First haul out

Rhon · Jul 23, 2011

This is the first time hauling the tractor out with my new trailer. I thought I'd get it set up before I take it out next week just to see what it was going to look like. I know I didn't cross the front chains, it'll be done before I take off as well as a chain over the bucket. I have the tractor parked with the rear axle over the front axle of the trailer. Both the front and rear of the truck measure 37" at the wheel wells. Think I should move the tractor back some to split the trailer axels or does it look OK? I'm open for suggestions...

Deere Dude · Jul 23, 2011

That's a nice looking set up. For me just looking at it, it seems a little far forward. I would split the axles like you mentioned, The bucket and FEL is still hanging in front for weight. This should give you the tongue weight you need. And then maybe adjust it forward or rearward after you drive it for awhile to see how it rides.

JDgreen227 · Jul 23, 2011

Beautiful rig, the truck looks like an F-250 so you should be okay with the position of the tractor as shown, but I would try this:

Measure the height of the trailer tongue coupler with the tractor in the position shown in the pictures, then move it back as you suggest and measure again. If the height of the coupler doesn't change much, that will give you some idea about the tongue weight difference created by the different positions. If it were me, though, I would try to put more weight on the trailer axles instead of the coupler.

Oh shoot, I forgot to ask, are the rear tires on the tractor loaded or not? If they are, that will make a BIG difference in the weight distribution on the trailer if you move it back.

Chef Pa · Jul 23, 2011

Nice rig. Your Ford looks to be in really good shape, and handling the weight well.

I would try the rear tractor axle over the rear trailer axle and see how that works. Centering tractor axles over both trailer axles would probably work too. Looks like a stable rig either way.

Rhon · Jul 23, 2011

Yeah the back tires are loaded. Looking at it again I agree that it should come back to at least split the trailer axles. I remeasured it after I unloaded it and the back of the truck came up a inch and a half. I'll remeasure everything again and fine tune it before I head out. Oh and that was without the WD bars attached. Thanks for the suggestions ...

The truck is a 96 F250 with 246k on it. Mainly stock except for a few mods, Tymar intake, totally rebuilt and upgraded tranny. Other than the CPS issues it runs like jake the bear. I love my truck :thumbsup:

Thomas · Jul 23, 2011

Indeed nice setup,and you open the door to new friends also.

RobertN · Jul 23, 2011

I would move it back a little, so it is mostly over the trailer axles. Then see how it tows.A little weight should be forward, but I like most weight over the axles. Moving it may afect how you have your trailer brakes set...

richamor · Jul 23, 2011

Nice looking rig for sure. Find a local truck stop and pull up with your rear axles only on the scales. That will give you a good idea of your tongue weight. If you're lucky, they may let you shift the tractor while on the scale so you get the correct weight for your hitch and truck.