10,000 # vs 14,000# trailer for compact tractor

danny77 · Mar 29, 2017

Hey Guys,

I've been reading all the trailer posts, but still have a few questions.

I'm looking for a trailer for my Kioti ck2610 compact tractor as well as for general homestead use. I want to only have to buy one trailer and have it do everything. I don't have money to burn, but at the same time don't mind paying the price for a better item.

There seems to be a constant theme in the forums to go bigger rather than smaller on a trailer. We have a Big Tex dealer in the area, so I've been checking out their stuff. Think I might have it narrowed down to a 20' tilt in either 10,000 # or 14,000 axles.

So here are the numbers:

Tractor weights 4,600 pounds with FEL and loaded tires.

Truck- 2015 F250 FX4, trailer package, 6.2 gas- GCWR 19,000
Truck, fuel, passengers weigh - 7,000
Factory installed hitch is rated 12,500
assuming loaded trailer is max of around 10,000 then my tongue weight would be max of 1,500 pounds.
If I'm understanding things correctly, at this point the most a loaded trailer can weigh (for my truck) would be 10,500 pounds.

So I'm looking at a Big Tex 14TL 20 foot with 14k axles (14,000 GVRW). It's a partial tilt 16 foot, with 4 foot deck. It weights 3,500 pounds which leaves me with a cargo cap (based on my truck) of 7000 pounds. This is well below the trailers max rating of 10,500 pounds of cargo.

I like things to be heavy duty and under-stressed. If I don't mind the extra cost would I be better off going with this 14k trailer or go with a 10,000 GVRW rating in the same trailer with 10,000 axles (Big Tex model 10TL-20). That trailer weighs a bit less at 3,150 pounds, leaving the trailer with a max cargo cap of 6850 pounds (which is about the most cargo I could put on it anyway with my particular truck)

So what do you guys think?

Also, am I on the right track thinking that a tilt deck will make things a lot easier than non-tilt? I saw they also make a full tilt 20', but I thought the 4' of non-tilt deck on their partial tilt model might be handy to have.

Thanks in advance for your input.

bspeedy · Mar 29, 2017

I've no input on the tilt trailer aspect of this.

I own a 20' 10K trailer that has been great for my use. Problem now is that I'm considering a larger excavator that will be too heavy for my 10K bumper pull trailer. If you don't think you will ever need the 14k, there is no reason to drag around a heavier trailer. If you may need it, get it.

Your truck would likely pull a 20k lb trailer, if you were careful. I understand wanting to keep legal, however.

Soldier415 · Mar 29, 2017

I think the 10k would be fine. I had initially bought a big tex 18' 7k lb trailer but first run found I was overloaded. Sold the big tex and snagged a 20' reiser ET with spring assisted ramps that I am extremely happy with.

With the weight you listed are you going off of manufacturer specs or have you actually put it on the scale?

I ask because based on manufacturer specs I calculated my kubota L3010 with FEL, loaded tires and cab to be around 3,500 lbs and it ended up weighing in at 5,300 and change.

I would think 10k would be fine, and use the money saved to go with a longer trailer so you have more room to work with when balancing loads.

ovrszd · Mar 29, 2017

The trailer weight you quoted is only 250lbs more for the 14K trailer. That's a wash. Go heavy.

You didn't quote price difference so you'll have to judge whether it's a value upgrade.

I'm not a tilt trailer guy. Review specs and see what the weight difference is between flat deck and tilt. Also review price and see what you are paying for that luxury. It's certainly not needed for tractor hauling.

Curious to see what you end up with. Thanks for starting the discussion. We like watching members spend money!!!!

George2615 · Mar 29, 2017

I think a 10K will be fine for your needs.
I've owned 2 tilt bed trailers. A 7K 20' H&H and now a 14K 22' PJ. Both were full tilt bed.
The tilt beds cost a little more than a conventional with ramps. For me, I had to go tilt bed. Tore a rotator cuff a few years back and sprained some shoulder muscles so it was hard to lift ramps. Its been a long recovery for me and still not back to full strength. Sold the ramp trailer and never looked back.
I went with full tilt for the ease of mounting my winch on the bed. I didn't want to get a 4' stationary then have to install a roller on the tilt bed part for the cable to roll on.

ovrszd · Mar 29, 2017

George2615 said:
I think a 10K will be fine for your needs.
I've owned 2 tilt bed trailers. A 7K 20' H&H and now a 14K 22' PJ. Both were full tilt bed.
The tilt beds cost a little more than a conventional with ramps. For me, I had to go tilt bed. Tore a rotator cuff a few years back and sprained some shoulder muscles so it was hard to lift ramps. Its been a long recovery for me and still not back to full strength. Sold the ramp trailer and never looked back.
I went with full tilt for the ease of mounting my winch on the bed. I didn't want to get a 4' stationary then have to install a roller on the tilt bed part for the cable to roll on.

Sorry to hear about your shoulder problems George!!!! Don't know about you but I don't recover quite as quick anymore. Smashed my hand, mainly fingers month or so ago. Still can't make a fist.....

No doubt tilt is more convenient. Just gotta consider weight and cost.

George2615 · Mar 29, 2017

ovrszd said:
Sorry to hear about your shoulder problems George!!!! Don't know about you but I don't recover quite as quick anymore. Smashed my hand, mainly fingers month or so ago. Still can't make a fist.....

No doubt tilt is more convenient. Just gotta consider weight and cost.

You're right Richard. seems the older I get the more complacent I must be getting and the longer it takes to heal / recover. Not being as careful as I should.
Sliced finger open a few years ago, It healed great but nerves that were cut didn't reconnect so no feeling in tip.
Fell off a ladder in the garage a few months ago reaching for something on a shelf, sprained some muscles.
While moving some steel to be cut in the garage one length fell and cut my ankle open. A few bandaids held the gash together til it healed but still sore.
I gotta learn to slow down since I retired and take more time to be safe.
Not to mention old arthur (itus) creeping in every joint.
My 22' tilt bed weighs about 3860 lb and did cost more but easier to use for sure.

ovrszd · Mar 29, 2017

George2615 said:
You're right Richard. seems the older I get the more complacent I must be getting and the longer it takes to heal / recover. Not being as careful as I should.
Sliced finger open a few years ago, It healed great but nerves that were cut didn't reconnect so no feeling in tip.
Fell off a ladder in the garage a few months ago reaching for something on a shelf, sprained some muscles.
While moving some steel to be cut in the garage one length fell and cut my ankle open. A few bandaids held the gash together til it healed but still sore.
I gotta learn to slow down since I retired and take more time to be safe.
Not to mention old arthur (itus) creeping in every joint.
My 22' tilt bed weighs about 3860 lb and did cost more but easier to use for sure.

I've gotten extremely cautious. I don't jump down off anything. Make sure I have a good grip on things before I start moving them. Etc., etc. The alternative to these years isn't much though, so I don't complain.

kthompson · Mar 29, 2017

Danny, based upon your specs I rather have the heavier trailer the only spec you don't cover is price so that might keep me at the 10,000 trailer. If you ever up sized or wanted to sell think you would be glad you did. Only reason I can quickly think of NOT going heavier trailer is driver's license or license tag. Be sure does not put you in a cdl class on driver's license and there is not a larger price in tag. You may want to ask you truck insurance company to be sure no difference with them.

I know with the 10,000 trailer I have, which was bought used, the factor rep told me the only difference was the axles and tires were higher rated the frame was the same.