dodge man
Super Star Member
Could be a problem but in my experience, empty trailers tow like crap.
Trailers -- Any suggestions?
- Thread starter 700R
- Start date
- Views: 12360
Diamondpilot
Super Star Member
- Joined
- Jan 18, 2007
- Messages
- 16,316
- Location
- Daleville, IN
- Tractor
- Jinma 254/284 Ford 861 Powermaster at work
Many times trailers are delivered on a semi and are lifted on and off with a fork lift. This allows the load leveler between the axles to get flipped. Check this.
Other than that check the lug nuts and if the tires haven't been balanced have them done, it makes a huge difference.
Chris
Other than that check the lug nuts and if the tires haven't been balanced have them done, it makes a huge difference.
Chris
woody
Veteran Member
- Joined
- Sep 20, 2010
- Messages
- 1,098
- Location
- Central Alabama
- Tractor
- Kubota B26, Kubota ZG222, Kubota L45, 1980 Ford 1700
could be just tight and needs to be used, check it over then load it up with some weight and try it. looks good
Yup...this is it. I checked it out today and everything seems fine. This is the heaviest empty trailer I've towed, and I'm sure it doesn't help that my ball mount is too short...it needs to be another 4-5" drop or so to make the trailer level.
tractchores
Veteran Member
You may want to try to have the tires balanced. Very few companies do this and it makes an empty trailer bounce like crazy. Alignment does the same thing though is harder to solve. If its pulling the truck around that likely is related to tongue weight VS the vibration unless it isn't tracking straight for some reason. My empty equipment trailer does the same, though improved greatly when the tires were balanced.
newbury
Super Star Member
- Joined
- Jan 8, 2009
- Messages
- 14,147
- Location
- From Vt, in Va, retiring to MS
- Tractor
- Kubota's - B7610, M4700
I "deadhead" my Hudson trailer back from Mississippi to DC area with only a few sheets of plywood on it flat and have no problems on either the country roads leaving Mississippi or 65 on the interstates.
/edit
I'd agree with tongue weight, try getting 15% on and then 10% on and check it out. My Hudson, empty, has about 10%.
Last edited:
tman1020
Veteran Member
- Joined
- Jan 16, 2014
- Messages
- 1,466
- Location
- north west indiana
- Tractor
- Bobcat ct225 and Bad Boy zero turn
Make sure you check the load distribution shackles between the axles. Many times they are shifted from being lifted at the factory with a forklift. Mine had this problem both sides. It's an easy fix but will cause exactly what you're describing. I can post a picture if you would like.
DavesTractor
Elite Member
Diamond C makes a really nice trailer. Seems a 10k trailer can be bought from several brands for $3500 ish. A 14k adds nearly $1000. You get bigger axles, better tires and wheels and generally a beefier frames, etc. Keep in mind that in some states, as soon as your trailer GVWR exceeds 10,000 lbs., you need a CDL. For many states this warning does not apply, but it is good to check.
I'm big on buying used stuff, and you can buy a good used trailer. I sold my 2006 tandem dually gooseneck yesterday and it needed nothing, except for the tires were nearing the wear bars. But for every well cared for good used trailer, you seem to find 10 with bad wiring, worn out axle bearings or a bent axle, poorly working brakes, lights broken, etc. It is amazing the junk people sell and still try to get $2500 for them. A good used flatbed trailer is tough to find. One place to look is trailer dealers. We get trade-ins. A guy will have a 7k and want a 10k and may trade a late model trailer.
I'm big on buying used stuff, and you can buy a good used trailer. I sold my 2006 tandem dually gooseneck yesterday and it needed nothing, except for the tires were nearing the wear bars. But for every well cared for good used trailer, you seem to find 10 with bad wiring, worn out axle bearings or a bent axle, poorly working brakes, lights broken, etc. It is amazing the junk people sell and still try to get $2500 for them. A good used flatbed trailer is tough to find. One place to look is trailer dealers. We get trade-ins. A guy will have a 7k and want a 10k and may trade a late model trailer.
DavesTractor
Elite Member
I agree on the hydraulic dove, if the budget allows it. But of course that is way beyond the goal or budget of the OP.
We are a Diamond C dealer, but just yesterday we took a trailer out of inventory and registered it to our company to be used to deliver tractors. It is a 32' low pro tandem dually with hydraulic dovetail and hydraulic jacks. 12k axles, 14 ply ties, electric over hydraulic disk brakes, etc. Remote control for the jacks and dove. 3 tool boxes. This is the nicest trailer I've ever used for deliveries. It is pricey though. Each option box you check off when ordering sets you back a bit.
I also like PJ and Load Trail, even though they are competitors. They build fine trailers.