First time towing the Kubota BX23 with FEL and BH (2700# dry weight) today. I figure the gross weight of the trailer with payload was 4500-4600#. I took it slow. Wasn't sure of what to expect pulling with the Tacoma. In the end, I was pretty impressed. I upped the boost setting on the control one level. Stopping was no problem, trailer brakes felt just right. The Tacoma had no real issue getting the trailer moving, even on some steep hills. On a steep driveway that was recently tar/chipped, I did spin a bit at one point. Maybe needed just a hair more tongue weight. It pulled and rode very nice, I think nicer than a single axle trailer with a much lighter load.
Pics...
About to load up for the first time. I didn't bother blocking up the rear of the trailer today, thought I'd see what it does. For a moment when the tractor was on the far rear of the trailer, it certainly does lift the rear of the Tacoma up a little; not to the point of being off the ground but up high enough that if I was loading/unloading on a hill I'll definitely be blocking up the back.
Loaded:
Chaining it up. I have two 20' long 5/16" chains. I wanted a 4-point tie-down. Rather than chop the chains, I picked up four hooks and some hair pins. I attached the hooks at points on the chains to get a 4-point tie-down without chopping the chains. What I really like about this is that for moving other things, I can always move those hooks to other positions. This is why I got the hair pins for the clevis pins on the hooks, as you can see in the pic. This way I can easily move them around.
Loaded and chained:
Took it over to the property briefly, just for kicks really. Used it to push a couple dead trees that were covered in poison ivy off the trail in the back. Not much else to do there at the moment.
Loaded back up, ready to head back home.
Pics...
About to load up for the first time. I didn't bother blocking up the rear of the trailer today, thought I'd see what it does. For a moment when the tractor was on the far rear of the trailer, it certainly does lift the rear of the Tacoma up a little; not to the point of being off the ground but up high enough that if I was loading/unloading on a hill I'll definitely be blocking up the back.
Loaded:
Chaining it up. I have two 20' long 5/16" chains. I wanted a 4-point tie-down. Rather than chop the chains, I picked up four hooks and some hair pins. I attached the hooks at points on the chains to get a 4-point tie-down without chopping the chains. What I really like about this is that for moving other things, I can always move those hooks to other positions. This is why I got the hair pins for the clevis pins on the hooks, as you can see in the pic. This way I can easily move them around.
Loaded and chained:
Took it over to the property briefly, just for kicks really. Used it to push a couple dead trees that were covered in poison ivy off the trail in the back. Not much else to do there at the moment.
Loaded back up, ready to head back home.