Is Anyone Making a High Quality 7k Trailer?

[jaredyates]

I'm shopping for a flat-bed equipment trailer with a 7000 pound GVW and what I'm finding is that there are some nicely built trailers (Rice, Big Tex, etc) but they seem to start their equipment trailers at 10k pounds and go up from there. So far I've only found "economy" trailers in the 7k range. I don't have the truck to haul a 10k load, and while it is possible to buy a 10k trailer and just not load it to the max, the empty weight is a factor. I realize it takes more steel to make a better trailer and the empty weight will go up, but I'm wondering if there is a sweet spot there for a good sturdy trailer that isn't 3k pounds empty. I'm looking for an 16-20' deck

 

[Peter 315]

I have a few Load Trail Trailer that are made well but heavy .. You might want to look at Sure Trac aluminum trailers ..

 

[repete]

I would really consider a trailer with two 5K axles under it than two 3.5K axles. The weight difference my not be that much but a call to a trailer manufacturer could answer that. I have a 7K and regret not getting a 10K as ten years later I feel a bit limited.

 

[ssgp2]

Your terminology plays a big part. "Equipment" trailer vs. "Utility" trailer. Each one comes in many different sizes and load ratings. Typically, a utility trailer can range from a single 1500# axle to two 7500# axles with lengths from 5' to 20'. Whereas equipment trailers, unless a specialty trailer, will typically be built much heavier regardless of length. Also, the hitch type and/or ball size could be a factor.
So, if you are needing a trailer with an 8' wide bed over the tires vs. a 6' or 7' wide bed between the tires, it will either be a home made or a special built.

 

[repete]

Are you thinking tilt or ramps?

 

[jaredyates]

I'm looking for ramps rather than tilt. It looks like most of the places around here call a trailer with slide out ramps a car hauler, and a trailer with folding ramps an equipment trailer. I've appreciated having folding ramps that also support the back of the trailer during loading, as to not pick up the back wheels of the truck when driving the tractor onto the trailer.

I'm towing with an F150 5.0L, 3.55 so if I'm being honest with the truck, it is limiting before tandem 3.5k axles are limiting.

 

[Hay Dude]

If low price is the #1 driving factor, I just bought a brand new Retco 20’ 7K (2) axles both with brakes, 10 ply radial tires and fold down mesh ramp for $3,800!!!

I needed a dirt cheap trailer for hauling 2 zero turns around 2X/week.

Still looking for a 16-20K deck over. Used ones are $8,000!

 

[jaredyates]

Thank you for your input, I think what I was trying to say was that price was not the primary factor, but rather build quality and weight.

 

[Rancher Ed]

You might have to order it but a quick search shows that Maxx-D and Kaufman make 7k GVWR trailers using 3" C-channel for the cross-members with the stand-up ramps you stated you like as an option. Both trailers us 5" channel for the main frame.
Maxx-D 7k Trailer
Kaufman 7k Trailer
They both come standard with the cross-members on 24" centers which I think is sufficient for a 7k trailer - they do offer 16" centers as an option but that will increase your base weight.

Kaufman steps up to a 6" channel frame for their 10k trailer, but Maxx-D offers a 9,990 GVWR trailer with 5" channel frame. A base 16' version weights 2,100 pounds while a 24' version weights 2,800 pounds. If you have the budget you can likely get a 20' version of the higher rated trailer with stand-up equipment ramps that weights ~2,600 pounds. The downside to the Maxx-D 10k trailer is it would be ~$1,300 more than the 7k Kaufman, but with 5,200 lbs axles it will have better brakes and tires.

Given your location I would likely order the 7k trailer directly from Kaufman, and if you upgrade trucks in the future you can sell it and upgrade to a 10k or 14k trailer if needed.

 

[jaredyates]

You might have to order it but a quick search shows that Maxx-D and Kaufman make 7k GVWR trailers using 3" C-channel for the cross-members with the stand-up ramps you stated you like as an option. Both trailers us 5" channel for the main frame.
Maxx-D 7k Trailer
Kaufman 7k Trailer
They both come standard with the cross-members on 24" centers which I think is sufficient for a 7k trailer - they do offer 16" centers as an option but that will increase your base weight.

Kaufman steps up to a 6" channel frame for their 10k trailer, but Maxx-D offers a 9,990 GVWR trailer with 5" channel frame. A base 16' version weights 2,100 pounds while a 24' version weights 2,800 pounds. If you have the budget you can likely get a 20' version of the higher rated trailer with stand-up equipment ramps that weights ~2,600 pounds. The downside to the Maxx-D 10k trailer is it would be ~$1,300 more than the 7k Kaufman, but with 5,200 lbs axles it will have better brakes and tires.

Given your location I would likely order the 7k trailer directly from Kaufman, and if you upgrade trucks in the future you can sell it and upgrade to a 10k or 14k trailer if needed.

Very good leads, thank you! I hadn't considered brake and tire quality but that is a good point.

 

[seville009]

I had a 2006 F350 5.4l that I used to tow a 10k equipment trailer. Trailer weighed 2k, so I could put 8k on the trailer.

The truck handled it ok - not the greatest, but it got the job done.

 

[repete]

The killer for me and a ramp trailer was my Kubota would not load with the backhoe on it without digging the backhoe into the dirt due the the approach angle. I had to have the more gentle slope of the tilt trailer.
Another factor was I have three sons who come and haul it to their place. I just thought the tilt was safer. I can also load cars on my trailer that will high center on a ramp trailer.
I bought my 7K trailer for the L2550 before I bought the IH584 with 4WD loaded tires with a weight of around 8K. I cannot safely haul it on my 7K trailer.
I will likely eventually add or replace the 7K trailer with another 10K tilt trailer.
There is a lot to consider here...... Just get what you think you need but keep in mind that it will likely not be your last trailer purchase.

 

[alexpops]

I have a kaufman 15K/20ft that's served me very well for 7 years. The 7K's from them should be just as good. I'm actually looking at them for a bigger gooseneck. I did upgrade to better tires as that was the biggest complaint I saw in the reviews.

 

[repete]

A little off topic here but I once needed a bearing for my trailer and the local parts store did not have the bearing in stock so I went to the place I bought the trailer from. I put the pitted bearing on the counter and asked if they had another. The counter guy said sure and went in the back and came out with a new inner and rollers. I asked if they had the outer race and the guy said they normally did not replace the outer race........... Ok...... He went back and dug around and found a dusty outer race that was not even wrapped but looked ok.

 

[jaredyates]

The Kaufman folks say on their website that they have a "Deluxe" version which has the kinds of things like radial tires, sealed wire harness, and closer frame spacing, but they don't offer it on the 7k version.

 

[Jstpssng]

I believe that the only people who can answer the OP's question is somebody who knows the area he is from. There are a lot of small, independent shops who are making good trailers; they aren't known on a national level. However there also are good manufacturers with brand names, who weld up a good product. Kaufmann and PG are two who seem to know what they are doing. I am looking for something similar to what the OP wants, so have been asking myself the same questions which he posted here.

 

[Hay Dude]

I have a kaufman 15K/20ft that's served me very well for 7 years. The 7K's from them should be just as good. I'm actually looking at them for a bigger gooseneck. I did upgrade to better tires as that was the biggest complaint I saw in the reviews.

I have a very large Kaufman GN and it has been solid. They are good quality affordable trailers, but you have to pick them up from factory or have them delivered.

 

[jyoutz]

I'm looking for ramps rather than tilt. It looks like most of the places around here call a trailer with slide out ramps a car hauler, and a trailer with folding ramps an equipment trailer. I've appreciated having folding ramps that also support the back of the trailer during loading, as to not pick up the back wheels of the truck when driving the tractor onto the trailer.

I'm towing with an F150 5.0L, 3.55 so if I'm being honest with the truck, it is limiting before tandem 3.5k axles are limiting.

Rear jacks take care of supporting the rear of the trailer.

 

[pokey1416]

I have a Diamond C 7k, 5x10 dump that has ramps and I use for equipment. It was $5,100 a couple years ago. Having a dump is really nice.

 

[newbury]

If you can go up a little in weight -
Have you checked out Hudson Brothers? (Hickory, NC)
They have a 3.5 to LOAD CAPACITY, but it's GVWR is 8,950 lbs
I've a 5 ton (load capacity) and it seems well put together.