What size GN trailer for a 10.5K tractor?

[ShowroomShine]

I'm upgrading from my 25' PJ deckover bumper pull 14K trailer to a GN with my Ram 2500. I've got a Case IH 55A, with loader/weights/cab/fluid/attachments etc is around 10,500lbs.

With my current 14K deckover, this tractor is really maxing the trailer out. Its not so much the weight of the trailer, its the tongue weight.

Looking to move to GN, but dont know about capacity. I only tow about once or twice a month so its not a heavy use trailer. I'm looking to stay around 25' to keep in and out of my driveway. Any of the 14K-16K GN trailers I see are around 11K capacity, seems to be just barely better than what I have although still more capacity than what I've got.

I've seen some 20-25K trailers that seem to better handle the weight, but the extra empty weight seems to be a concern for not needing the extra capacity?

Would I regret getting a 14-16K trailer or is it always best to step up to a dual wheel 20-25K trailer?

 

[oliver1555]

Personally, I would look at getting 8,000# axles with single 17.5 tires over having duals.

 

[fried1765]

Personally, I would look at getting 8,000# axles with single 17.5 tires over having duals.

DITTO !

 

[3Ts]

Once you get above the 14K load rating and into dual tire trailers, you're bumping into CDL territory as I understand it. You may want to check out that criteria and I'm sure there are exceptions to the CDL requirements.

 

[ShowroomShine]

Once you get above the 14K load rating and into dual tire trailers, you're bumping into CDL territory as I understand it. You may want to check out that criteria and I'm sure there are exceptions to the CDL requirements.

I致e got my class A so I知 good to go either way.

 

[oliver1555]

CDL only if commercial. Some states require a class A non-commercial license.

 

[nisaacs]

If cost is not an issue, then buy the biggest and best you think you will need. Always over estimate a bit.

7k axles will give you 14k plus pin weight, 8k will give you 16k plus pin weight. 7k axles use 12.25"x2" brakes, 8k, 12.25"x3 3/8's", much better. Empty weight will be around 5k lbs.

You can also go 10k axles with super singles, same brakes as 8k, or go dually 10k, same brakes as 8k, empty weight will be about 6-7k lbs.

As far as a brand, that's huge. They all have pro's and con's. For sure, stay away from any trailer that mounts the side marker/signal in a cutout on the side rail. It creates a week spot. Make sure it is mounted below the rail on it's own bracket. I also don't care for the cutouts above the tires and prefer torsion axles. But that's me.

Do your research, some builders use inferior axles, especially in the 6-8k range and poor paint. Dexter has a 5 year warranty on spring axles, 10 on torsion. Lippert is 6 and 11. Some economy axles are rated for 1 year.

 

[4570Man]

A 20k trailer is much heavier duty than a 14k in weight, build and price. Too much trailer is never a bad thing but a quality built 14k should handle a 10,500 pound load fine.

 

[Monster5601]

A GN is going to increase the weight put on the tow vehicle over the bumper pull. Another data point to consider.

 

[RickB]

A 20k trailer is much heavier duty than a 14k in weight, build and price. Too much trailer is never a bad thing but a quality built 14k should handle a 10,500 pound load fine.

Especially for 1-2 times per month. Now if it were going to see daily use that's another thing.
We had a 14K Kaufman at work that got used, often overloaded and abused for 8 years before we upgraded. It is still safe and serviceable. If you're not familiar with the brand, it is a middle of the road trailer quality wise, not a premium brand.
For casual personal use and a 10k load I'd stick with a 14k trailer with excellent quality tires.

 

[RickB]

A GN is going to increase the weight put on the tow vehicle over the bumper pull. Another data point to consider.

That is an advantage for both handling and payload capacity.

 

[Xfaxman]

Here is another thing to consider on the trailer: https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/trailers-transportation/273476-stand-up-slide-ramps.html

 

[Hay Dude]

I'm upgrading from my 25' PJ deckover bumper pull 14K trailer to a GN with my Ram 2500. I've got a Case IH 55A, with loader/weights/cab/fluid/attachments etc is around 10,500lbs.

With my current 14K deckover, this tractor is really maxing the trailer out. Its not so much the weight of the trailer, its the tongue weight.

Looking to move to GN, but dont know about capacity. I only tow about once or twice a month so its not a heavy use trailer. I'm looking to stay around 25' to keep in and out of my driveway. Any of the 14K-16K GN trailers I see are around 11K capacity, seems to be just barely better than what I have although still more capacity than what I've got.

I've seen some 20-25K trailers that seem to better handle the weight, but the extra empty weight seems to be a concern for not needing the extra capacity?

Would I regret getting a 14-16K trailer or is it always best to step up to a dual wheel 20-25K trailer?

If the tongue weight is such a big issue, maybe a pair of air bags would be a simple, cost effective cure?
I can see where 14,000lbs x 15-20% tongue weight would put considerable stress on the rear axle, but air bags might just be the answer and save you a lot of money.
Now maybe you want a new trailer anyway, so my air bag idea wouldnt be what you are looking for, but even if they arent, they will make your new gooseneck purchase much nicer to tow, too because 3/4 ton trucks are about the bare minimum weight capacity truck for a 20k trailer.
14k trailer and a 8k truck is getting up close to your trucks GCWR. I had Firestone Ride Rites on my 08 F-250 and it pulled a fully loaded 14k trailer easily with the air bags 1/2-2/3 inflated.
Single tires on 10k axles are not a good choice for any off road use on soft ground. I am constantly loading tractors and large hay bales in fields. What feels like firm ground gets soft awfully fast. Dual tire flotation is a blessing in those situations. Also if you lose 1/8 tires its more realistic to make it back safely that if you lose 1/4 tires.

I dont think youll regret a 16k GN, but I dont think itll be enough of an improvement over a 14k BP with air bags that the expense justifies the outlay. But like I said, if you need/want a new trailer anyway then a GN would improve your situation somewhat. I would take a 16K GN and 3/4 ton truck over a 14k BP and 3/4 ton truck every time, but thats me spending thousands of your money to swap trailers.

 

[fried1765]

If the tongue weight is such a big issue, maybe a pair of air bags would be a simple, cost effective cure?
I can see where 14,000lbs x 15-20% tongue weight would put considerable stress on the rear axle, but air bags might just be the answer and save you a lot of money.
Now maybe you want a new trailer anyway, so my air bag idea wouldnt be what you are looking for, but even if they arent, they will make your new gooseneck purchase much nicer to tow, too because 3/4 ton trucks are about the bare minimum weight capacity truck for a 20k trailer.
14k trailer and a 8k truck is getting up close to your trucks GCWR. I had Firestone Ride Rites on my 08 F-250 and it pulled a fully loaded 14k trailer easily with the air bags 1/2-2/3 inflated.
Single tires on 10k axles are not a good choice for any off road use on soft ground. I am constantly loading tractors and large hay bales in fields. What feels like firm ground gets soft awfully fast. Dual tire flotation is a blessing in those situations. Also if you lose 1/8 tires its more realistic to make it back safely that if you lose 1/4 tires.

I dont think youll regret a 16k GN, but I dont think itll be enough of an improvement over a 14k BP with air bags that the expense justifies the outlay. But like I said, if you need/want a new trailer anyway then a GN would improve your situation somewhat. I would take a 16K GN and 3/4 ton truck over a 14k BP and 3/4 ton truck every time, but thats me spending thousands of your money to swap trailers.

I added air bags immediately after buying my 14K bumper pull trailer.
Best cheap improvement I ever added to a 3/4T vehicle!

 

[Peter 315]

Adding air bags is not going to change the tongue weight . Just keeps it from squatting ......

 

[RickB]

Adding air bags is not going to change the tongue weight . Just keeps it from squatting ......

I didn't see where anyone made that claim. Did I miss something?

 

[Peter 315]

I didn't see where anyone made that claim. Did I miss something?

Post 13 Hay Dude.....

 

[Hay Dude]

Adding air bags is not going to change the tongue weight . Just keeps it from squatting ......

I didn’t say it would physically add tongue weigh capacity to the truck :laughing:. I said it would reduce or solve the stress of driving with too much weight on rear axle.

Although I would point out in PA, a mechanic will sign off on an MV-41 to increase GVWR by a reasonable amount if suspension enhancements, like air bags, are added. Ive done this twice with my mechanic. My current F-350 SRW was updated via an MV-41 to a GCWR of 25,500. I added firestone Ride Rites.

Excessive Squatting affects handling and visibility. Air bags also add some cushioning to the rear axle and takes some stress off the rear axle components and reduces squatting.
A 14k bumper pull, depending on the year and configuration of a 3/4 ton, should be within the limits of the truck, but its at the upper limits. Air bags will level the truck, improve ride characteristics, handling, visibility and safety. Look at how common they are. Theres a good reason for that.

If the OP wants a GN, then go for it. I was offering an alternative point of view if he is tight on money and really doesnt want to spend thousands. Air bags make the load safer to drive down the road. Theres also the aspect of cops. They see a truck going down the road nose-high, they suspect overloading. That opens the OP up to a lot of other problems.

 

[RickB]

Post 13 Hay Dude.....

Yeah, bags aren't going to reduce axle stress. Unless you're riding around on the bump stops in which case the truck is overloaded and bags won't change that either.
All that said, air bags can be very helpful in maintaining rear ride height and stability on a heavily loaded axle.

 

[fried1765]

I didn’t say it would physically add tongue weigh capacity to the truck :laughing:. I said it would reduce or solve the stress of driving with too much weight on rear axle.

Although I would point out in PA, a mechanic will sign off on an MV-41 to increase GVWR by a reasonable amount if suspension enhancements, like air bags, are added. Ive done this twice with my mechanic. My current F-350 STW was updated via an MV-41 to a GCWR of 25,500. I added firestone Ride Rites

Excessive Squatting affects handling and visibility. Air bags also add some cushioning to the rear axle and takes some stress off the rear axle components and reduces squatting.
A 14k bumper pull, depending on the year and configuration of a 3/4 ton, should be within the limits of the truck, but its at the upper limits. Air bags will level the truck, improve ride characteristics, handling, visibility and safety. Look at how common they are. Theres a good reason for that.

If the OP wants a GN, then go for it. I was offering an alternative point of view if he is tight on money and really doesnt want to spend thousands. Air bags make the load safer to drive down the road. Theres also the aspect of cops. They see a truck going down the road nose-high, they suspect overloading. That opens the OP up to a lot of other problems.

Air bags......love 'em.

Makes my 1997 K2500 454 V-8 Suburban safe to drive, when pulling a 12K loaded (14K rated) bumper pull.
I never load it over 12K GVW.