Car Hauler Full Width Ramps---and loading a car

[justman777]

Hello all! I'm in the market for a trailer to haul my tractor and implements around, but I want to be able to use it for other purposes as well. I think I've got the trailer type and length covered, but had a question about ramps. I like the idea of full width ramps and the ability to have more of a flat surface on the rear of the trailer for hauling other cargo, but questioned how easy it would be to drive a car up on the things. Is the angle of the dove and ramps low enough to get a mid-sized sedan up on the trailer without getting hung up? Also, are their any negatives to full-width ramps (other than cost)? Would appreciate some real-life experience here from those who have used them.

Thanks!

 

[LouNY]

Many times the issue with cars on trailers with ramps is getting them loaded,
the break over angle even when it looks low tends to high center many cars.
A tilt bed will work nicer plus no ramps to mess with.
Also on some trailers the fenders and car doors don't work well together,
the lower the trailer and taller fender the more chance of interference.

 

[dodge man]

With my trailer, which has a 2’ dovetail the break over is fine but the nose of the car will hit the ramps before the wheels do. It depends on the car, some are ok and some aren’t. It all depends on how low the cars is.

 

[George2615]

I have a 22' PJ model TF full tilt trailer and it works great for loading tractors or cars. Yes, tilt trailers cost more but I never have to lift ramps or store them. It is power up and down and only has about a 12 degree angle.

 

[justman777]

I have a 22' PJ model TF full tilt trailer and it works great for loading tractors or cars. Yes, tilt trailers cost more but I never have to lift ramps or store them. It is power up and down and only has about a 12 degree angle.View attachment 659895View attachment 659896

Does the 22 feet give you enough room to properly center your load? Looks like it would from the pics. My only concern with a non-gooseneck tilt is the tendency to sway because the wheels are further forward.

 

[George2615]

The deck length is 22' plus the knife edge tail adds another 23". The axles are back quite a bit on mine (see the dimension pic) and I've never had any sway. Empty tongue weight on my PJ is 1195#. Bought it new in 2012. On the pic with the tractor it is way more forward than I usually load it. Usually the rear tires are over the back axle when I load it. Trailer axle placement varies on different brands and some brands do have axles further forward so if you look at tilt beds take a tape measure to verify. There is plenty of room to move fore and aft for better balance if needed and plenty of room for attachments. I took that pic years ago and posted previously on another thread to demonstrate the parking brake does hold the tractor while on an angle. Tractor was in neutral with only the brake holding it. A few had concerns their brakes wouldn't hold while on an angle. My previous trailer was also a tilt bed but only 20' long. Some implements would hang over the edge so I went with a longer trailer.

 

[justman777]

I was looking at a 24 footer regular bed, but the tilt options are pretty enticing. Heard a lot of good things about them, along with a few negatives---cost, sway potential, and loading challenges being among them. What made you go with a bumper pull vs. a gooseneck?

 

[9973720wb19]

i have a tilt and it really works out. the only drawback you need to make sure you don't have a need to load more than one piece of equipment. it's one and done. I have a property nearby where, on occasion, i need to load two different types of mowers. I get by using ramps but it's not the best situation.

 

[bcp]

One of the local trailer and equipment rental businesses has converted to tilt trailers and sold their ramped trailers. Said for safety reasons.

Bruce

 

[George2615]

I was looking at a 24 footer regular bed, but the tilt options are pretty enticing. Heard a lot of good things about them, along with a few negatives---cost, sway potential, and loading challenges being among them. What made you go with a bumper pull vs. a gooseneck?

I had a 24' standard height gooseneck (not a low boy) before either tilt bed and found it very hard to maneuver in my driveway mainly due to the axles at the rear, the deck had a much higher center of gravity and didn't feel comfortable loading equipment up the steep ramps plus I use the truck bed and the GN took away that use for me.