Help finding small, single drop axle, low deck trailer

[TimS]

I'm looking for a dual-purpose trailer - primary tasks are:

1) comfortably hauling a small tractor / loader combo - about 3000 pounds tops
2) taking scrap wood and tree debris to the grinder.

Other desirable characteristics are:

- relatively compact and light
- low deck for low CG while towing
- PT or oak deck, no dovetail
- 2" coupler for compatibility with other things I tow around
- full set of stake pockets including at the front and rear
- rub rail on the stake pockets
- set-back jack
- lights built into the rear crossmember - meaning not sticking out to bash your knees
- electric brakes on all axles


After some research, I'm looking at 12' deck trailers, width somewhere between 66 and 77 inches. Narrower would be better for storage and the roads I have to traverse to the grinder, but wider obviously gives more capacity - it's a tough call. Getting a low deck is probably going to require drop axles - it doesn't really matter to me whether I get a heavier single axle or two 3500s. With the weight I'll be carrying, I can almost get away with a single 3500 axle, but I'm not one to run right at the limit. To load the tractor, either a tilt deck or self-storing ramps would be OK. And of course, it goes without saying that I'd like it all for a good price.

After some weeks of looking, I have found every one of those characteristics, but not all in the same trailer. Anyone have any hints or pointers, or am I going custom?

Thanks.

Tim

 

[GPintheMitten]

Couple of things.

Do you weld? For as specific as you are, you might need to do some customizing yourself. Otherwise you probably are talking about a custom build job.

The other point is that one 3500 axle probably would be over the limit with a 3000 tractor and loader. The trailer will probably weigh more than 500. Go for double axles.

Good luck in your search.

 

[TimS]

Couple of things.

Do you weld? For as specific as you are, you might need to do some customizing yourself. Otherwise you probably are talking about a custom build job.

The other point is that one 3500 axle probably would be over the limit with a 3000 tractor and loader. The trailer will probably weigh more than 500. Go for double axles.

Good luck in your search.

I agree with you on the axle - that was the point I was trying (and apparently failing) to make - that I'm over what a single 3500 will carry, so will need to go to a heavier single axle or two 3500s.

For example, I like the looks of the Felling FT-6 T (http://www.felling.com/trailers/tilt/utilitytiltseries/ft-6t.asp) as a single axle, and the Felling FT-10 IT-E (http://www.felling.com/trailers/tilt/itseries/ft-10it.asp) as a double, but both appear to be heavier, and probably more expensive, than I'm looking for.

I agree that a certain amount of customization will be needed, and I don't mind that, but I'd like to get as close as possible to start with. Thanks for your input!

Tim

 

[deepNdirt]

what You are describing sounds like what I've seen trenchers or ditch-witch transported on,
Here is a link to get you started,
Trailer - max. 5 700 lbs | S series - The Charles Machine Works, Inc

 

[GPintheMitten]

Yes, I did misunderstand you regarding the axle spec.

 

[Bigfoot62]

Have you ever pulled a 4000# load on a single axle? Can you say "fishtail?"
As already said, get a tandem axle trailer.

You don't say where you live, but I would suggest a manufacturer like this:
C.F.'s Trailers Home Page
They will build just about anything you can imagine.

 

[TimS]

Have you ever pulled a 4000# load on a single axle? Can you say "fishtail?"
As already said, get a tandem axle trailer.

You don't say where you live, but I would suggest a manufacturer like this:
C.F.'s Trailers Home Page
They will build just about anything you can imagine.

I have found trailer driveability problems to mostly be caused by incorrect loading rather than the number of axles. That said, the double gives a bit better margin for error if you have tire or bearing problems, so I'm leaning in that direction.

Unfortunately, I'm in New England and there don't seem to be a lot of local trailer builders around here - I need to live in down South, I guess.

Tim

 

[Diamondpilot]

Yep, single axle is not going to cut it pulling a 3000# load.

If a trailer is listed as a 7,000# trailer for example you must take away the empty weight to find the payload. In most cases it will be about 1,700# leaving 5,300# capacity.

Chris

 

[TimS]

Yep, single axle is not going to cut it pulling a 3000# load.

If a trailer is listed as a 7,000# trailer for example you must take away the empty weight to find the payload. In most cases it will be about 1,700# leaving 5,300# capacity.

Chris

Sure - I'll point out, however, that you can get axles, including drop axles, with greater capacity. The goal is lightest weight though, and I suspect the heavier axle, brakes, and wheels / tires on a single 5200 setup would weigh almost as much as 2 3500 axles. And as mentioned, the dual setup has better redundancy and a larger load margin.

Tim

 

[Iplayfarmer]

People may get sick of hearing this on TBN, but I'd suggest you at least consider a longer trailer. I can speak from experience. My first trailer was a single axle 12'. My tractor is about the smallest you can reasonably get with a loader. I upgraded to a 14' trailer, and then to a 16'. I still have a very small tractor (<3K pounds), and I really like the 16' trailer.

The tractor fit on the 12' trailer, and the axle had the capacity to haul it, but it had to be in the perfect spot on the trailer to balance the weight correctly. That perfect spot varied depending on what implement I had on the back. A tiller was different than a mower, etc. You really need some wiggle room on your trailer.

As for the other attributes on your wish list, I think you have some good ideas. I agree wholeheartedly with the low deck, brakes, stake pockets, and recessed lights. You may losen up your requirement for a 2" coupler. If you have a receiver hitch, it's very easy to switch balls if you keep an extra stinger for your receiver. Of course I'm probably not one to talk. I have 5 trailers and each couples to the truck differently... gooseneck, 5th wheel, 1 7/8" ball, 2" ball, 2 5/16" ball. All I need is something with a pintle hitch.