Towing Batwing behind a truck

[Davidsan]

I have a Kubota M9540 with a Woods BW180 batwing. My trailer is long enough to carry tractor and batwing but not sure my old dually (7.3L IDI) is up for the challenge.

Anybody have any experience roading your batwing (15') behind a pickup?

I realize they are top heavy and hence a need to keep speed minimal, especially around turns, etc.

Anything I need to lookout for?

 

[aczlan]

One thing to be aware of is that they have LOTS of tongue weight (1500# or more).

Aaron Z

 

[art]

That is how we deliver many!

 

[RickB]

One thing to be aware of is that they have LOTS of tongue weight (1500# or more).

Aaron Z

That's the primary concern. A dually is up to the task IF the actual hitch device is.

 

[Ken45101]

It depends on the tires on the batwing. IIRC, the composite strip tires are only rated for 15 mph or they may disintegrate. That's from the manual. Balloon tires can go faster but I would make sure they are properly inflated.

Ken

 

[Davidsan]

It depends on the tires on the batwing. IIRC, the composite strip tires are only rated for 15 mph or they may disintegrate. That's from the manual. Balloon tires can go faster but I would make sure they are properly inflated.

Ken

All good pointers! I have a drop forged ball mount on order rated at 10000#. My receiver on the truck should be up for the job but I'll do my own inspection to make sure.

Glad to know others tow them this way and I won't be charting new waters, so to speak.

Art, how fast do you guys make on straightaways?

The tires on our cutter are 24" airplane tires. So the tires should not be an issue.

Guess my biggest fear is turnover.

 

[RickB]

Gonna be pretty hard to flop a batwing over IF the wings are positively locked in transport position.
Airplane takeoff speeds are pretty high
You have wheels on 3 sides in transport position anyway!

 

[Davidsan]

Gonna be pretty hard to flop a batwing over IF the wings are positively locked in transport position.
Airplane takeoff speeds are pretty high
You have wheels on 3 sides in transport position anyway!

Yeah, my airplane tires are rated at 240 mph and something like 15000#. Don't think weight or speed will be an issue for the tires. I guess you are right about the tires on 3 sides. :laughing:

 

[High Compression]

Gonna be pretty hard to flop a batwing over IF the wings are positively locked in transport position.
Airplane takeoff speeds are pretty high
You have wheels on 3 sides in transport position anyway!

This is true. Our aviation tires say 225 mph on the side of them and 14,350 lbs 16 ply rating. My truck will barely hit 185 mph, let alone 225 mph.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Just a interesting tid bit. I am a commercial pilot with airline transport license. The limiting factor many times on takeoff and landing weights carried is tire speed limits. We run out of tires before we run out of runway or power due to speed limits.

The tires on my airplane that I am currently flying are 18 ply.

Chris