10,000 lb trailer length question

sixdogs · Oct 27, 2011

I'm wondering if a 16' beavertail trailer will work for me. It's flat for 14' and then has 2' of tapered floor for 16' total.
I haul my L4300 Kubota around in the summer and it usually has a 1000 lb 6' tiller or 1100 lb 6' Brillion seeder hooked to it. Weight is maybe 5500 lbs max and that's on a good day. There are a couple times a summer when I haul a 6500 lb Deere 5520 that has an 85" wheelbase and 14' over all length.
Because of the tapered 2' of the above beavertail I mention I wonder if the tractor weight will be centered over the axles correctly or will put too much weight on the tongue of the trailer? This would be especially true when I haul the bigger tractor. Will the weight be cenered?

I was looking for an 18 ft trailer but his popped up and is a deal good enough that I want to consider.

JB4310 · Oct 27, 2011

If you have a loader then to small, if no loader then just measure it to see if it will fit. The beaver tail shouldn't effect weight distribution, but the overall length could.
With that 1000 pounds on the back you should be ok if it fits in the 16 feet.

16 feet is small though and you will wish you got bigger in no time.

I've got a 20 footer cause it was to good of a deal to pass up, I thought it was way bigger than I needed, but now I realise 18 would of been to small for some of the configurations I'm moving.

JB

Whitnel · Oct 27, 2011

I would look for a longer one if you have a loader and want to keep and rear attachments on as well.

sixdogs · Oct 28, 2011

Can tractor wheels sit down on the beavertail when hauling?

Bob Rooks · Oct 28, 2011

16' is too short, period. Especially when there is only 14' of usable length. You can't get the load centered properly. A lot of variables are involved in trailer loading including what you are pulling it with. Better safe than sorry.
I had a 18' tilt bed but found I couldn't get the weight transfer to the hitch correct when I had the backhoe attached. I solved the problem with a 20' 14,000 lb. PJ split-bed tilt. I never regretted spending the extra money.

PJ Trailers - 6" Channel Equipment Tilt (T6)

Bob Rooks · Oct 28, 2011

sixdogs said:
Can tractor wheels sit down on the beavertail when hauling?

NO! Check with your DMV or state patrol.

tcartwri · Oct 28, 2011

You also need enough deck length to get proper angles on your tie downs.

High Compression · Oct 28, 2011

Bob Rooks said:
16' is too short, period. Especially when there is only 14' of usable length. You can't get the load centered properly. A lot of variables are involved in trailer loading including what you are pulling it with. Better safe than sorry.
I had a 18' tilt bed but found I couldn't get the weight transfer to the hitch correct when I had the backhoe attached. I solved the problem with a 20' 14,000 lb. PJ split-bed tilt. I never regretted spending the extra money.

PJ Trailers - 6" Channel Equipment Tilt (T6)

I've always liked the idea of no ramps, but I use mine a lot in snow. Do you ever load and unload in the snow and have any traction issues with a tilt bed?

JB4310 · Oct 28, 2011

sixdogs said:
Can tractor wheels sit down on the beavertail when hauling?

With the tiller or seeder you wouldn't be on the ramps with the wheels.

Do you have a loader?

No need for a beaver tail with a 4X4 utility tractor, but I think it might work if the whole package is not longer than 16 feet, with the heavy implement on the back the weight distribution might work. but would be tricky tying down the front as was mentioned by tcartwri above.

JB

sixdogs · Oct 28, 2011

JB4310 said:
With the tiller or seeder you wouldn't be on the ramps with the wheels.

Do you have a loader?

No need for a beaver tail with a 4X4 utility tractor, but I think it might work if the whole package is not longer than 16 feet, with the heavy implement on the back the weight distribution might work. but would be tricky tying down the front as was mentioned by tcartwri above.

JB

No loader for this application, just a a Kubota L4300 for minor construction tillage and finish work. The 16' trailer is a great deal but that's because of the short length. Yeah, it would work for my basic use but I think if I put the bigger tractor on the weight might be too far forward and put too much weight on the tongue. The tie down thing doesn't bother me since it would have a dedicated purpose of small tractor, no loader and one impliment. I only haul maybe 10 miles one way.
Being price motivated, the $$ caught my eye for a quality trailer. Thank you for the wisdom here.

Bob Rooks · Oct 28, 2011

High Compression said:
I've always liked the idea of no ramps, but I use mine a lot in snow. Do you ever load and unload in the snow and have any traction issues with a tilt bed?

By "traction issues" I assume you mean loading and unloading. I have loaded in snow with no issues at all. The drive-on angle is much less than beavertail or ramps. Mine has the hydraulic cylinder, so all you have to do is drive on and it settles down nice and easy. Once you drive on far enough to tilt the bed, your load is just about where you want it. I haul my dozer, skid steer, wheeled compactors, and mini-ex's with no problems at all.

Bob Rooks · Oct 28, 2011

sixdogs said:
I only haul maybe 10 miles one way.

It doesn't matter if you only haul it 50 feet. If you are going to haul it on public roads where you encounter other drivers, pedestrians, and traffic, you have to secure it like you were going on a thousand mile trip. There are laws governing this subject for good reason.

sixdogs · Jan 7, 2012

Thanks for all your help. With the advice offered I would up with an 18' Corn Pro 12,000 lb HD trailer.
Thanks all for steering me in the right direction. It's used but very little. I am happy as a clam. Photo attached.

Bob Rooks · Jan 7, 2012

That is one sweet trailer! :licking:
Very similar to mine except I have the 3/4-1/4 tilt bed. No ramps.
I really like the heavy duty adjustable crank jack. :thumbsup:

PAfarmer · Jan 7, 2012

18 would be better and 20 would even be better. Always get more then you think ypou need or from my experience you will be back spenting more money for a bigger trailer. The worse thing that could happen is you end up with a few more feet of room for a few buck more.

JB4310 · Jan 7, 2012

sixdogs said:
Thanks for all your help. With the advice offered I would up with an 18' Corn Pro 12,000 lb HD trailer.
Thanks all for steering me in the right direction. It's used but very little. I am happy as a clam. Photo attached.

You should be happy. that looks like a great HD trailer, especially love the jack!

Just a goofy name, but you can always cover it

How much $ ?

JB.

RobertBrown · Jan 7, 2012

Bob Rooks said:
16' is too short, period. Especially when there is only 14' of usable length. You can't get the load centered properly. A lot of variables are involved in trailer loading including what you are pulling it with. Better safe than sorry.
I had a 18' tilt bed but found I couldn't get the weight transfer to the hitch correct when I had the backhoe attached. I solved the problem with a 20' 14,000 lb. PJ split-bed tilt. I never regretted spending the extra money.

PJ Trailers - 6" Channel Equipment Tilt (T6)

Too short, look for a 20'