How can I determine my trailer's load capacity?

[MossflowerWoods]

Guys & Gals,

I have a fellow TBN'er who wants to come over and bring his tractor (Bobcat CT122, no load in tires).

I have a 5x12 flatbed with angle iron sides, sinle axle, leaf springs, metal ramp, etc. (see pic).

I have managed to load 3 of my Harley's on it at one time, but was unable to lose tailgate so did not tow. I estimate I had at least 2200 lbs on the trailer at that point.

So, before I loan my trailer to a friend to tow a CT122 over to play tractors, how can I determine if it will actually manage this load?

I bought this trailer used and have no info on it.

Thanks in advance!
David

 

[moored4]

Go to Pro- Line's web site and look at their trailers spec. and see which one is your's and it should give you the load limites.:thumbsup:

 

[MossflowerWoods]

Go to Pro- Line's web site and look at their trailers spec. and see which one is your's and it should give you the load limites.:thumbsup:

DOH!

I never thought of that. I just assumed it was a local guy (my neighbor bought it in Georgia I think, I bought it from him years ago).

David

 

[moored4]

PS. Besure that if you do lend him your trailer that since it's a single axel that he's position the load over the axel in the proper place. Look out for fish tailing and/or too much toung weight! :thumbsup:

 

[LD1]

Does his tractor have a loader??? If so, I think it will be too heavy for your trailer.

If not, I think you'll be ok.

Just guessing, but it is probabally a 3500lb axle. Trailer probabally weighs ~1200lbs, Tractor weighs 2100lbs.

So....3500-1200=2300lb capacity. Plus ~500lb tongue weight would give you a ~2800lb capacity. Ok for just a tractor, But the loader would probabally push it if that applies.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I would not tow that tractor on a single axle trailer.

But for reference measure the diameter of the axle tube. I am guessing yours are about 2 1/3" That would make it a 3500# axle.
Figure trailer axle sizes, R and P Carriages
This chart will tell you what axles you have.

Most of the time on these smaller cheaper built trailers there are no brakes so even though they use a 3500# axle they de rate it to 2990# to keep it legal. Most states require brakes over 3000#. By doing this they build the trailer to 3000# specs. This is with the metal frame and more importantly the tires. Look at your tire load ratings.

Trailers I have sold like that in the past way about 800# empty so that would leave you with 2200# of legal capacity.

One other factor is that gate does not look up to the task of loading a CUT to me. You will bend it all up.

Chris

 

[LD1]

I would not tow that tractor on a single axle trailer.

But for reference measure the diameter of the axle tube. I am guessing yours are about 2 1/3" That would make it a 3500# axle.
Figure trailer axle sizes, R and P Carriages
This chart will tell you what axles you have.

Most of the time on these smaller cheaper built trailers there are no brakes so even though they use a 3500# axle they de rate it to 2990# to keep it legal. Most states require brakes over 3000#. By doing this they build the trailer to 3000# specs. This is with the metal frame and more importantly the tires. Look at your tire load ratings.

Trailers I have sold like that in the past way about 800# empty so that would leave you with 2200# of legal capacity.

One other factor is that gate does not look up to the task of loading a CUT to me. You will bend it all up.

Chris

x2 on the lift gate.

But whats the harm in hauling a 2100lb tractor on a 2200# cap trailer using your #'s.

Whats the difference in that vs a few quads and a trail bike, or a couple of ZTR's with 4 weedeaters, 2 blowers, and a pushmower?? Or a laod of mulch.

2200lbs is 2200lbs, it doesnt matter what form it is in, as long as it cam be loaded safely with that gate.

I know we all like to go overboard here, but for crying-out-loud he doesnt need an 18k gooseneck just to pull a 2100lb SCUT

 

[MossflowerWoods]

Pro-Line is merely a dealer name.

5x12 seems to not be a std size.

There is a weight lable, I can't read it, but I believe the trailer was purchased/built at Diamond C Farm Equip in Lyon's VA probably 10 years ago or so.They are out of business as far as I can tell.

Chris,

I suspect you are EXACTLY right on the weight limits. Most similar trailers I can find online are 2990.

As to the tailgate, I can take another pic, but it is metal mesh welded to a fram made of 1x2 rectangular tubing. The hinges are welded at both ends, the tail gate is removable, the pin side is on the trailer, I think there are 4 of them.

Is the mesh the weak spot, or the tubing?

Until I am healed up, I cannot climb under trailer (could not get up I fear) to measure axles.

Thanks to all of you. I am learning a ton.
David

 

[MossflowerWoods]

I know we all like to go overboard here, but for crying-out-loud he doesnt need an 18k gooseneck just to pull a 2100lb SCUT

SHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!

YES I DO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

At least that is what I will tell the wife when it is time to BUY one! :laughing:

David

 

[radioman]

sorry- chris is right- the trailer you got is pretty much too lightweight for a cut tractor. your mesh gate will bend as there is no supports where tires will go.

 

[yooper1]

Pro-Line is merely a dealer name.

5x12 seems to not be a std size.

There is a weight lable, I can't read it, but I believe the trailer was purchased/built at Diamond C Farm Equip in Lyon's VA probably 10 years ago or so.They are out of business as far as I can tell.

Chris,

I suspect you are EXACTLY right on the weight limits. Most similar trailers I can find online are 2990.

As to the tailgate, I can take another pic, but it is metal mesh welded to a fram made of 1x2 rectangular tubing. The hinges are welded at both ends, the tail gate is removable, the pin side is on the trailer, I think there are 4 of them.

Is the mesh the weak spot, or the tubing?

Until I am healed up, I cannot climb under trailer (could not get up I fear) to measure axles.

Thanks to all of you. I am learning a ton.
David

Here is the website and page on these type trailers:

Pro-Line Trailer Sales|Open Trailers


but they do not show the 5 X 12 on their page

The info at the top shows that all of these type trailers they mfg have the 3500 LB axle

 

[sparky1]

alot of times the axels will have what there rated at on the axel itself

 

[Diamondpilot]

x2 on the lift gate.

But whats the harm in hauling a 2100lb tractor on a 2200# cap trailer using your #'s.

Whats the difference in that vs a few quads and a trail bike, or a couple of ZTR's with 4 weedeaters, 2 blowers, and a pushmower?? Or a laod of mulch.

2200lbs is 2200lbs, it doesnt matter what form it is in, as long as it cam be loaded safely with that gate.

I know we all like to go overboard here, but for crying-out-loud he doesnt need an 18k gooseneck just to pull a 2100lb SCUT

The harm is load balance and foot print load. The mesh gate will bend due to the foot print load of one heavy item being placed in 4 locations (tires).

You are right, 2100# is 2100# but with 3 or 4 bikes, quads, ztrs, ect you are distributing the load evenly over the trailers deck area. Mulch or a few mowers is totally different than a CUT.

I am not saying it will not work. I am just saying I would not due it. I tow all the time and have towed many bad loads and this looks like one ready to happen.

Chris

 

[Diamondpilot]

Pro-Line is merely a dealer name.

5x12 seems to not be a std size.

There is a weight lable, I can't read it, but I believe the trailer was purchased/built at Diamond C Farm Equip in Lyon's VA probably 10 years ago or so.They are out of business as far as I can tell.

Chris,

I suspect you are EXACTLY right on the weight limits. Most similar trailers I can find online are 2990.

As to the tailgate, I can take another pic, but it is metal mesh welded to a fram made of 1x2 rectangular tubing. The hinges are welded at both ends, the tail gate is removable, the pin side is on the trailer, I think there are 4 of them.

Is the mesh the weak spot, or the tubing?

Until I am healed up, I cannot climb under trailer (could not get up I fear) to measure axles.

Thanks to all of you. I am learning a ton.
David

The mesh is the weak spot. You can work around that with some pieces of 2x12's to drive on but make sure you secure them. I have seen people do this and they get kicked out under the tires.

Not sure about the rest of the gate. It may or may not be up to the task. You will not know for sure until you try it.

Chris

Chris

 

[MossflowerWoods]

Here is the website and page on these type trailers:

Pro-Line Trailer Sales|Open Trailers


but they do not show the 5 X 12 on their page

The info at the top shows that all of these type trailers they mfg have the 3500 LB axle

Yooper, I called them and spoke directly to them. They are local to me. They are just a dealer and they did NOT ever sell a 5x12, noir did they make mine.

Thanks.
David

 

[MossflowerWoods]

The harm is load balance and foot print load. Does it have a wood deck or mesh? A deck mesh will bend due to the foot print load of one heavy item being placed in 4 locations (tires).

You are right, 2100# is 2100# but with 3 or 4 bikes, quads, ztrs, ect you are distributing the load evenly over the trailers deck area.

Chris

Deck is PT wood (2x6 I believe).

David

 

[Diamondpilot]

Deck is PT wood (2x6 I believe).

David

I seen that in the pictures. Went back and made the corrections.

Chris

 

[MossflowerWoods]

sorry- chris is right- the trailer you got is pretty much too lightweight for a cut tractor. your mesh gate will bend as there is no supports where tires will go.

I have 2 different sets of 2x8 wooden ramps with the aluminum ramp ends, one set is longer maybe 8' the other is much shorter maybe 4'.

Would either (I would assume the shorter is better) of these be enough?

David

 

[LD1]

The harm is load balance and foot print load. The mesh gate will bend due to the foot print load of one heavy item being placed in 4 locations (tires).

You are right, 2100# is 2100# but with 3 or 4 bikes, quads, ztrs, ect you are distributing the load evenly over the trailers deck area. Mulch or a few mowers is totally different than a CUT.

I am not saying it will not work. I am just saying I would not due it. I tow all the time and have towed many bad loads and this looks like one ready to happen.

Chris

I agreed with you on the mesh gate. I said as long as it could be "safely" loaded.

With the wood floor and only a 2100lb tractor, AS long as it can be positioned forward enough to have sufficient tongue weight as to not fishtail, I see no problems hauling the load.

 

[Gary Fowler]

According to the specs, this tractor is less than 4 feet wide and about 5 feet in length. There should be not problem getting the load centered where you need on a 12 foot trailer it even with a FEL on it, if it has one. Weight wise you should be well under the 2900# limit with the 2056# tractor. I would remove that back gate as it is just adding weight and is of no use as a ramp for anything heavier than a small lawnmower. You could easily find a ditch to back the trailer into and just drive it on and off if you dont have sufficiently strong ramps.