Trailer Recommendations?

Kevin in OK · Dec 30, 2010

I have been reading TBN for a long time, however this is my first post in the forums. I am considering purchasing a trailer for general use, but am having second thoughts. In the future I would like to haul an old tractor or two to a show. However right now, there is no reason for any equipment to leave the property, which makes me question the need for a trailer. Storage would be outdoors, possibly under a barn lean-to if it ever gets built. I guess what I'm trying to ask is should I get a trailer, and is the one I'm considering a good match for my (potential) needs?

Trailer in question is 18' pipe top utility, slide in ramps, 3500lb axles, brakes on rear axle (not hooked up, and no breakaway kit installed). May or may not need new wiring. It's a factory made trailer, but I couldn't find any information regarding manufacturer or the curb weight of the trailer. Where would I look for a data plate of some kind? Asking price is $1200.

Biggest tractor is a NH TT60A, about 4500 pounds. The 6' brush hog is 1200 lbs. This combination is probably 20' long. The old tractors mentioned above are a Ford 631 and a Ford 8n, 3300 and 2500 lbs respectively, each with or without a 5' brush hog at 500 pounds. No fluid filled tires or extra weights on any machine. Then there's the usual riding mowers, furniture, miscellaneous stuff that needs to go somewhere.

Here's the kicker. Tow vehicle is a 1997 F150 with 4.6L V8/auto. I can't find the GCWR, but the hitch I'm installing is rated for 5k, or 7.5k with WD hitch. It still needs a brake controller and the associated wiring, as well as probably a transmission cooler.

I'm pretty sure the TV is undersized for the NH/mower combo, but I think the trailer may hold it. Come to think of it, the NH alone would be a stretch for the truck, but if I ever get a larger truck would I have enough trailer? Both old Fords won't fit on the trailer at once, but either Ford/mower combo should be a good match with both the truck and trailer.

Anyways, your thoughts on all of this?

Diamondpilot · Dec 30, 2010

First off I can get and sell that trailer with a profit for $1500 new. My cost is about $1300 so that is no deal.

I just priced out one last week. It was 16'. Basic trailer was $960. Slide in 5' ramps were $150, Extra 2' length was $100, Spare tire was $120, Brakes were $120 per axle. You can see where this is going.

I would not pay a dime over $800 and then deduct for broken tail lights, bad tires, grease leaking on the wheels due to poor seals, ect.

The curb weight with a spare tire is going to be right at 1,400 to 1,500# for that trailer, maybe 1,600# if the ramps are real heavy built. This will leave you with 5,400# cargo weight.

As for your F-150 I have a book that list all the specs but I need to know bed length, cab style, 4x4 or not, and gear ratio. Best case is 7,200# and worst case is 6,800# just taking a quick glance at my book.

Chris

Bob_In_MN · Dec 30, 2010

Kevin,

When I read your post I thought your main question was IF you should buy a trailer and the secondary question was relative to the specific trailer you mentioned.

I purchased a Big Tex a couple years ago. Outside storage is not great for a trailer, but precautions can be taken to limit damage. FWIW--I use mine a lot less than what I thought I would, but when I do use it I'm glad I have it and don't have to barrow from someone.

I guess what I'm saying is if you don't have a specific need right now you might want to wait as you will always be able to find someone who wants to get rid of a trailer.

foggy1111 · Dec 30, 2010

I've found my trailer gets used for all kinds of stuff. I haul building materials, fertilizer, used implement finds, deer stands, occasionally the tractor....and more. I bought a car-type trailer instead of the style your looking at.....and I like it for loading over the sides.

Seems there is always a deal on a slightly used trailer as many folks use them for one trip and then sell them when they don't use it very often. My PJ with a dovetail and brakes on both axels was as new condition....and I bought it for $1650. If you buy a popular style trailer for a fair price.....you can always find a buyer if you want out of it.....IMO.

Paint drain oil mixed with some diesel fuel to help preserve your deck.

If you have access to a trailer you can borrow....maybe you want to put your money into storage for your tractor?

And......welcome to TBN!

AKwelder · Dec 30, 2010

I have a between the wheels 16 foot trailer. Best money i ever spent. I to think they are asking to much for the one you found.

Baucom · Dec 30, 2010

Only you can answer if you should buy a trailer or not.

I personally feel that the trailer you're looking at is A) overpriced & B) not ideal is you ever intend to haul that NH TT60A. NH lists shipping wt. as 4540, so operating wt. is probably 4650-4700 lbs + your bush hog put the load right around 3 tons. A 10K trailer would really be ideal for the TT60A and would give you some extra capacity and safety margin.

Soundguy · Dec 31, 2010

1, get a trailer if you want to haul stuff.

2, a 7k rated trailer inthe 18' size range is gonna weight about 2000#.. my 16'er weighs 1740.. that leaves you 5k payload. yer big tt60 eats that and none left for the mower.

sounds like a 10k rated trailer is what you really need.

consider a minimum of a 18' with 2' dovetail.. you want to be able to ballance that load.. and DO get brakes!!!

and make sure you have the tow vehicle to handle it

soundguy

dstig1 · Dec 31, 2010

Soundguy said:
1, get a trailer if you want to haul stuff.

2, a 7k rated trailer inthe 18' size range is gonna weight about 2000#.. my 16'er weighs 1740.. that leaves you 5k payload. yer big tt60 eats that and none left for the mower.

sounds like a 10k rated trailer is what you really need.

consider a minimum of a 18' with 2' dovetail.. you want to be able to ballance that load.. and DO get brakes!!!

and make sure you have the tow vehicle to handle it

soundguy

Can I just say... +1? Thanks...

20' is the range you really want, and so is 10k. But you will need a beefier truck to pull it.

If your need is infrequent, renting is not a bad idea. You can buy one at any time, if your frequency of use increases.

buck12 · Dec 31, 2010

I agree with other posters. Go for 20'. I have an 18' and while it works 20' would be better.

Kevin in OK · Dec 31, 2010

Thanks for the advice. I will not be getting a trailer, at least not soon and not of the type that I described. I guess I tried to convince myself that I needed this trailer while it was on the market, but after reading some suggestions and analyzing what I would/could do with it, I don't see it being a good match to what we do.

All your recommendations are appreciated, and when the time comes that I actually need a trailer I will be referencing this thread again.

Thanks