Trailer question - skid steer

[patrailer]

I am thinking of purchasing a skid steer and trailer. The skid steer will be in the 6000-9000 lb range, not sure exactly what I am getting for that. I'd like to use the trailer for other stuff. Hauling building materials, maybe a car or two. I have a 3500HD and tow a 13000 fifth wheel. I have a gooseneck hitch but I think a gooseneck trailer would be overkill for me.

I cant figure out if I want equipment trailer vs car trailer vs flatbed trailer. I've read a few threads here with some people who had the same dilemma. I am assuming buiilding materials and odds and ends will be fine with both of them. However, if I want to do an occasional car, can I put that on an equipment trailer? And vice-versa? For loading the skid steer, I think a dovetail trailer would be best (right?) I'd like to do slide out ramps as well, wood floor.

With the weight of the skid steer, should I be looking more at equipment trailers? Thanks for any tips!

 

[4570Man]

Most car trailer aren’t rated for the weight of a skid steer. A flat deck trailer is nice for side loading with a forklift but it’s also pretty tall for loading vehicles or a skid steer on the ramps. A equipment trailer with fenders and a dovetail gets my vote.

 

[Lineman North Florida]

I believe if I was going to buy a new trailer to haul a skidsteer I would want me one of those 20' tilt deck equipment trailers and I would upgrade it with 8k axles and 17.5 tires, you would be covered to haul about anything you wanted , they are low profile and would work perfect for loading and un-loading a skid steer.

 

[seville009]

Used a 5 ton dual axle equipment trailer with a 16' wood deck and flip down ramps to haul my tracked skidsteer. Trailer capacity was 4 tons, which was just about what the skidsteer weighed with the bucket on it. Handled it fine (towed with a 2011 F350 6.2l)

 

[nisaacs]

Is this for personal or commercial use? What will be your primary skid steer use? You might consider a dump trailer. A skid steer and dump trailer are like bread and butter.

I recommend a 14k minimum, no matter what style you get. A bumper pull is convenient to hook up and gets around better than a gooseneck. They do require more thought when placing your load, gooseneck is more forgiving here.

Dump trailer should be in the 14'-16' range and equipment hauler 20'-24'. If you need/want more than 14k gvw, I recommend gooseneck. I also prefer torsion axles. Again, I can't stress how handy a dump trailer is, especially if you only have one trailer.

Equipment hauler is 83"x24', 14k, Dump is 7'x16'x3', 22k.

 

[Tractorable]

My vote is for a 14K equipment tilt trailer. The benefit of a tilt is A) only one angle needs to be traversed over instead of two making it much better for loading cars or equipment with low clearance, B) tilt trailers are less apt to drag their behinds on uneven ground because they don’t have the dovetail hanging down. Better if they need to be hauled through fields etc.

Recommend you get one with a winch plate or pop-up winch mount like on the new Diamond C’s for moving equipment that can’t move under its own power.

 

[4570Man]

Is this for personal or commercial use? What will be your primary skid steer use? You might consider a dump trailer. A skid steer and dump trailer are like bread and butter.

I recommend a 14k minimum, no matter what style you get. A bumper pull is convenient to hook up and gets around better than a gooseneck. They do require more thought when placing your load, gooseneck is more forgiving here.

Dump trailer should be in the 14'-16' range and equipment hauler 20'-24'. If you need/want more than 14k gvw, I recommend gooseneck. I also prefer torsion axles. Again, I can't stress how handy a dump trailer is, especially if you only have one trailer.

Equipment hauler is 83"x24', 14k, Dump is 7'x16'x3', 22k.View attachment 745161View attachment 745162View attachment 745165

I have a dump trailer and a tilt trailer. The tilt trailer is way easier to load vs dealing with the heavy ramps, it’s a better angle to load, it’s easier to get into the skid steer cab once it’s loaded, it’s easier to chain than the dump trailer and there’s more room on the deck for other stuff. But the dump trailer does move the skid steer if that was the only goal. The other downside to the dump trailer is it’s like a $12,000 trailer which the tilt trailer isn’t a cheap trailer either. You could probably buy a 14k ramp trailer for half that much.

 

[Rustyiron]

For all around use I prefer a deck over with a dovetail. For my (all around) use I don't want fenders. Now if my business was strictly a SS service and moved the machine 3-4 times a week I'd have a deck in between the wheels. Nice and low but limited width. My machines have "grown" to where they no longer fit between the fenders.

 

[4570Man]

For all around use I prefer a deck over with a dovetail. For my (all around) use I don't want fenders. Now if my business was strictly a SS service and moved the machine 3-4 times a week I'd have a deck in between the wheels. Nice and low but limited width. My machines have "grown" to where they no longer fit between the fenders.

I agree a deckover has less limitations but the ramps are a lot steeper.

 

[ljjhouser]

Looks like you might start with 14K - 9K + 3.5K (trailer) = 12.5K - wouldn't go any lighter. I have and like a good tilt bed with bed pivot between the tandem axles. Also, consider other options that make it easier and more useful. There are a lot of features to consider - Rub rails, stake pockets, 12K SET BACK JACK, location of spare mount, if tilt bed, split 16' tilt and 4 fixed (20') or 16' split and 6' fixed (22') More room for toolbox for chain and binder storage, slipper springs, EZ lube axles, removable or drive over fenders, type of coupler if bumper hitch and adjustable level hitch. And LED lighting is a must. Might want to purchase from a manufacturer who only uses certified welders. Anyway, a lot to think about and consider. Make sure the tries are size and rated for correct trailer rating. Another note about tilt bed. My tilt bed has a hydraulic cylinder to lock the bed in the down position. This has permitted me to use the trailer to hall different materials and use the bucket to forct the back of the bed down - then lock the cylinder. Then I can easily unload the trailer using tractor.
The good news is that with a 2500 and bumper hitch (if you choose) probably won't need a Weight Distribution hitch.

Finally, get a WELL designed and built trailer. It will cost more, but will always be worth more. If it does no trail well, you will never be happy with it when loaded. Best wishes.

 

[4570Man]

Looks like you might start with 14K - 9K + 3.5K (trailer) = 12.5K - wouldn't go any lighter. I have and like a good tilt bed with bed pivot between the tandem axles. Also, consider other options that make it easier and more useful. There are a lot of features to consider - Rub rails, stake pockets, 12K SET BACK JACK, location of spare mount, if tilt bed, split 16' tilt and 4 fixed (20') or 16' split and 6' fixed (22') More room for toolbox for chain and binder storage, slipper springs, EZ lube axles, removable or drive over fenders, type of coupler if bumper hitch and adjustable level hitch. And LED lighting is a must. Might want to purchase from a manufacturer who only uses certified welders. Anyway, a lot to think about and consider. Make sure the tries are size and rated for correct trailer rating. Another note about tilt bed. My tilt bed has a hydraulic cylinder to lock the bed in the down position. This has permitted me to use the trailer to hall different materials and use the bucket to forct the back of the bed down - then lock the cylinder. Then I can easily unload the trailer using tractor.
The good news is that with a 2500 and bumper hitch (if you choose) probably won't need a Weight Distribution hitch.

Finally, get a WELL designed and built trailer. It will cost more, but will always be worth more. If it does no trail well, you will never be happy with it when loaded. Best wishes.

One of my trailers has stake pockets and the other has D rings. I don’t see how it’s even a discussion there. Rub rail with stake pockets is better. My trailer is a 4 foot flat with a 18 ft tilt. The 4 ft flat was ok until I mounted a toolbox on it. Now it’s a little small to put implements up there. The 18 foot tilt is excessive for strictly loading a skid steer but you need that much room to load a vehicle. I like an adjustable height coupler apposed to a permanently welded one. A 10 or 12k jack is a big upgrade over the little twisty ones.

 

[amhicks21]

Unless you're hauling a ton of other stuff than the skid steer i'd go 14k tilt deck all day. I used deckovers and standard equipment trailers for many years and now wouldnt go any other way than a tilt. Just today i had to use a normal equipment trailer and had one of the ramps get stuck onto the hot chip sealed road making me have to pull forward to finish loading.

 

[4570Man]

Unless you're hauling a ton of other stuff than the skid steer i'd go 14k tilt deck all day. I used deckovers and standard equipment trailers for many years and now wouldnt go any other way than a tilt. Just today i had to use a normal equipment trailer and had one of the ramps get stuck onto the hot chip sealed road making me have to pull forward to finish loading.

View attachment 745794

Another advantage of a tilt which I don’t think has been mentioned is they don’t lift the back of the tow vehicle and leave you rolling down the road if you forget to block the trailer tires.

 

[nisaacs]

I have a dump trailer and a tilt trailer. The tilt trailer is way easier to load vs dealing with the heavy ramps, it’s a better angle to load, it’s easier to get into the skid steer cab once it’s loaded, it’s easier to chain than the dump trailer and there’s more room on the deck for other stuff. But the dump trailer does move the skid steer if that was the only goal. The other downside to the dump trailer is it’s like a $12,000 trailer which the tilt trailer isn’t a cheap trailer either. You could probably buy a 14k ramp trailer for half that much.

Says the guy with a dump truck and a dump trailer, all cons with no pros. I really dislike having to strap down a load of dirt....

 

[MoMower]

Tilt deck! So easy to load/unload. I bought mine for this reason alone.

 

[dieselscout80]

It seems like a tilt deck would be difficult to haul things like hay on and one other thing is that they stick out way further behind the rear wheels.

However, they are great for equipment.

 

[ljjhouser]

There are differences using a tilt bed. I never thought it was longer in the back end, especially in the 22' because the fixed bed is six' and 16' tilt. I think those that use the drop axles may have an appearance of being longer (because they run so low). Using the tilt is an option. If it loads hay or other things without the tilt, then it can remain locked just and any other flatbed. Those tilts with a locking cylinder can also be used to haul dirt or rock and unloaded with a tractor with loader. Just use the tractor bucket to drop the unlocked deck and lock the deck with the hydraulic locking cylinder, then drive up on the trailer using the bucked to unload. The deck will remain in tilt until you open the locking cylinder.
The main disadvantages would be --They cost more and they are heavier because they have two frames (one for the tile bed and then the main frame). My 20' 4' fixed and 16' tilt weigh about 3500#.
The advantages are the conveniences of not needing ramps and they are very low to the ground and tract VERY well and smooth. And you can use your tractor to unload if needed.

Tilt Bed Doolittle ezloader

I think a deck-over (pictured above) always has the least deck behind the axles.

 

[patrailer]

Circling back on this... ready to get the trailer (finally). Going to go with the tilt trailer based on my research and many recommendations here. I am looking at the big tex 14TL, but am open to other suggestions. That is a 14k trailer so I can haul 10k roughly, does that sound right? I am using it for residential use so I am hoping that can cover most skid steers and equipment rental. I know it won't do everything.

I am a trailer noob. I need a hitch for my truck, looking at the B&W:

https://www.amazon.com/Trailer-Hitches-Tow-Stow-Receiver/dp/B01BYHMBU4/

Question - how do I know the "drop" I need? I can measure my truck but without having the trailer in front of me, is that spec posted? I don't see it anywhere on the Big tex 14TL I am looking for

14TL Heavy Duty Tilt Bed Equipment Trailer | Big Tex Trailers

The 14TL Equipment Trailer lets you efficiently use your bed.

www.bigtextrailers.com

Also any other manufacturer suggestions on tilt trailers?

Thanks to all!

 

[nisaacs]

That should be a good truck hitch and trailer. The trailer is also adjustable, so between the two hitches you should be fine.

 

[George2615]

Circling back on this... ready to get the trailer (finally). Going to go with the tilt trailer based on my research and many recommendations here. I am looking at the big tex 14TL, but am open to other suggestions. That is a 14k trailer so I can haul 10k roughly, does that sound right? I am using it for residential use so I am hoping that can cover most skid steers and equipment rental. I know it won't do everything.

I am a trailer noob. I need a hitch for my truck, looking at the B&W:

https://www.amazon.com/Trailer-Hitches-Tow-Stow-Receiver/dp/B01BYHMBU4/

Question - how do I know the "drop" I need? I can measure my truck but without having the trailer in front of me, is that spec posted? I don't see it anywhere on the Big tex 14TL I am looking for

14TL Heavy Duty Tilt Bed Equipment Trailer | Big Tex Trailers

The 14TL Equipment Trailer lets you efficiently use your bed.

www.bigtextrailers.com

Also any other manufacturer suggestions on tilt trailers?

Thanks to all!

I have a PJ 14K tilt bed model TF 22' (actual just under 24' including tail). I added a winch and made D-rings that drop into the stake pockets. The axles are placed back further than most other brands so its not real long behind them. Weighs just under 4K. Tow with a Chevy 2500HD crew cab 4x4 6.0 gas 4.10 gears