Trailers, How big and is mine big enough

[Inspector507]

That's probably a 3500 lb max trailer (minus) trailer weight. The BX23 weighs just 1520 lbs which I would assume to include both FEL and BH. It is (according to Kubota) to be 7' long, but that seems to me to NOT include the hoe, because they list as "w/out 3PH".
In other words, you're real close. I would, if at all possible do a trade for a 16' with brakes /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Phred]

Danny,

Your max tongue weight is probably only 500 lbs.
My dodge one ton is only 1000 lbs if memory serves. And this is with the beefy factory 2" reciever and 2 5/16 ball and a 10 K ball mount. All the 2" balls and mounts I have seen are only good to 500 lbs of tongue weight.
This is not a big deal with a tandem trailer. If you get the right ball mount so you are pulling it level, the tongue weight will be low.

As far as the brake controller wiring goes, check your manual. My truck came with a bag in the glove box that had a connector at the end of about 6" of wire. It also has a plug under the dash. Just wire the connector from the bag to the controller and plug it in under the dash.
If you do not have the factory trailer hitch, or "tow package" then you probably do not have this. Its not a big deal to pull the couple of wires needed for the controller if the truck is not prewired.

You will probably need/want to swap that flat four connector on the rear of the truck for a 6 pin or 7 pin round connector.
This type of connector allows for the brakes plus an auxillary wire.
I use the auillary wire to charge the battery in my dump trailer while I tow it about.


Fred

 

[Joe1]

The photo shows a ball mounted in your bumper. You probably already know that a receiver mounted hitch is a minimum for safe towing, and already use one. The rest of the responses are covering the trailer issue so I won't.

Joe

 

[DannyD]

I dont use the bumper hitch, there is a frame mount under the bumper hitch. Left the ball on for the use IF I don't want to get out the receiver, or I am not pulling much. Frame mount was rated at 5200 pounds towing, if memory serves me right! I will have to check it when she gets back with her truck. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[Inspector507]

Hitch capacity on the Sport Trac is 5000 lb with a tongue weight of 500 lbs.

 

[DannyD]

The inspector has spoken! And as usual right on target! My next obstacle is getting her to go along with the safety side of this and OK'ing the trailer trade............and putting a brake controller in her truck. With my limited knowledge of this stuff, I may turn to the people that installed the hitch, and let them do the work...........

 

[Inspector507]

The Sport Trac may or may not have the connector under the dash for the brake controller. If it does, it's pre-wired for the controller. There should have been a package in the glove box (when purchased) with a pigtail and one or two relays to activate everything. If it has the 7 pin connector on the hitch, or close to it, it is pre-wired. If not any competent trailer/hitch guy can do it for you.
Towing at the MAX without brakes can be an experience you'll only do once. I have towed my TC18 w/out loader once 1400 lbs with no brakes and an F-150 on the same trailer. And it did fine, but your mileage may vary /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[DannyD]

OK, lets change gears for a second, I have figured out how to get her to OK the trailer, problem is, I can not find a tanneau cover for her truck that works with the factory? bedliner. The liner goes OVER the side of the truck and is screwed on from the inside of the bed, not as some and having clips etc. to hold it on. It also has a 12 volt outlet on it, that is part of the liner. Any help or links to products will get me......she might let me trade the trailer if I get her a cover

 

[Inspector507]

Are you sure the bed liner goes over the rails? I thought the Sport Trac had rail caps just like my F150 does. If so the bed liner MAY be under the rails and the rail caps make it a finished product. I have seen many Sport Tracs with tonneau covers. It is a special one because of the bed length. If the liner actually does go over the rail, they can always cut a slot inside where the clamps go. Been there, done that /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[DannyD]

they are caps..........just as you thought.

Oh and she is all for the safety factor of the trailer. making the calls tomorrow to line up the trade and get the brake thing done.

Hitch says 600 tongue, 6000 tow........more than the truck can do, so I feel safe with it.

Now if I can get him to paint a trailer ORANGE to go with the tractor.........., I will most likely have to settle for black.

Anything else I should know on the trailer with brakes. I have heard prefer to have the brakes on the front axle, is there a difference?

Thanks again guys, TBN folks are the best