Trailer advice needed

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!