trailer size for 790 w/ loader

foggy1111 · Dec 16, 2008

OK...so I have been searching locally for a suitable trailer to haul my tractor around on a very occasional basis. My biggest tow will be to take it 200 miles north to my land....then it will get occasional use for a few miles here and there. I dont want to spend alot of money...and I think I like the "car hauler" version for loading over the side on some other projects.

My towing rig is limited to about 5400 lbs. My tractor (790 with 70 loader and fluid in the tires) weighs about 3500 lbs....and figure another 500 lbs for chains and spare tire and micl stuff.

I currently have a line on a used 16 foot (14+2 beavertail) car trailer (two 3500 lb axels with brakes) that looks pretty good....and its affordable. I figure the weight on this about 1500 lbs (= -).

I gotta "pull the trigger" pretty soon on this used trailer. Does this seem like a good combination given my circumstances?.....or would a longer trailer be better to adjust the load? I DO NOT want to invest in a bigger tow vehicle. Any thoughts?

RobS · Dec 16, 2008

foggy,

I have basically the same tractor plus backhoe. I don't tow it much anymore but have an 18 foot trailer (16 plus 2 dove). 3500 pound axles like you mentioned. It handles the tractor just fine and is great for hauling other stuff as well. The downside to shorter trailers is less room to move the tractor to adjust tongue weight. Without the backhoe, it may not be an issue for you. Make sure you have working trailer brakes. It's not the heaviest load in the world, but I sure can tell it's back there when I do pull it.

kennyd · Dec 16, 2008

My 4110 (very close in size to your 790) with FEL fit's fine on my 16' trailer.

Diamondpilot · Dec 16, 2008

I would really look for a trailer that is 16' of flat deck. You will probably have to back it on to hang the loader over the beaver tail to get it back far enough to keep your tongue weight down.

Chris

foggy1111 · Dec 16, 2008

Yep...thats my concern....getting the weight distribution right on a shorter trailer. I figured that with the tractor facing the front with the loader down on the deck that the rear tractor tire will be just behind the rear trailer tire...leaving just the beaver tail and maybe 6" or so of the deck open. I'm not sure this will load the tongue right....but it sounds about right to me...

Being my tow vehicle is a bit on the light side, I was hoping somebody had the same set-up or close to it.

I appreciate the feedback. I think I'm gonna give it a whirl....trailer is too nice to pass by.

kennyd · Dec 16, 2008

Being my tow vehicle is a bit on the light side, I was hoping somebody had the same set-up or close to it.

What is your tow vehicle?

foggy1111 · Dec 16, 2008

GMC Acadia.

Diamondpilot · Dec 16, 2008

What year is your Arcadia? My books show 2007-2008 data as 4500# max.

Chris

foggy1111 · Dec 16, 2008

The new ones are rated for higher towing now. I think its rated for 5400 (but may be 5200) lbs. So....I'm right around the limit. I did pull a heavy boat and trailer (est 6000 lbs) with it this fall....and it did pretty well with the load. I am not about to recommend this as an everyday thing...but if a person is reasonable with this load....and the land is flat...it will do the job.

Diamondpilot · Dec 16, 2008

Yep, you are correct. I went to GM's site and the 2009 model is 5,200#'s You will be a few pounds over but like you said Minnesota is as flat as my first girl friend so just be sensible and keep a low profile and you should be ok. My biggest concern with a shorter trailer is still getting it to a good balance and not too much tongue weight.

Chris