Trailer Advice

[mentat30]

I am looking to buy a trailer to haul my BX2350, I want to be able to load it with the FEL, MMM and BB attached. I figure with everything on it weighs around 2500lb. I will be towing it with a Jeep Libberty that has the towing package on it with a Class III hitch, its rated for 5000lbs. It also has all of the wiring for electric brakes. I have narrowed it down to either 14' single axle Utility/landscape trailer 3500lb GVWR or a 14' double axle Utility/landscape trailer 7000lb GVWR with electric brakes on one axle. So my question is which one do I get? What is every one else using to haul their SCUT? I wish to thank everyone in advance for your advice.

 

[PAB_OH]

Get the tandem 7K. If your SCUT weighs 2500# I'll bet you'll be over the GVRW of the 3500# trailer with the tractor alone. Forget about any attachments. Remember the axles have to support the weight of the trailer too. Trailer probably weighs about 1000 - 1300 pounds. 14' is kind of small but for the BX it would probably be adequate, it will weigh less than most 16' trailers which is what I'm more familiar with.

If the 7k trailer weighs 2000 lbs that leaves 5000 available for payload. And the safety margin would be considerbaly higher having at least one axle with brakes. That little Liberty would feel every pound of that tractor and you'll smoke your tow rig's brakes in short order.

There is NO QUESTION, don't even think about the smaller trailer. This isn't an instance of "bigger is better", it is plain and simple physics. The 3500# trailer WILL fail with that load on it. And with only one axle WHEN something breaks you're at a much greater risk of it ending very, very badly.

I'd say this is just my opinion but ot's more along the lines of fact. Be safe.

 

[cperky]

I vote for the bigger one!

 

[Egon]

Go with the double axle and weight distributing hitch.

The tow vehicle seems a little on the lacking side though?

 

[KeithInSpace]

Absolutely 1,000% no way to go but the dual axle. I towed mine on a 5 x 10 3,500# single axle and while it is under the weight rating, the single sidewalls flex too much for a comfortable tow. I upgraded. If you get a single axle, I PROMISE you will not be happy with it's performance.

I know you're stretching your tow limits a little, but I would strongly recommend a 16 foot. I have a 20 foot dovetail, which has effectively 18 feet of deck. Tractor, FEL, BH, and box blade and I've pretty much filled it up. Sure, I could let the BH hang onto the dovetail and such, but I'm quite certain that you'll feel the 14 foot length a little tight. You'll be fine with the 16' though.

The biggest thing here is getting the tractor positioned just right so you have the correct load on the tongue. Having those extra 2 feet will make a big difference in safety, IMHO.

I towed my 24' Bayliner with my 4Runner. Surge brakes. The boat and trailer together was a solid 30 feet long and pushing 6,000# with fuel, water, and adult beverages on-board. I couldn't go over 56 MPH or get over 4 MPG, but it hopped along for the 5 miles I needed to tow the boat.

I think you'll feel the rig behind you, but you're VERY smart going with the brakes. They are CRITICAL to safety. Personally, I'd get the WD hitch. And after towing my 20' for a couple months now, I'm getting sway control as well.

I know it's a bite, but I promise...I've been down this road. Get the 7,000# trailer with brakes. Your truck will be OK.