Transporting a Tractor in the Snow

kday64 · Nov 23, 2011

Hey all,

I am interested in transporting my Kubota BX2360 around to a few rental properties this winter to help out a friend. 10 different properties spread out over 20 miles. I live in an area with very hilly terrain and wicked roads. (South Eastern CT).

Is it safe to tow a trailer on poorly plowed roads?
-18' landscape trailer with electronic brakes on one axel.
-F-150 with brake controller.

Any thoughts and comments are appreciated.

~k_day64

groundcover · Nov 23, 2011

Take you time and be sure to clean the trailer off first !

gwjd · Nov 23, 2011

will you be able to drive the truck faster than the tractor it self also tie down time if possible i would drive the tractor

grsthegreat · Nov 23, 2011

gwjd said:
will you be able to drive the truck faster than the tractor it self also tie down time if possible i would drive the tractor

no one wants to drive their tractor for 20 miles.....

I have transported mine in the winter, but dont like to do so as pesonally most people wont pay enough to make it worth the hastle. As long as you dont think youll get into an area where you cant turn arround, i have never had an issue with towing in winter. Just take it slow and MAKE sure the trailers brakes are working...dont need to fishtail yout rig cause the trailer brakes arnt working on snow/ice/hills

tungularafishcamp · Nov 23, 2011

To have to do 10 different loads/unloads in 20 miles I think I would just drive the tractor. If you are gonna tow make sure you have chains available if not on and as much weight on the truck as you can put.

Just hauled my boat out day before yesterday 18k with the trailer, the ramp was solid ice with 4 inches of snow on top but walked right up the ramp with chains on all 4 and a couple thousand lbs in back of truck.

SweBota · Nov 23, 2011

kday64 said:
Is it safe to tow a trailer on poorly plowed roads?

Certainly not on summer tyres, but if you have real winter tyres on the truck AND trailer then you should be fine.

/Marcus

GPintheMitten · Nov 23, 2011

The key is to take it easy and be prepared for a longer stop.

I wouldn't drive my tractor 20 miles in the winter but to each his own. Getting back in the truck to go to the next place gives you a chance to warm up.

I've pulled horse trailers, RV's and towed my tractor on a flat bed in the winter. I drove semi's pulling a 53 footer in all conditions as well. Just got to know your limits and don't take chances. And if it feels dangerous, it probably is. You can always let your friends know that you'll come by after the storm is over and the roads are better, as well.

Fixemall · Nov 23, 2011

I would consider brakes on all 4 wheels and lowering the tire pressures +-20lbs to give better road contact. In really poor conditions I would consider cables on the front set of trailer tires.

Scotty Dive · Nov 23, 2011

I am assuming that's a dual axel trailer? In ct, each axel needs to have brakes and I believe a battery break away system too. Be careful and make sure everything is safe and secure.

dmay · Nov 23, 2011

You must be worried for a reason.

Are these city rental properties? Consider leaving the trailer/tractor behind and just load up a large self-propelled walk behind snowblower w. snowcab into the back of your F150. Might take you longer but no worries of pulling a trailer/tractor load 20 miles in the winter on bad roads. Also better for clearing walkways and front sidewalks anyhow.

The way residential streets are snow cleared often does not leave a lot of room for piled snow, parked cars and a truck pulling a trailer to maneuver in.

When I go clear the inlaws after a large snow storm, this is what I do. I just attach ramps, load the snowblower up, throw the ramps in and drive over. Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab 4WD + 27" Brute Snow Blower.

radioman · Nov 23, 2011

gwjd said:
will you be able to drive the truck faster than the tractor it self also tie down time if possible i would drive the tractor

really?! I think its a bad idea to drive the tractor. After all he IS talking about a BX model tractor and the max speed is 8.1 mph at WOT. hmm its gonna take him over 2-3 hrs just to drive 20 miles. If he is talking about a B or L or bigger series, then ok- he can drive it, but IMHO not a BX. It takes tooooo long.

To OP, sounds like it your first trip with a loaded trailer in the winter. just drive deliberately slow till you get a hang of it.

tcartwri · Nov 23, 2011

Fixemall said:
I would consider brakes on all 4 wheels and lowering the tire pressures +-20lbs to give better road contact. In really poor conditions I would consider cables on the front set of trailer tires.

Absolutely do not follow this advice. Its snow and ice, not sand.

simoutdoors · Nov 23, 2011

Used to tow single axle trailer loaded with 20 HP Bolens with blower & cab behind Ford Ranger each snow storm. 20 ish miles round trip to clear both grand parents drives. Can't claim it was great idea, but it had to be done.

Consider salt damage to your equipment...

silvertramp · Nov 23, 2011

A pick up with a plow is the tool for that job. Otherwise, you're spending all your time loading/unloading.

tcreeley · Nov 23, 2011

Last winter I bought my 30hp tractor and towed it 80 miles home with my chevy 2500HD (tow package and everything). It was snowing pretty badly. I could only creep up the hilly back roads in 4 wheel drive. On a smooth and salted and slick stretch, the trailer swung out behind me into the other lane, but I managed to straighten it. Sure it can be done, but I'd never do it unless I had to again.
A pickup and plow is really the answer.

strum456 · Nov 23, 2011

Does your truck have a progressive trailer brake controller? If not, I would strongly recommend getting one. They are nice, even when it isn't snowing.

Combustix · Nov 23, 2011

Buddy lost his boat when he hit black ice and went off into a field truck made it but he picked up pieces to the bot as he found them. I would take it easy 4 wd minimum. Chains in case. brakes on the trailer really are not Going to be much use if you are sliding Drive slow and cautious

GPintheMitten · Nov 24, 2011

On deep snow covered roads, if you can make it with your tow vehicle alone in 4wd without a problem, then I think you can do it with the trailer. But I'm assuming you have good tires on 4wd tow vehicle and a good trailer with good tires, balanced trailer load, trailer brakes and going as slow as necessary, not trying to pass people, and not trying to go the speed limit.

But you have to make your own judgment and use good sense. For instance consider what you will do if you encounter a big drift or a couple of cars spun out and blocking the road? Without a trailer, you could back up and/or turn around but you aren't likely to be able to do that with a trailer, and backing up 1/4 mile or more to a driveway is going to be next to impossible with a trailer in deep snow on back country roads that haven't been plowed.

For me, I wouldn't rule out trailering in deep snow, but there are conditions in which I would not venture out. Best to err on the side of caution.

reggiejr · Nov 24, 2011

If you can earn enough money to make it worth your while than why not.Only thing that would bother me is the tractor is going to get covered in sand,salt, and calcuim bigtime with all that hauling around but hey just wash it after.If all your stuff is in good working order tires,brakes,chains,binders(not Straps junk in snow and ice) youll be allset.If you have the truck,trailer and tractor why not use it and figure out if its worth it or not.A helper would be key for loading,shoveling ect.It would limit your down time get you in and out fast and on to the next one.good luck:thumbsup:

lungdoc · Nov 24, 2011

Presume truck is 4WD? With decent winter tires should be ok, wouldn't do it with a 2WD truck. Depending on tongue weight some added weight in bed of pickup may be helpful. We use an F150 4WD and it gets very loose in slippery roads with regular truck tires and an unloaded bed, quite respectable with a load in the back.