Utility Trailer for Subcompact Tractor

[CPTKILLER]

I have a Bad Boy 1022H subcompact tractor that I will need to haul occasionally. These are the manufacturers stats on my tractor.

OVERALL LENGTH94.2"
OVERALL WIDTH44.5"
OVERALL HEIGHT86.6"
WHEELBASE53.1"
MINIMUM GROUND CLEARANCE8.3"
WEIGHT1,433 LBS.

With the bucket, the length and weight will change.

I am on a budget and want a reasonable bumper utility trailer with my Jeep Gladiator for local hauling usually under 50 miles. The Gladiator is fine for towing with the Max Tow Package. I have hauled stock trailers with no issues.

My problem is that most local dealers are in the $3600-$5000 range. My budget is $2000-$3000 (preferably on the lower end). Used trailers are often close in price to new trailers here.

1. Length 12’-16’? Does 14’ make sense?
2. Single vs tandem axle?
3. With or without brakes? Smaller utility trailers often do not have brakes.
4. Optimum GVWR for my use?

I appreciate any comments.

 

[RjCorazza]

I prefer tandem trailers, and 16' is a good length imho. There are likely more 16' landscape trailers available on the used market also.
Laws vary by state, but I believe your gross trailer weight is going to be in brakes required territory, or close to it. In any case, I think trailer brakes make for a safer tow.
Just an opinion, but I also prefer towing WELL within the trailer specs. Towing at capacity is more stressful and harder on the trailer.

 

[Torvy]

I went the opposite route of most.

I got a single HD axle. It's only 14'. I could get your tractor back and forth just fine.

I went to a local mfg and it was about $2500.

 

[oldnslo]

Like Torvy I have 14’ 5,000 lb axle with brakes since 99% of my use is hauling 1,000 lbs or less.

Benefit of single axle is turning tight don’t scuff tires and stress frame. Downside of single axle is harder to. Balance load so not tongue heavy or tongue light. Single also bounces more.

Like others have said looking used I suspect will find far more tandem axle 16 ft range.

 

[paulsharvey]

A 6'4"×16', screen ramp/gate, utility, dual axle, will do fine for what you need. I haul my CK2610 on one, and other than the mesh gate, I haven't felt I needed more, but I'm at probably 4500#, tractor, loader, water filled rears, and a 72" box blade.

Consider what you will/might have on the back of the tractor, the length adds up quick.

Breaks... when we are talking about max load of 3500#, trailer, tractor, attachments, the Jeep should have Plenty of stopping power. No down side to having trailer brakes on 1 axle; (it might be on all 14+ footers), but don't over think that part.

Mine has 4 tie down ring points, that are inline with the rails; so easy to strap down front and back.

 

[paulsharvey]

This is the exact trailer I have; prices have gone up, but I paid $2700 back in 2020.

 

[Too many Kubotas]

I vote for tandem axle with brakes, 16-18', useful for lots of things.

Not that tandem axles changes anything when it comes to getting the load's weight in the correct spot, but if nothing else, a tire failure won't be quite as dramatic.

 

[WM75Guy]

I would go for a minimum of a tandem axle 16' trailer, even if you have to up your budget. For a long-term capital expenditure, it will pay off. I traded in my Big Tex 50LA tandem axle which was 14' long, 77' wide, and 5,000# GVWR for a new Big Tex 70PI trailer. It is tandem axle with brakes, 7,000# GVWR 16' long and 83" wide, with a ramp gate. I use it to haul my NH 25S, Kubota RTV-X, and the Kubota ZD1211 when they need to go in for service. It is also very handy for hauling implements and supplies such as lumber. I went from having a cargo capacity of 3,500# to 5,000#. The extra 2' has come in handy when I needed move the load around to balance the tongue weight. I added a Warn winch and battery on the tongue after having to use a come along to pull a dead Kawasaki Mule onto the trailer. I am too old to do that again.