Trailer needs for a FarmTrac 360DTC

mrlullabye · Jun 10, 2014

I have owned a FarmTrac 360DTC for about 4 years but never had a trailer. I had it delivered and have had it picked up the one time it needed service. I also have a single axle 5x14 utility trailer we use for lighter loads.

I'd like a trailer big enough to pull the tractor, and replace the 5x14 with it. I'm a tightwad, and always look to pinch a nickel.

I see dual axle utility trailers on Craigslist all the time, but I also see some trailers labeled as car haulers. For instance I saw a 7x16 dual axle trailer that appears to be build the same way our 5x14 is except it has an extra axle. The car hauler trailers look much beefier, and sometimes have just two treads where the wheels would go. I believe the 2 axle utility trailers are rated for enough weight to hold my tractor, but I realize a tractor is not your average load.

What is the lightest trailer I could get away with? Are the demands of towing a trailer about the same as that of towing a passenger car like a Ford Taurus? I ask because you never know what you might want to move.

Thanks.

Looking for a little advise.

George2615 · Jun 10, 2014

Any 2 axle car trailer would haul your Farmtrac. It would be best if the trailer has brakes on both axles. And of course it would need to be properly secured when transporting it. Tractor weighs about 3100. Or a little over 4000 with loader. Trailer would weigh 2000 or so for a 16-18'.

Eric_Phillips · Jun 11, 2014

I would pay attention to tie down points. I bought a "car" trailer and it has a low railing around the trailer so no stake pockets. The original owner put some recessed flip up o-ring type things in the floor of the trailer. They do a good job of holding water and rusting, they don't move now. Also not sure what the car haulers use but no chain I had would fit these.

nikdfish · Jun 11, 2014

We use an 18' aluminum car hauler for moving our 1025R & 3038e, and it works well. No problem with using 3/8" or 5/16" chain and binders at the d-ring tie down points (stainless hardware on an aluminum deck) but we also use D-ring axle straps for chain/strap attachments being made to the side rails. You definitely want brakes on both axles, a break-away box and a brake controller in the tow vehicle.

Your tractor is probably 3K lb or so + attachments, you need something where that kind of weight doesn't push the design limits...

Nick

KennyG · Jun 11, 2014

A trailer with two 3500 lb axles should be fine. However if it's a "landscape trailer" check the loading ramp carefully. I have one that I had to beef up the ramp for my tractor.

mrlullabye · Jun 11, 2014

So Kenny you're saying if the trailer has 2 standard 3500 # axles it is probably built heavy enough to carry it, but the ramps might not be. I even considered laying some additional decking down to help spread the weight out. Something like two 2x12s under each treadway side by side would distribute the weight a bit better.

The trailers made for car hauling don't seem to be well setup for other purposes, plus are more expensive. If a landscape type trailer would work with beefier ramps that would be ideal. Most of this trailers life would be spent hauling 2x4s and sheets of plywood..

George2615 · Jun 11, 2014

7

mrlullabye said:
So Kenny you're saying if the trailer has 2 standard 3500 # axles it is probably built heavy enough to carry it, but the ramps might not be. I even considered laying some additional decking down to help spread the weight out. Something like two 2x12s under each treadway side by side would distribute the weight a bit better.

The trailers made for car hauling don't seem to be well setup for other purposes, plus are more expensive. If a landscape type trailer would work with beefier ramps that would be ideal. Most of this trailers life would be spent hauling 2x4s and sheets of plywood..

A 7000 LB. car trailer would work Fine. Just make sure you have stake pockets to tie down. Some car trailers have them, Some don't. Some have rub rails, Some don't. Car trailers are usually wider than landscape trailers. Ramps are plenty strong enough to drive your tractor on. The tractor weighs less than full size cara and trucks.