What is the smallest trailer I can get away with?

Bob_Skurka · Jun 18, 2004

I want to be able to haul my Cub and my Ventrac to and from my office on a periodic basis.

BUT, I figure if I am going to buy a trailer I should size it for the biggest toy, and that is a Kubota B2910 with FEL. So what is the smallest trailer I can get that will safely carry the B2910 . . . trailer length? . . . weight capacity?

Henro · Jun 18, 2004

Bob,

A post by RayBee in the past convinced me that should I buy a trailer for my B2910 an 18 footer would be the right size.

A 16 foot might work...but for the sake of 2 feet, why cut corners?

If I buy a trailer it will be an 18 foot with brakes on both axles I think. I suspect the difference between just good enough and pretty good is only a few hundred bucks...

Now perhaps someone with some real knowledge and experience will chime in... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Bird · Jun 18, 2004

Bob, are you talking about only the tractor and FEL or will you have an implment on the back (3-point) of the tractor, also. I used a 16' trailer for my B2710 and that was just fine with the FEL and box blade or tiller, but while it did work with the brush hog, the brush hog was sticking out over the back end farther than I'd like. With no implement on the back of the tractor, you could even use a 14' trailer, but I don't think you'd like it. I think you'd be happier if you get an 18' trailer; two 3500# axles will do; 5000# axles are just that much better.

tough451 · Jun 18, 2004

16' would do as long as your not hauling it with a bush hog or any other implement. Unless you went with a Goose Neck than you could put your loader on th top deck and the implement should have plenty of room. At least thats what we do. /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif

JDGREEN4ME · Jun 18, 2004

I just bought a 7K tandem axle 18' car hauler with a dove tail that I use for my tractor. I had a 5K tandem axle 16' utility trailer but the weight capacity and length were cutting it too close.

ultrarunner · Jun 18, 2004

I recently towed my BX23 TLB 600 miles with my single axle trailer with 10 foot long rails. The loader was secured by chain to the "A" frame tongue and the Backhoe was secured with chain even with the rear of the trailer rails. Also, all four corners were chained.

My trailer is 40 years old and rated at 3600# gross. The trailer weighs 800#, leaving 2600# for payload. Over the years it has been used to haul cars as big as Ford Mustangs from the West Coast to the East Coast without incident.

I think having 8 ply or better trailer tires with at least one spare is very important as is always keeping the wheel bearings well packed with grease.

Bob_Skurka · Jun 18, 2004

From my home to the office is 17 miles.

I'd be looking to make 1 trip a year each way with the B2910, only sporting a FEL, no backhoe. It stays at the office all winter, comes back in the spring. Currently that makes the trip each year on my neighbors race car trailer.

I'd probably make 2 to 4 trips a year with the TC24D, with a FEL and a 3pt Spray rig. The TC24D is quite a bit shorter than the B2910.

I'd probably make 4 to 6 trips a year with the Ventrac and a blower or power broom, but that is a pretty small tractor. The Cub is pretty much stuck at the office, but it might make the trip every once in a while.

I'd really like the smallest trailer practical, for simple Point A-to-Point B transport.

Sounds like 14' might be the right choice?
What about axels . . . dual 3500#?

tough451 · Jun 18, 2004

I would go with dual axles but weight wise you may not need it. But It would pull a lttle better loaded than a single axle.

Gary_in_Indiana · Jun 19, 2004

You've gotten good advice here. For that size tractor a 7,000# tandem axle trailer is probably what you'd want. You might be able to get by with a 16' if you're not carrying any implements. I have a 22' deck and have open floor in front of and behind my Deere 4200 with FEL and either my BH or my 6' Woods fiinishing mower attached to the rear. With nothing on the back I'm sure I could get by with four or six foot less.

KiotiJohn · Jun 19, 2004

Don't forget that what you're pulling the trailer with is all important. It's fine to put a big trailer on, but you need to know what the gross vehicle weight rating is for the pulling vehicle. If you get a really large, heavy trailer and put a lot of weight on it, will your tow vehicle be sufficient? Tongue weight and overall carry weight must be considered. John