Trailers

wcampbell47 · Jul 5, 2012

I recently took delivery of a new trailer custom built at Toms Trailers in Brazoria, TX. This is an 18 foot low boy that tilts. It replaced my 16 foot non tilting low boy. Should have made the move months ago. No more ramps to deal with. The front tires of the tractor contact the trailer and start to climb up and the trailer tilts. Nice. Tandem axle 5 bolt 3500 lb axles.

I also bit the bullet and purchased a 6x10 dump trailer from Texas Pride in Madisonville, TX. I will be moving several hundred yards of dirt in it over time. Tandem axle 5 bolt 3500 lb axles. 7000lb GVWR. Dump is power up and down.

BrokenAxle46 · Jul 5, 2012

Regarding the 18 foot trailer that tilts, would that be a trailer that about the rear 3/4 tilts or is the whole trailer tilting? I've thought about using such a trailer but haven't figured out how to convince the wife that I need another trailer, she thinks 2 is already 2 to many. While using ramps gets old putting on, taking off, I am not wanting to jump into a tilt trailer if problems develope with the trailer. Ramps that are permanent like the one's on a dove tail trailer seem to pose a safety issue and would only be necessary for really heavy equipment. Have not had the opportunity to talk to anyone that has a tilt trailer if they have had any problems with the trailer using it for hauling a tractor. Have you found any problems so far?

Storm56 · Jul 5, 2012

Eight years ago I also bit the bullet and upgraded to a Cam 18 foot tilt bed, wish I had done it years sooner!

Broken Axle, on mine the whole bed tilts. The tilt is controlled by an adjustable cylinder, you can adjust a dial to match the tilt to your load.

BrokenAxle46 · Jul 5, 2012

Storm56 said:
Eight years ago I also bit the bullet and upgraded to a Cam 18 foot tilt bed, wish I had done it years sooner!

Broken Axle, on mine the whole bed tilts. The tilt is controlled by an adjustable cylinder, you can adjust a dial to match the tilt to your load.

That is one really nice trailer. Thank you for the response, it helps to know and will set me to thinking, good luck to you my friend, take care. Kurt

Marveltone · Jul 5, 2012

BrokenAxle46 said:
Ramps that are permanent like the one's on a dove tail trailer seem to pose a safety issue and would only be necessary for really heavy equipment.

Not arguing, but what safety issues are you talking about? I'm racking my brain on this one, but just can't seem to figure out what you're referring to.

Joe

BrokenAxle46 · Jul 5, 2012

I am referring to the heavy ramps that sit upright about 6 to 8 feet, not the fold up type. The weight of a heavy steel ramp that long, should it accidently fall on someone, could cause serious injury. Moving down the highway puts the overall length of trailer and ramps a concern for low overhead objects. Most individuals make sure the ramps are secure, but most doesn't cover everyone. Factory made trailers usually don't fit in that category, however, the home made trailer is another animal. I may be overkill when it comes to trailers and hauling, my goal is to secure the load to stay on the trailer if possible even in a roll over. Watching the weight limit with the vehicle towing the trailer loaded with sufficent power and braking. Too many people tow huge trailers, boats and who knows what will come down the highway next, with small pickups that are overloaded. Large heavy metal one piece ramps pose a potential Murphy Law accident. I believe the tilt bed trailer sounds much safer and if I had a choice it would be the tilt trailer or some other loading method but not ramps sticking up 6 to 8 feet in the air. Perhaps I should have been more clear on that from the start, sorry if I have confused anyone other than myself.
Kurt