Towing capacity

[Torvy]

That works well. I started using meta tabs screwed to the deck for different loads. Works ok, but I forget which one is for what. It's not rocket science, you would think I could remember. But sometimes I don't.

If you have a wood deck, use a wood burning tool to write what each stop is for...or at least a code you will remember.

 

[ljjhouser]

If you have a wood deck, use a wood burning tool to write what each stop is for...or at least a code you will remember.

Great Idea. Think I will burn some names in it. Thanks. Larry

 

[kpsp50]

Some things to think about.
If your proposed tractor is 3300lb. then add another 1000 for a loader so now 4300lb. Add the minimum trailer weight of 2500lb. and you're up to 6800lb or about maximum for a 7K trailer. Plus any 3pt. attachments and a cab will also add weight so a 7K may not be ideal as you'll probably be over loaded. If you load the tires then there is more added weight.
Next concern is a 16' trailer long enough for a tractor with loader and maybe a 3 pt. attachment? You may need wiggle room to move the tractor to get proper balance and tongue weight. I would suggest at least a 20' 9 or 10,000lb. trailer.
Lastly, if your combined weight of loaded trailer is truly around 7K or even up to 10k then most any newer 1/2T pickups properly equiped will easily haul that kind of load.

This is all fine but what you have to think about is the stopping. 3/4 ton has bigger brakes tires and the weight class of the truck.1/2 ton truck not legal to pull 10,000 lb trailer? Be safe go 3/4 ton. Just my opinion. Nothing May be said until there is an accident!

 

[Paul40]

If I went strictly by recommendations by the manufacturer, I wouldn't be doing what I do.
I haul household water for cisterns in both of our houses on the property. I have a 1000 Imp. Gal. tank on a gooseneck trailer that itself weighs about 2750 lbs. That's a total weight of about 12 000 lbs. I have an old '92 F150 4x4 with an extended cab and 8' box, and a 5 l engine.
The thing is that I live in Saskatchewan. The closest I come to having to climb a hill is when I pull onto the road after filling up. The rest of the 16 km home is all pretty flat and level. I have to make two turns. On a real busy day I might meet 3 vehicles. I rarely travel more than 80 km/hr. During full load testing, I was able to lock up the trailer brakes.
If I was going to be hauling in heavy traffic, with hills and traffic lights, I wouldn't consider doing that, but under the circumstances, I don't see much of a problem with it.

 

[ljjhouser]

This is all fine but what you have to think about is the stopping. 3/4 ton has bigger brakes tires and the weight class of the truck.1/2 ton truck not legal to pull 10,000 lb trailer? Be safe go 3/4 ton. Just my opinion. Nothing May be said until there is an accident!

It is always better to use a bigger tow vehicle. I am careful about classifing trucks as 1500 (or 1/2 ton). There are several different tow ratings of the same truck based on the powertrain, weight, suspension. I do agree that a 2500 is safer than a 1500. But I also know if you only rarely tow heavy, the bigger truck may be hard to live with the rest of the year. My 1500 will not fit in most parking spaces as it is. But all 1500 are not the same. For example, a Ram big horn, standard truck with 5.7 hemi and a 3.21 drive train is rated to tow 8000. And that would not be legal. But the 1500 Larime, with the same 5.7 hemi with the heavy 3.92 drive train is rated at 11303.9 # (2021). So that is legal to tow 10000.
But there is a lot to agree with in your post. I would LOVE to have a 2500 with diesel when towing. It IS safer and better equipped to handle heavy loads. You are right. If there is an accident, then the numbers become important. That is why I stay within all the specs of my truck and trailer weights. And that is why I use a CAT scale if I am unsure. Nice post. Best wishes, Larry

 

[newbury]

That works well. I started using meta tabs screwed to the deck for different loads. Works ok, but I forget which one is for what. It's not rocket science, you would think I could remember. But sometimes I don't.

May we assume you have a cell phone with picture capability? Next time you load the trailer and get it set up as you like it, snap a picture.

 

[BenjiMac]

I did a quick search for trailers, and found this one. It might be slightly larger than your absolute minimum.

7x18 Flatbed Utility Trailer with Treated Wood Floor & 7,270-Lb Payload

Move your vehicle or other gear on an economical 7x18 flatbed utility trailer with two axles, 7,270-pound payload capacity, and easy financing at Leonard.

www.leonardusa.com

 

[Smily0]

Not to get off what he is asking about, it is good to get set up right for sure ! I have a question i to tow a 3940 with loader an usually a box scraper or mower. How do you know where to locate your load on the trailer? Say like more tongue weight, less? And if it sways what is that telling you?

I mentioned in an earlier post, but I use a Weigh-Safe hitch which has a built-in scale in the hitch. It gives me peace of mind. Here is one of their videos demoing load distribution vs stability. You can search youtube for other examples showing the same.

 

[fishdrivel]

I am trying to build out parameters for a truck and trailer I will need to transport my tractor. I can get specific weights on tractors and equipment. I am trying to determine how much 'wiggle room' I need to build in to my calculations. So if I get a medium-sized CUT with ROPs, that is about 3300 lbs. 16 ft trailer with about 7000 lb capacity is 2500-3000 lbs. Cab is a maybe right now. FEL is a definite yes, so I will have to add in weight for that. Also likely to have med-hvy duty RC on 3pt. What other factors do I need to consider? Like, how heavy would loaded tires be? At this point, I don't know what I don't know. I don't want to buy too small a truck, but I also have no interest in a behemoth.

I haul my B2601 compact tractor with FEL and implement on the back. I can load on 14' trailer but mine is 16'. 2 3500 pound axles with no brakes. I pull with an F150 regular duty. I am the only one who drives it.
If the implement was a bush hog, I might not be able to fit on the 16' I'm comfortable driving it. Last November I carried this rig from Texas to Georgia.

What would make me more comfortable would be brakes! Your needs suggest a pair of 5000 axles and 4 wheel brakes with appropriate tires. Right tires are important because trailers like to shred tires. A good brand of trailer like Hudson is well engineered and fully compliant.
Most trailers are not fully compliant. If you buy a heavy duty 3/4 ton truck, you will have to go through the scales. The Highway Patrolman will let you know if you are non-compliant. That's all I got. Kudos to you for figuring this stuff out before shopping!

Hudson Brothers VBCBI 5 Ton

This rugged fender equipment trailer has a 5 ton capacity.

www.hudsontrailers.com

 

[ljjhouser]

May we assume you have a cell phone with picture capability? Next time you load the trailer and get it set up as you like it, snap a picture.

I guess it should read METAL TABS. Good suggestion, and I will do that when I get back to the trailer. Thanks, Larry