Which Trailer would you buy and why
- Thread starter WaterDawg
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JCByrd24
Gold Member
As the owner of a Big Tex 60CH, I would not buy one if I were you. I have an 06 half ton Silverado and I bought the big tex because I got a great deal on it used and it's very light weight for what it is, but it is an odd ball 6000lb trailer with 7000lb worth of axles. It's capacity despite the axles is only 4500 lbs. It tows just fine, I've had it loaded to the max and to 4000 lbs just recently a couple of times, but the light angle frame and cross members mean it is really flexy and just not confidence inspiring. The 70CH would be better, or the 3rd trailer you posted looks good too. The heavy hauler looks odd to me and like you would be towing around a lot of trailer for no reason and eating into your towing capacity with just the trailer weight.
Gem99ultra
Elite Member
I think you're going to miss out a lot more hauling jobs due to the short 16' trailers. Even a compact tractor with a brush hog is going to hang off the tail of a 16' trailer. An 18' would be minimum for me WITH brakes. And I think that after hauling your 9400# max on any trailer will satisfy your thinking that you need extra heavy duty - that's buying extra weight carrying capacity that you'll never need with your truck. There will probably never be a time that you'll want or need to haul that much weight on a 16' or 18' trailer.
My trailer? 20' PJ pulled with either my 1/2 ton Chevy or my 3/4 ton Chevy. Yeah, it's the "Chevy" part that is the limiting factor. Next p/u will be a 1/2 ton Ford EcoBoost for sure.
I'm not a fan of dove tail trailers, but that's just me. They do have some advantages, but some negatives as well.
Buying a trailer will have some compromises, but you're getting a lot of good advice on here from some absolute experts. Good luck on your purchase.
My trailer? 20' PJ pulled with either my 1/2 ton Chevy or my 3/4 ton Chevy. Yeah, it's the "Chevy" part that is the limiting factor. Next p/u will be a 1/2 ton Ford EcoBoost for sure.
I'm not a fan of dove tail trailers, but that's just me. They do have some advantages, but some negatives as well.
Buying a trailer will have some compromises, but you're getting a lot of good advice on here from some absolute experts. Good luck on your purchase.
MinnesotaEric
Super Member
$1300 is a good deal on the heavier trailer. If you ever plan to disconnect your trailer while loaded, and the trailer doesn't have it, weld on a 10,000 pound jack.
MinnesotaEric
Super Member
Off-topic: I have an 2011 3.5 EB, and you're right: I tows a shedload. However, the EB engines with direct injection are also getting carbon on their intake valves and Ford doesn't want people hitting the engines with an injection cleaning service to clean that carbon because it overheats the turbo seals causing them to fail. This week I'm installing a catch can system designed for high horsepower turbo drag racers in order to catch all engine vapors and not send them into the intake system where they carbon up on the intake valves.
Moreover, I'm installing a calibrated vacuum leak where water collect in the intake because Ford's 3.5 has a history of hydraulically locking when gulping water and throwing a rod.
Yet a third problem is the direct injection pump seal can fail and send raw fuel into the engine oil. The first part to wear out is the cam chain.
None of these problems have been acknowledged by Ford, although Ford is testing 30 of the same catch can systems in their own fleet.
If Ford ever fixes the emissions issue of that carbons up the intake valves, and redesigns their direct injection pump, the motor itself is very strong.
End OT.
JCByrd24
Gold Member
Very interesting info on the Ford turbos. As one who lust over an Ecoboost F150 and owner of a couple turbo'd engines I've become pretty comfortable with their benefits vs drawbacks, sort of figuring they're so common that Ford even being relatively new to them for the mass market in the USA would probably be fine, guess I'm wrong. One thing I would guess would help (true on any engine), run it hard on regular occasion. An engine with that much power would have a high tendency to be run well below it's capacity a lot of the time, which can lead to the problems you discuss. Regular short trips combined could be a killer.
Sorry also for being OT.
Sorry also for being OT.
Diamondpilot
Super Star Member
- Joined
- Jan 18, 2007
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- Daleville, IN
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- Jinma 254/284 Ford 861 Powermaster at work
My 2012 has over 44,000 miles without a hiccup. I pull with it every week, as much as 11,000#.
Same is true with my 06 F350 with the dreaded 6.0. I pull as much as 25,000# with it but the common load is 16,000#. It to has never had a wrench turned on it.
What you say about opening them up and really working them has merit in my eyes.
Chris