Trailer capacity/size??

bugstruck · Dec 22, 2004

I want to get the right capacity trailer to haul my L3130 tractor with the backhoe and loader attached. However, I can't get a handle on the weight of the BH90 hoe. The tractor is listed at 3,305 plus 550 lbs. of load in the rear tires, and 1,389 lbs. for the FEL, Q/A, and bucket. Grand total without the hoe is 5,244 lbs. The factory manual lists my backhoe bucket weight but not the hoe weight. Anyone know the approximate weight of a BH90?

Looks like I'm leaning in on the 7,000 lb. gross capacity (without the hoe) of most landscape trailers and most of them are too short at 16' with the hoe attached. They would just work without the hoe for length and weight capacity. Total length with FEL and hoe is 20'-6" with hoe fully retracted.

I intend to trailer to the dealer and back and occasionally to a friend or relative for some added work /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif.

I've always had dovetail trailers so I'm set up for that. I know the goosenecks are preferred by many for larger trailers/pickup combos. Any comments on the difference in handling or the need to put a connection plate in the bed? That'll mess up my pretty insert. I haul a fair amount of sheet goods flat in the bed so I need that unobstructed or very low profile.

I'm pulling with a F250 Ford diesel which is rated at something just over 11,000 lbs. gross trailer weight so I'm OK there.
Hopefully someone here has hauled this rig around. Any suggestions on the trailer?? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif Having just raided the bank I'd like to keep it civil but I don't want to under trailer this rig either.

Thanks,

RobS · Dec 22, 2004

You're right on the edge of the dime there bug...

Most trailers use standard axles made by one or two companies. They come in 3500 and 5000 pound varieties giving you 7,000 and 10,000 pound trailers but you have to add the tongue weight and subtract the trailer weight.

All said and done, you're right at the limit for a 7,000 pound trailer. Unless you're sold on a gooseneck (better pulling and manueverability), I'd go with a 10,000 pound bumper pull. It's plenty of trailer for your tractor and a good match for your truck.

Whatever you do, be sure to post pictures. You know how we all love that /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Jackrabbit_Slim · Dec 22, 2004

I agree 100 percent with RobS. You're right on the edge for weight. I went with an 18 foot 7,000 lb. tag along to haul my B2710 with loader and the "implement of the day" and wish I hadn't. When I decide to retire the present tractor and move on to something heavier, I'm going to take a hit on the trailer as well. Not a big hit, but a hit I didn't have to take if I'd been thinking ahead. I really think you'll be happier with the heavier unit.

Best of the season,

Slim

Egon · Dec 22, 2004

If you do serious trailering go for a gooseneck. There are retractable hitches that will not muck up bed space.

Occasional trailering the bumper pull will do fine. You will need an equalizing hitch.

Suggest a 10K rated dual axle lowboy with brakes and at least 20 feet.

Egon

bugstruck · Dec 23, 2004

Gentlemen thank you! Good advice all! Didn't know the gooseneck mounts could be retractable. That might just work. Got to run to the company Xmas party...... enjoy the Holidays!! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Grassgod · Dec 23, 2004

I have a 3130 with the bh90 hoe & la723 loader. I have several trailer. I have used my 16' 7000lb trailer to haul it many times. If my 20 footer is occupied I use the 16'. I turn the hoe sideways at a 90 degree angle to the tractor & I back it on & i rest the loader bucket on top of the ramp. It stick off a foot or two but the trailer hauls it no sweat. The 20' is nicer but if you only towing a dozen times a year, I 16 footer will occupy alot less room in you yard.

v8dave · Dec 24, 2004

I have a 20' 9,990 pound GVW enclosed car trailer. It is 10 pounds under 10,000 lbs for a good reason. 10,000 GWV rating (not what you've actually got on it) is the lower limit to require a commerical drivers license. There have been a few threads here on TBN about this CDL topic.

Make sure to get both trailer axles with brakes.

Tow with my F250 Diesel. Standard hitch, no issues with tongue weight.

Attached pix is of both rigs. Not sure you can read the license plate. It should be familiar though.

Egon · Dec 24, 2004

Very nice looking trailer. Sure beats the one I tow around.

Egon /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

DDT · Dec 24, 2004

I see that you have a H&H trailer. I have two, 18' enclosed and a 22' GN lowboy for my tractor. I am thinking about trading up the flat bed for a deck over. I really like there trailers.

v8dave · Dec 24, 2004

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I see that you have a H&H trailer. I have two, 18' enclosed and a 22' GN lowboy for my tractor. I am thinking about trading up the flat bed for a deck over. I really like there trailers. )</font>

I really liked the H&H over the other choices I had when I bought it. It has a lot of nice "standard" touches, the gravel guard in front, the LED clearance and tail lights, the torsion bar suspension. And really important, the rear opening is bigger so taller cars will fit. I was looking at Woodys and they won't fit the smaller openings of the 7,000 GVW trailers. I didn't get a Woody--should have they have really gone up in price. But, it fits my taller Model A just fine.