near to 7K load on the trailer. The Ex's load rating is plenty to haul an extra 5-700 lbs or more in the back while towing.

Doing my maint on my trailer, packed the bearings,etc, I found the left side brake wire broke. Will fix that before I leave on Friday.

Looking forward to having th L35 TLB. Seems like a good time to buy. Prices on items that actually sell on ebay seem to be as low as I have seen. I'll give a report of how this unit is when I get back.

Jerry

You're right about that. I've never seen equipment sell cheaper in the 20+ years I've ownd a construction business.

L-35 is a nice, tough little unit.

jerrykn · Dec 21, 2008

Well I got back from my trip . Pulled the L35 from North Carolina to New Mexico via Dallas with no problems. 65 mph all the way.

I did pull the buckets and hauled them in the back of my Excursion for a couple of reasons. I knew with them I would be at or just above 7K lbs on my trailors axles. I was concerned if some overzelous motor transport or Trooper did a weight check it would be a royal PIA.
Plus on a long trip I really didn't want to overload if I could do someting about it. Still I est that the total trailor/load total was 7300/7400 lbs.

The roads overall were very good but the roads in Mississippi
gave the truck/trailor combo a workout. The road surface was quite good but for some reason on I-20 in the middle of the state they cut whop-de-doos acroos the highway every 1/2 mile or so that would simulate riding a bucking bronc.- I think I might have even gotten a little air time after a few of those.

Anyway Thank God for a safe trip and I wish the same for all of you and a Merry Christmas.

Jerry