Tilt-bed or Straight

[Lunk]

Buying a new trailer.

I've gotten prices on a pair of 20', 5 ton tandem axle utility trailers.

One is a hydraulic tilt-bed (manual pump), and the other is a standard 5 ton channel frame non-tilting, with 4' fold up knee ramps.

Prices are actually within a couple hundred bucks.

Any preferences?

Thanks,

Lunk

 

[flusher]

Buying a new trailer.

I've gotten prices on a pair of 20', 5 ton tandem axle utility trailers.

One is a hydraulic tilt-bed (manual pump), and the other is a standard 5 ton channel frame non-tilting, with 4' fold up knee ramps.

Prices are actually within a couple hundred bucks.

Any preferences?

Thanks,

Lunk

I'm also looking for this type of trailer. Haven't found what I want yet.

One possible problem with tilt beds is the location of the axles--not far enough to the rear so it could be a problem to balance the load and get the correct tongue weight. I also understand that tilt beds might be a bit more prone to fishtailing than the non-tilt, also because of axle location.

That said, tilt beds are attractive to old guys like me--don't have to mess with ramps. I collect and restore old tractors so the tilt bed is nice for handling tricycle-type tractors. You need a third ramp to handle this type with a non-tilt.

 

[tlbuser]

If your willing to spend a couple dollars more go with the tiltable one. However, the type of lift used is something to pay attention to. A single cylinder mounted to the center of the bed could lead to problems, depending on how it's affixed.

 

[Bigkrank]

I have an H&H 9900# tilt. I converted it to an electric/hydraulic tilt and added a winch. Without the winch it is dangerous to load a tractor alone because you have to drive it on and lock the brakes and get off and lower it. You can also get a wireless remote control for the tilt which makes it alot safer. I have the wood floor. Think of the last few feet of the trailer as just a ramp and load accordingly, there will be no sway.

H&H Trailers < Video Playlist | Embedr

If you haul multiple vehicles it is a pain because you have to load one, lower the trailer, chain it, raise the trailer and load another and repeat. That said, for the way I use mine I would not be without it.

 

[Diamondpilot]

One issue I have with tilts is axle location. Good pulling trailers have the center of the axles set back 65% of the length of the trailer. Most tilts are forward of that. The other issue is loading multiple objects. A tilt would not work for me very well but I guess I could get around it. Say I wanted my tiller on the front the load the tractor. The tiller would slide. Another issue is most tilts have metal decks. Very slick in the rain or snow. I could not imagine loading my tractor when doing snow removal with a slick metal deck. I like wood.

As for loading tri-cycle gear tractors I do it all the time with only two ramps. I back on the mains at a slight angle then bring the fronts over to the right or left ramp. I do not move the ramps, just do it all in one fail sweep. Done it many of times with a Ford 961 and a John Deere A.

Chris

 

[flusher]

As for loading tri-cycle gear tractors I do it all the time with only two ramps. I back on the mains at a slight angle then bring the fronts over to the right or left ramp. I do not move the ramps, just do it all in one fail sweep. Done it many of times with a Ford 961 and a John Deere A.

Chris

Never thought of doing it that way--probably won't try it myself considering my skill level compared to yours since just my luck I'll have a bad day and dump the tractor and myself off the trailer.

 

[Lunk]

Pricing is about even.

The non-tilt one is built a bit heavier.

I've no problem handling ramps (yet), so I'll probably go with a non tilting unit.

Thanks to those who responded.

Lunk

 

[Diamondpilot]

Never thought of doing it that way--probably won't try it myself considering my skill level compared to yours since just my luck I'll have a bad day and dump the tractor and myself off the trailer.

Not skill, just dumb. As I get older I seem to think things out a little more then do it . As you know when you are young you do then think "man I was lucky that did not kill me". Really though I seen it done many times at tractor shows and such by old-timer's so I guess its a standard practice around here.

I feel more secure doing this than driving a old tri-cycle machine up front first. Its always going on backwards first if I am in the seat.

Chris

 

[mojoinco]

Lunk, late responder, but I have a bumper pull, 10,000# 16' flatbed, wood deck, 5' slide out ramps. Having learned a few lessons, my dream trailer:
Wood deck.
22~24'.
12-14,000 # gvw.
Bed over.
Tilt up dove tail.
Likely flip up ramps (still working on the best answer -- but longer than 5').
Sideboard pockets.
Plenty of tie downs, wrapping rail around the pockets.
Bumper pull.
Sealed or LED tail lights
Back up lights.

 

[427ricky]

As for loading tri-cycle gear tractors I do it all the time with only two ramps. I back on the mains at a slight angle then bring the fronts over to the right or left ramp. I do not move the ramps, just do it all in one fail sweep. Done it many of times with a Ford 961 and a John Deere A.

Chris

I do all most the same thing but I drive, works better when you have an attachment on the 3 point.