2 new trailers

[gcp]

Forumites, I just purchased a circa 1957 US army trailer for $150; I believe it's a 3/4 ton cargo tilt trailer and has 2 hand brakes (non-functional…yet). It's not the prettiest thing to look at but it's solid as a rock. It weighs 1340 lbs and after I get it to the property it should allow me to haul all sorts of rocks and such with my tractor. Any information you may have on these trailers will be greatly appreciated.

Last week I also purchased a new utility trailer (5X10), they custom built it for me so I requested two 15 inch wheels. After I picked it up I noticed it had 14 inch wheels/tires. Is this detail worthy of taking it back? Its tag specifies the trailer came with 15 inchers. Does it make any difference in its drivability/dependability? A 14 inch wheel will rotate more than the 15 incher but by how much and is it worth driving 50 miles one way?

 

[gamefowlnut]

I would return it. most axles that use 15" tires are rated at 3500 lbs, every trailer that we sell w/14" tires are rated 2000lbs., plus used 14" tires are hard to find.

 

[gcp]

gamefowlnut, the axle is rated for 3500#, but you are right my instinct also tells me to take it back, for the principle of the thing if nothing else...

 

[weldingisfun]

gamefowlnut, the axle is rated for 3500#, but you are right my instinct also tells me to take it back, for the principle of the thing if nothing else...

How about the fact that you probably paid extra for the 15 inch wheels?
Take it back, they are trying to rip you off. Once you have your trailers back with the wheels, let them know that they lost a customer.

 

[gcp]

Problem is, if they did that on purpose, what other shortcuts did they take? Makes me not want to trust this trailer....even though it looks/feels solid. I made it a V neck but also tilt for easier loading of motorcycles.

Thanks,

 

[Joe1]

The 15" tires may have a greater load carrying capacity than the 14". When they do replace the tires, with that dealer, you probably want to make sure they are the same ply rating you paid for. Also, if you intend to add brakes later, the 15" will allow larger brake drums.

With the "Jeep" trailer, you'll have to install some type of hitch on the tractor so it's level. Are you going to use a 3 pt hitch with a receiver? Does this trailer have a pintel hook?

They were absolutely built to take a beating.

 

[gcp]

Joe, thanks for the reply. Here's what I've done to the tractor so far. I've not towed the trailer with it yet, simply didn't have the time, but hopefully this weekend....

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0703/George/Property projects/Receiver.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0703/George/Property projects/MilTrailer2-1.jpg

The military trailer seats kind of high so lets see what other mods I'll have to make to the receiver....