Trailer advice needed

npaden · Mar 11, 2006

Okay, I think I have my tractor choice about decided. I'm leaning strongly toward an MX5000 Kubota with a LA-852 loader. Tractor is 3,500lbs, add 1,000lbs for loader, 800lbs for box blade and we are at 5,300lbs.

I'm now trying to decide if I need to get a trailer for it or not. I want a 7' box blade so I would need a car hauler type trailer without rails. With any type of ballast I would be pushing the envelope of a 7,000lb trailer so I am looking at a 20' - 10,000lb trailer. The local kubota dealer will add it to the package deal and finance it for 0% for 3 years so that part would be okay but the trailer is $2,400 no matter how you cut it.

I'm just not sure how much I would use the trailer. I plan on using the tractor on my land, not hauling it around and hiring out any work for others. I would like to be able to help out with other peoples projects if they were friends for free but not I guess I could make them rent a trailer to get the tractor to them.

Also I have a 2005 Z71 crew cab pickup and not sure if it should be pulling a 10,000lb trailer. It has the standard 5,000lb rated hitch and the basic towing package. I wouldn't be pulling it everyday but that still is a load for basically a 1/2 ton pickup.

Just hoping to get some input from folks on whether I need to spring for a trailer or not. Also, whether my truck would handle pulling that size of trailer and load if I did buy it.

Have you found your trailer indispensable or something that is parked and in the way 99.9% of the time?

Thanks in advance for any input.

Nathan

Bird · Mar 11, 2006

( something that is parked and in the way 99.9% of the time? )

Nope, only about 95% of the time. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif But during that other 5%, it's really handy and useful.

Builder · Mar 11, 2006

( " Okay, I think I have my tractor choice about decided. I'm leaning strongly toward an MX5000 Kubota with a LA-852 loader. Tractor is 3,500lbs, add 1,000lbs for loader, 800lbs for box blade and we are at 5,300lbs.

I'm now trying to decide if I need to get a trailer for it or not. I want a 7' box blade so I would need a car hauler type trailer without rails. With any type of ballast I would be pushing the envelope of a 7,000lb trailer so I am looking at a 20' - 10,000lb trailer. The local kubota dealer will add it to the package deal and finance it for 0% for 3 years so that part would be okay but the trailer is $2,400 no matter how you cut it.

I'm just not sure how much I would use the trailer. I plan on using the tractor on my land, not hauling it around and hiring out any work for others. I would like to be able to help out with other peoples projects if they were friends for free but not I guess I could make them rent a trailer to get the tractor to them.

Also I have a 2005 Z71 crew cab pickup and not sure if it should be pulling a 10,000lb trailer. It has the standard 5,000lb rated hitch and the basic towing package. I wouldn't be pulling it everyday but that still is a load for basically a 1/2 ton pickup.

Just hoping to get some input from folks on whether I need to spring for a trailer or not. Also, whether my truck would handle pulling that size of trailer and load if I did buy it.

Have you found your trailer indispensable or something that is parked and in the way 99.9% of the time?

Thanks in advance for any input.

Nathan ")

Nathan,

My guess would be to bag the trailer and just rent/borrow one when you need it. Heck, you could even drive your tractor to help out a neighbor or friend nearby in a pinch (I do).

The problem with trailers is other than having to spend $2,400 they take up a lot of space. If they're stored too long, the tires dry-rot, the brakes rust and the electrical connections can go bad. They must be registered & inspected annually. Combine that with not having a heavy-enough towing package on your truck and you'll be spending more to upgrade your truck to do the job. A 1/2 tonner is working hard to pull a 10K trailer. More of a job for a 3/4 or 1 tonner. It could be done, but you might want to check your trucks' GCWR to see if the truck plus a 10K trailer doesn't exceed your GCWR. It may also exceed the tongue weight of your truck. TW is usually 10-15% of your trailer weight, in your case 1,000-1,500 lbs.
My buddy has a '94 F-150 4x4 and he tows his little B series 25HP TLB around and it squats more than I thought it would at only ~8,000lbs.

All that being said, I couldn't live without my trailer, but I need one to make a living. If you you think you'll be taking on jobs involving the transporting of your tractor, you might be able to justify one, but if i owned a farm and didn't need to drive it around, I would probably try to get by without one-especially if i had a buddy who could loan me a trailer, rollback, etc..

Joe1 · Mar 11, 2006

You're looking at another 500 - 600 lbs if you fill the tires plus you might want to carry another implement, so the 10,000 makes a lot more sense.

Sounds like a half ton would be overloaded. People pull trailers that are overloading their trucks every day and "get away with it", but they are on borrowed time IMO.

George2615 · Mar 11, 2006

Nathan,
You state you have a Z71 which is a half ton P/U. Your tow capacity depends on many options. 2WD, 4WD, Engine size, Rear end ratio, Crew cab etc.
If its 2WD HD w/ 6000 eng and 3.73 rear tow cap. is 8200lb max trlr weight. 10,200 same eng. w/ 4.10 gears.
Std. crew cab 2WD 3.23 gears tow cap. is 7700.
4x4 w/ 3.42 gears tow cap. is 7400, 8400 w/ 4.10 gears.
Your 05 Silverado owners manual page 4-63 towing section covers your specific tow capacity. In any case you can guess about 2500 for you trailer, and 5300 for tractor, loader, and box blade total = 7800lb so your at the max for your truck. I have no doubt the truck will pull it. At weight dist. hitch should be on your list to buy as well. And $2400 for a 10K trailer is a steal price. I'd go for the trailer too. You could not touch a 10K trailer in my area for that price. My 20' 7K trailer (tilt bed) cost over 3000. Just because you get a 10K trailer doesn't mean you have to load it to the max. The trailer can be registered for less also say for your truck max towing capacity. Trailers always come in handy. If I have friends that need its use, I only ask for some compensation for fuel costs.
Good luck on all your purchases.

George

KAB · Mar 11, 2006

As already mentioned if you have the standard 3.42 axle (GU6) max tow capacity will be approx 7500# and the 4.10 axle (GT5) is approx 8400#, based on a 150# driver and NO additional weight added to the truck. A Weight Distribution is required for all trailers over 5000#.

If you do not have the sticker you can find which axle ratio by looking for either GU6 or GT5 on the sticker in the glove box.

You will be at max capibility with the 3.42. A gooseneck or 5th trailer is not an option with the bed on the crew cab.

Kurt

RollTideRam · Mar 11, 2006

If not used often, your truck would work okay. I would not tow in OD though. If the trailer has breaks on both axles it will be alot better. I don't have a business or make a living with my trailers. I have three and use all of them pretty often. JC

rozett · Mar 12, 2006

I'm another one that would vote for skipping the purchase of a trailer and just rent one when you need it. I've had my tractor about five years. I borrowed a trailer to haul it from New Hampshire to Maine. Since then, I have never had a need to haul it anywhere. I do all the routine maintenance and it's never been to a shop. I'd use the money for more attachments and reserve a little for trailer rental.

Farmwithjunk · Mar 12, 2006

A trailer is like a shirt pocket. It's not something you HAVE to have, but it sure is handy at times.

Like a pick up truck, once you've got a trailer, you'll find a lot of uses, and will have a tough time living without one.

Makes for a good way to have that annual fall hay ride too!

torreyth · Mar 12, 2006

I thought long and hard about the question - do I need a trailer - and arrived at the conclusion -No. My dealer lets me use his to bring in for service, etc. If I need a trailer for anything else - I will borrow one from a local landscaper (good friend) or rent. Good luck on your decision.

npaden · Mar 12, 2006

Thanks for the input. I double checked the owner's manual on the pickup and it shows 7,400lbs as the max trailer weight with the 3.42 rear end. It would be right at the limit (probably a little over the limit) of the pickup and since it isn't even a year old I don't think I can justify needing a new one yet.

I have a few people that I could borrow a trailer from but they are only 16' and I would have to make multiple trips if I needed to bring a box blade or shredder and that would be a trick getting them loaded or unloaded.

I'm still on the fence but appreciate the input. I guess this comes down to one of those decisions you need to make in life! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Thanks, Nathan

Builder · Mar 12, 2006

Just remember all the things that can go wrong with equuipment that sits for long periods-trailers, too.

George2615 · Mar 13, 2006

Also remember all the things that may go wrong when you borrow something. It seems everytime I borrow something it breaks and I have to fix it. I hate paying to fix something that isn't mine. I borrowed a trailer back in 97 to pick up a vehicle located about 3 hrs. away. When I got there and loaded up my purchase I noticed one wheel on the trailer leaning or tipped in. I pulled into a parking lot and found the wheel bearings had all but disintegrated. Fortunately for me I found a Dexter axle dealer close by who was just closing up for the day. I explained my plight and the owner graciously waited for me to locate his store (since I wasn't familiar with the area) and I picked up the parts I needed and had enough tools with me to repair it. I hate to bring up Murphy's law but that seems to be my middle name when I'm in possesion of other's property.
Just sharing what happens to me. Still wish I could have found a 20' 10K trailer for $2400. Of course the decision is yours to make.
George

Builder · Mar 13, 2006

All those things happen when you own a trailer, too. Believe me, I own 2 of them and I can tell you from first hand experience, all I seem to do is fix equipment, don't matter if it's a truck or trailer...old or new, they break, need upkeep, insurance, registration, inspection......

RollTideRam · Mar 13, 2006

Some people never need a trailer. Like I posted before, I have three. I have a 6.5x12 that I was using to haul my mower to mow our church yard. I'm planning to sell or trade the mower, but I'll still pull this trailer when I have my truck camper on to haul gear. My second trailer was my first, a 6x14 dual axle. I hauled our JD650 with loader and bush hog on it. Had to let the bush hog wheel hang off the back, but it worked. I have since put on metal sideboards and use it to haul mulch and a couple loads of gravel a year to patch the driveway. My newest trailer is a 7x18 car hauler. I have a winch on it and haul everything from my Samurai to brothers extended cab Ford. It is very useful, but would rather have a 22' 12k trailer.
The biggest thing about a trailer, Everybody and his brother will want to borrow it. JC

RobertN · Mar 14, 2006

I have a 7000lb 16' tandem trailer. Your tractor would be heavy for it. My trailer weighs about 1600lbs, so my payload is only 5400lbs. I have hauled a 5800lb Bobcat. It really pushed my trailer hard, tires springs everything.

The deal on the 10klb trailer sounds reasonable. That's a little less than what my B-in-law paid for his.

You'r truck is on the light side. It can do it. I would take it easy, and make sure your trailer brakes and controller are in excellent working condition. I would upgrade to a 3/4 or 1 ton, but that's me spending your money /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif You really need a weight distributing hitch too...

In regards to a trailer, I use mine frequently. I have posted before about taking Cub Scouts in parades, towing behind my old Farmall. It works great for hauling lumber, especially since it can sit there AND I can still use the truck... Or, like a couple weeks ago I moved a swingset to my brothers house. I partially disassembled it, but only enough to lay down on the big trailer. I have hauled a car, pipe, lumber, tractors(Ford 8N, Farmall A, Kubota B8200 and B7100). It might sit for weeks and weeks, but then it really comes in handy!

Joe1 · Mar 14, 2006

If you do buy the trailer and find out you're not using it enough, there is always a market for a good used trailer.

Although you can pay for some rentals with what you would lose on depreciation over a few years, the convenience factor is important. You use it when you want it, hook it up and load it when you want it and don't have to hurry to get it back. You're not locked into reserving the thing and waiting to check it out, etc. You'll get more use out of your own than a rental. You can also add removable sides for bulk hauling, and take them off if you don't need them. You're also sure your weight distribution hitch frame hangers will fit every time, and you'll not have to fool with adjustments. You'll already know how to hook it up exactly right each time..

While rental equipment is usually pretty heavy duty, it's also frequently pretty beat up. Broken wiring is common, and I've had to wait while U-haul patched it enough to get the lights to work. I reserved a trailer with a loading ramp one time, and when I picked it up, the steel mesh on the ramp was all torn up. I needed it then, and it was the only one they had so I had to use it and put some plywood over the ramp to be able to use it. Not ideal. I ended up buying my own.

If you can swing it and have a place to store it, it might be worth it. Whatever you do, you still need a good weight distribution hitch and a quality brake controller.

Tenwalker · Mar 17, 2006

My trailer is never in the way. It may get in some of my friends way, but if it is of too much inconvience they can always bring it home. Two weeks ago I bought new tires and rims for it, it took a couple of phone calls to find it and get it back home so that I could make it a little safer for my friends.

Tommy

firemanpat2910 · Mar 17, 2006

now thats funny

npaden · Mar 18, 2006

I ended up buy a used Kubota L4200 GST and a 7,000lb 16' utility trailer used.

The trailer was $850 and in pretty good shape. It has electric brakes on 1 axle but they are not working. I drove the tractor and trailer home 300 miles last night and it seemed to haul pretty good even without brakes on the trailer.

The only thing I'm not sure about is that if I'm going to haul the tractor with a mower or box blade on it the implement is going to stick off the back of the trailer 4' or so. Do I just hang a red flag on the back of the implement or is that a big no no to have it hang off a bit?

Thanks for the input!