Trailers -- Any suggestions?

[dodge man]

Could be a problem but in my experience, empty trailers tow like crap.

 

[Diamondpilot]

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

 

[woody]

could be just tight and needs to be used, check it over then load it up with some weight and try it. looks good

 

[700R]

Could be a problem but in my experience, empty trailers tow like crap.

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.

 

[700R]

could be just tight and needs to be used, check it over then load it up with some weight and try it. looks good

Will do. I'm getting ready to load this:

 

[tractchores]

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]

Could be a problem but in my experience, empty trailers tow like crap.

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%.

 

[tman1020]

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]

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.

 

[DavesTractor]

I have 2 Big Tex trailers. The 12GP is a 12K 20' GN, the 50LA is a 7K 14' BP. Have not had any issues with either. I have looked at PJ trailers. If I get another it will be a PJ 30' lowpro hydraulic dovetail.

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.

 

[700R]

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.

This trailer doesn't have the traditional shackle. It uses a section of C-channel between the axles. The C-channel pivots on a center bolt, and the ends of the channel will hit the frame. There is no possible way for it to reverse or flip around...


Google image:

Anyways, I hauled my truck yesterday. I'm guessing it weighs around 7000 (bed has a bunch of scrap in it as well). Towed great for the few miles I went. I picked up a 6" drop hitch today, as the 2" drop I currently have isn't enough....should help a little bit.

 

[tman1020]

Good I'm glad it is working out. That looks like a robust setup and very simple. I wonder why it is not more popular. I have seen the other style shackles that you commonly see, malfunction many times.

 

[super dave]

I ordered a new trailer in June. It finally showed up in august. I had a 12ft and 12ft and 12 ft enclosed. Mommy said I had to many plus with the tractor purchase could not haul extra implements so I the first two trailers I sold. Thus is my first experience with a gooseneck, I'll never go back to a tag along again, such a difference in handling (2001 dodge 3500 sportplus single axle 6sp 4x4 cummins have had for 15yrs). I too don't like ramps or gates too noisey and a back breaker. I'm partial to kaufman trailers due to not super heavy duty. Tb, pj excellent trailers. Kaufman offers a more price friendly brand now, basically the same trailer but they contract building it out, it is called quality trailer. Did a little research before ordering and was satisfied,,,, now the bad. Ordered 24ft trailer,, 7000lb axles brakes on both with led tool box spare tire rub rails stake pockets. Should have also ordered strap reels, 150 for 6 factory installed, thought I didn't need them but e track instead. Strapping down is a one man pain in the butt.trailer is 32ft plus over all. Trailer breaks in middle, 10ft of deck from the front then 15ft 5 inches that tilt using a hydraulic cylinder. Also it is not a deck over, I don't like high center of gravity, was 6000 with multi year tag out the door but had to get a bw goose neck hitch. That was another 800. Overall very pleased with trailer now I have to get new mirrors. As soon as I get a chance I will post pics of my stuff