Raspy
Veteran Member
- Joined
- Dec 16, 2006
- Messages
- 1,656
- Location
- Smith Valley, Nevada
- Tractor
- NH TC29DA, F250 Tremor, Jeep Rubicon
There's more to the decision than simply if the trailer capacity meets the proposed load. A 7,000 lb GVW trailer might meet the numbers, but it will be at full capacity. It will get you home, but it's not a good choice.
Much better to select a trailer with two 5,200 lb axles for a 10,400 lb GVW. This is the minimum size for proper safety and future use. The trailer will be structurally stronger with bigger steel and more crossmembers and the brakes are far better on a the 5,200s. 6,000s are even better with 8 bolt wheels and common load range E tires from 3/4 ton trucks, but you don't need that much.
Look under trailers and you'll see what I mean. Some have the weakest structure that will meet the total GVW and are not meant for heavy tractor weight sitting on thin boards spanning weak crossmembers. Get something you can rely on.
I built my own trailer for my Hew Holland TC29 DA. With the bucket, filled tires and box scraper I think it weighs about 5,000 lbs. The trailer weighs about 2,000 lbs and I used two 3,500 lb axles. I've towed it a lot of miles but now I have upgraded to another trailer with 6,000 lbs axles and it is much better. The brakes alone make it worth it. It always felt like there was no room for error and my wonderful tractor was at risk. If you get one that is a bit longer you can center the weight over the axles properly too.
I insist on good brakes, a good brake controller and a balanced load. With some reserve capacity,
I would not rent a trailer unless you are convinced you'll never need it again. Or rent one just to get you home this first time. I have several of them and use them all the times for rocks, lumber, pipe, cars, etc. Once in a while someone needs me to come scrape a driveway or dig a hole or a ditch. I just load up and go.
A dump trailer is also a good choice, but not the best just for hauling the tractor because they are very high
Much better to select a trailer with two 5,200 lb axles for a 10,400 lb GVW. This is the minimum size for proper safety and future use. The trailer will be structurally stronger with bigger steel and more crossmembers and the brakes are far better on a the 5,200s. 6,000s are even better with 8 bolt wheels and common load range E tires from 3/4 ton trucks, but you don't need that much.
Look under trailers and you'll see what I mean. Some have the weakest structure that will meet the total GVW and are not meant for heavy tractor weight sitting on thin boards spanning weak crossmembers. Get something you can rely on.
I built my own trailer for my Hew Holland TC29 DA. With the bucket, filled tires and box scraper I think it weighs about 5,000 lbs. The trailer weighs about 2,000 lbs and I used two 3,500 lb axles. I've towed it a lot of miles but now I have upgraded to another trailer with 6,000 lbs axles and it is much better. The brakes alone make it worth it. It always felt like there was no room for error and my wonderful tractor was at risk. If you get one that is a bit longer you can center the weight over the axles properly too.
I insist on good brakes, a good brake controller and a balanced load. With some reserve capacity,
I would not rent a trailer unless you are convinced you'll never need it again. Or rent one just to get you home this first time. I have several of them and use them all the times for rocks, lumber, pipe, cars, etc. Once in a while someone needs me to come scrape a driveway or dig a hole or a ditch. I just load up and go.
A dump trailer is also a good choice, but not the best just for hauling the tractor because they are very high
