Trailer questions

Rowski · Jul 4, 2003

It getting close to buying a trailer. I've been looking for over a year now looked at many different models. Seems like almost all of them but I'm sure not even close. Here's a little back ground info. The truck doing the pulling is a 2001 Chevy 2500HD 6.0L auto with trailering package. In a few more years the truck will most likely be a 1 to 2 ton dump truck. What is going to be in tow (most of the time) is my NH2120 with its different attachments including a backhoe. I'm looking at 12K trailers.

I'm looking for some advice.

I would really like a gooseneck pull trailer but hook-up to the dump truck is almost impossible due to trailer neck to dump body clearance and ball mounting (dump lifting device in the way of mounting ball to frame. Any thoughts?

What lenght? Most places stock 18'. I think 20' would be better or longer?

Torsion axles or slipper spring axles? Most of the nicer trailers have torsion axles.

In getting a bumper pull trailer I would need a weight distribution hitch according to rating tag on the OEM hitch decal. Can you use a pintle hitch with a weight distribution hitch? Also what is a good make for a 12K weight distribution hitch?

I'm also in need of a trailer brake control. I have found in my searches (at TBN) that the Tekonsha Prodigy is the way to go. Is this still the case?

Any other suggestions?

Many thanks!

Happy 4th of July!

ronjhall · Jul 5, 2003

Derek
After using my prodigy for a year, it has been great. It can be purchased with a plug in cable for a GM pickup truck. I purchased my Prodigy brake control from Southwest Wheel. They have good prices and service. Also bought a spare tire from one of their associated companies.
They have a good selection of trailer hitches.
I don’t think you can use a pintle hitch with a weight distribution hitch. I use a Reese system on my trailer. It can be used with different weight trailers just by changing the ball and bars.
A longer trailer would be easier to load your tractor with FEL and Backhoe on. It will also allow you to put any other attachments on trailer you may want to use on a job.
I don’t have as heavy a trailer as you are looking at. Someone else may be able to help you with that information.

TractorTeen · Jul 5, 2003

I would look at Hudson Trailers. They are some of the best. I would also give Anderson and Kaufman trailers a look over. They all have websites. They will make what you want to any length.

Rowski · Jul 6, 2003

The makes I've been looking at (actual going and seeing) are Mortiz, CamLine. The dealers are about 65 miles away.

SnowRidge · Jul 6, 2003

( I'm also in need of a trailer brake control. I have found in my searches (at TBN) that the Tekonsha Prodigy is the way to go. Is this still the case? )

I have a Prodigy on order. After a pretty extensive web search. I boiled it down to two candidates, the Prodigy and the Jordan Ultima.

A lot of the full time RVers use the Jordan, and like the Prodigy, it is hard to find a user who doesn't like it. It was my first choice. Unfortunately, my Tacoma's cab doesn't lend itself to an easy installation, so I ordered the Prodigy instead.

If you are interested, there is a guy in Daleville, AL selling the Jordan for about $120. He advertises on the web.

SnowRidge

MCA · Jul 6, 2003

I got my Prodigy from RJay's after looking around a lot for the best price.

MCA

SnowRidge · Jul 6, 2003

( got my Prodigy from RJay's after looking around a lot for the best price. )

Ditto.

SnowRidge

SageBrush · Jul 7, 2003

"Torsion axles or slipper spring axles? Most of the nicer trailers have torsion axles."

I really like the Dexter torsion axels, no problems after 10 years. Reese makes a great weight distributing hitch. I like reese the best, but there is also equalizer, valley, pull right and others. Reese seems to be the most used in my area. An 18' trailer won't carry my tractor with the bush hog and loader attached without overhanging. My next trailer will be at least 20'. Its also nice to hear your aware of hitch ratings... one of my favorite subjects /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

The prodigy is the hands down winner right now with the harder to install jordan as "all time king". Those two are the best choices, but the others do work, just not as well.

Rowski · Jul 9, 2003

Did some more calling around to various trailer places. Most of them were around the $4.2K mark for a 12K 20' trailer. The last place I was going to call did not have a 12K trailer. Only 10K and 14K. They will be getting some 14K the end of this week for me to look at. The price is very reasonable, $3200. Trailer is made by PJ's out of texas. Specs are 14K trailer with Dexter slipper spring axles 8 lug 16" 10 ply tires, sealed and flush mount lighting, ramps, dove tail, deck 21' long, 10k drop leg jack. Sound like a good but to me about $1k less money for 1 more ton of trailer.

If my truck hitch is only rated for 12K with a weight distribution hitch can I tow this trailer with my truck as long as I know I'm not going over the 12K rating? Most of my trucking will be under 20 miles, very local. ALso I will be getting a new(er) 1 to 2 ton dump truck in the next few years. That dump truck will do most of the hauling then.

Prodigy it is!

Thanks everyone for you help.

Bird · Jul 9, 2003

Derek, are you going to use a load distributing hitch, lift bars, and sway control? If so, and the trailer is loaded properly; i.e., weight distribution front to rear on the trailer is right, I don't see a problem. I assume this shows the trailer you're considering, as well as some of their other trailers?