HOW DO YOU TOW YOUR TRACTOR?

[UpNorth1]

As I understand it, if there is a transport lock (ie: a metal pin to lock the boom up and to keep it from swinging) the boom can be in the air.

Aaron Z

But every attachment still needs to be chained per DOT.

 

[aczlan]

But every attachment still needs to be chained per DOT.

Secured yes, but not necessarily set on the deck. From the FMCSA:

ｧ393.130 What are the rules for securing heavy vehicles, equipment and machinery?
*Question 1: If an item of construction equipment which weighs less than 4,536 kg (10,000 lb.) is transported on a flatbed or drop-deck trailer, must the accessory equipment be lowered to the deck of the trailer?
Guidance: No. However, the accessory equipment must be properly secured using locking pins or similar devices in order to prevent either the accessory equipment or the item of construction equipment itself from shifting during transport.
*Question 2: How should I secure the accessories for an item of construction equipment which weighs 4,536 kg (10,000 lb.) or more, if the accessory devices would extend beyond the width of the trailer if they are lowered to the deck for transport?
Guidance: The accessory devices (plows, trencher bars, and the like) may be transported in a raised position, provided they are designed to be transported in that manner. However, the accessory equipment must be locked in place for transport to ensure that neither the accessories nor the equipment itself shifts during transport.
*Question 3: A tractor loader-backhoe weighing over 10,000 pounds is being transported on a trailer. The loader and backhoe accessories are each equipped with locking devices or mechanisms that prevent them from moving up and down and from side-to-side while the construction equipment is being transported on the trailer. Must these accessories also be secured to the trailer with chains?
Guidance: No. However, if the construction equipment does not have a means of preventing the loader bucket, backhoe, or similar accessories from moving while it is being transported on the trailer, then a chain would be required to secure those accessories to the trailer.

Aaron Z

 

[azbinder]

The problem with transporting with the backhoe in the air is that it allows the the tractor to bounce . When the backhoe is on the deck and chained, it can't move. I have worked for this dealer for over 25 years and we NEVER transport with the backhoe in the air, even if it has a boom lock.
There was an overpass on I-17 in Phoenix that was actually moved by a backhoe boom that was in the air while on the deck of a transport truck. Not saying that an L3200 TLB would move an overpass, but it still not the SAFE thing to do.

 

[PAPPASMURF]

UPDATE:
I spoke with the manager at the dealership today and explained the problem. To my surprise after providing him with State Law references, He told me that they would make things right. At first he tried to have my existing trailer modified with one set of axle brakes. I declined and he agreed to put brakes on both axles. I then told him that the trailer was stamped "max. weight 5000lb" and that the trailer couldn't handle the load if it was just equipped with brakes. He then agreed that a new trailer was in order to make things right and I took my trailer to the trailer shop and turned it in and was told my new trailer with folding ramps, both axle brakes, and a break away would be completed sometime next week (7000lb trailer). So far things look good. The dealer did play the "I didn't know that was the law" card which I find hard to believe considering he is in this business and should (and probably does) know the towing / trailer Laws. Funny thing happened at the trailer shop where they manufacture the trailers.....when I spoke to that manager, he said that my trailer I was turning in was a 7000lb trailer, and that the stamp for 5000lbs means that the tongue of the trailer has a 5000 lb limit. I looked at him like he was on crack and told him that I read that as "gross weight" meaning the entire trailer was restricted to that load limit. He claims I am wrong about that. He also claimed that the axles on my trailer are 3500lb axles. This doesn't make sense to me because that would make the trailer 7000lbs max weight, so why is it stamped 5000??? Anyway....I told him to make me a new one which he is doing. Anybody know what he is talking about here? I sure don't.:fight:

 

[RaydaKub]

The tongue of the trailer connects it to the truck. If the trailer weighs in at 7000 lbs and the tongue is good for 5000 lbs, is there some mythical escort vehicle responsible for the other 2000 lbs? Sounds like he needs a bit of a refresher on ratings. Don't they usually say on them GVW or something like that? To me that says if you put it on the scale, the whole thing can weigh up to 7000 lbs, that's why it is GROSS VW.

Are they trying to charge for this upgrade?

 

[aczlan]

He also claimed that the axles on my trailer are 3500lb axles. This doesn't make sense to me because that would make the trailer 7000lbs max weight, so why is it stamped 5000??? Anyway....I told him to make me a new one which he is doing. Anybody know what he is talking about here? I sure don't.:fight:

Common axle sizes are 2000#, 3500#, 5200#, etc
As such, many trailers use axles that are oversized in relation to the frame (ie: a 5000# frame with 2 3500# axles).

Aaron Z

 

[PAPPASMURF]

The tongue of the trailer connects it to the truck. If the trailer weighs in at 7000 lbs and the tongue is good for 5000 lbs, is there some mythical escort vehicle responsible for the other 2000 lbs? Sounds like he needs a bit of a refresher on ratings. Don't they usually say on them GVW or something like that? To me that says if you put it on the scale, the whole thing can weigh up to 7000 lbs, that's why it is GROSS VW.

Are they trying to charge for this upgrade?

That's what I thought. The trailer tongue says 5000lbs max. GROSS weight....that's why I looked at him funny. No they are not trying to charge me, that's the funny thing about this is that this entire expense is the dealers expense, not mine. The trailer manufacturer guy even said "well I don't care whether or not we modify this one or make you a new one...its the dealer that's paying for it".

 

[PAPPASMURF]

Common axle sizes are 2000#, 3500#, 5200#, etc
As such, many trailers use axles that are oversized in relation to the frame (ie: a 5000# frame with 2 3500# axles).

Aaron Z

It would stand to reason then that the axles are the only part of the trailer that could hold anything over 5000lbs, so why the overkill on the axles? don't they make 2500#axles for a 5000lb trailer?

 

[aczlan]

It would stand to reason then that the axles are the only part of the trailer that could hold anything over 5000lbs, so why the overkill on the axles? don't they make 2500#axles for a 5000lb trailer?

3500# axles are used on trailers rated from 3500# to 7000# and they are one of the most common axles around. Having to also stock a 2500# axle would be more stuff to keep around.

Aaron Z

 

[PAPPASMURF]

3500# axles are used on trailers rated from 3500# to 7000# and they are one of the most common axles around. Having to also stock a 2500# axle would be more stuff to keep around.

Aaron Z

Understandable.......I just found 2500lb axles online. I guess I don't understand why you wouldn't just go ahead and make 7000lb trailers instead of wasting time on a 5000lb trailer with 3500lb axles. No matter how you cut it, you cant go over the 5000lbs! :confused3:

 

[aczlan]

Understandable.......I just found 2500lb axles online. I guess I don't understand why you wouldn't just go ahead and make 7000lb trailers instead of wasting time on a 5000lb trailer with 3500lb axles. No matter how you cut it, you cant go over the 5000lbs! :confused3:

2 reasons:
1. Cost, a 5000# frame is cheaper than a 7000# frame
2. Some states have laws saying that you cannot haul a trailer that is rated for more than your vehicle is rated for (ie: if you have a small SUV that is rated to tow 5000#, you could get a ticket for pulling a trailer rated for 7000# even if the trailer only weighs 2500#).

Aaron Z

 

[Firefighter Kubota]

Its obvious they knew they were wrong and tried to screw you orginally, thats why they agreed to a new 7K trailer.... You still be fighting them if they really ythought they were right.. CONGRATS to you... I think you should have a 7500# though...but anyhow..

Its not uncommon to have 3500# axles on a 2999# trailer (under 3000, no brakes), ect and a pair under a 5000#. They are the more common axle. The trailer framing itself is lighter material thus dictating the wt limit. Also there are more 7K trailers than 5K out there, so more 3500# axles are sold.

Glad it worked out for you

 

[Firefighter Kubota]

UPDATE:
I spoke with the manager at the dealership today and explained the problem. To my surprise after providing him with State Law references, He told me that they would make things right. At first he tried to have my existing trailer modified with one set of axle brakes. I declined and he agreed to put brakes on both axles. I then told him that the trailer was stamped "max. weight 5000lb" and that the trailer couldn't handle the load if it was just equipped with brakes. He then agreed that a new trailer was in order to make things right and I took my trailer to the trailer shop and turned it in and was told my new trailer with folding ramps, both axle brakes, and a break away would be completed sometime next week (7000lb trailer). So far things look good. The dealer did play the "I didn't know that was the law" card which I find hard to believe considering he is in this business and should (and probably does) know the towing / trailer Laws. Funny thing happened at the trailer shop where they manufacture the trailers.....when I spoke to that manager, he said that my trailer I was turning in was a 7000lb trailer, and that the stamp for 5000lbs means that the tongue of the trailer has a 5000 lb limit. I looked at him like he was on crack and told him that I read that as "gross weight" meaning the entire trailer was restricted to that load limit. He claims I am wrong about that. He also claimed that the axles on my trailer are 3500lb axles. This doesn't make sense to me because that would make the trailer 7000lbs max weight, so why is it stamped 5000??? Anyway....I told him to make me a new one which he is doing. Anybody know what he is talking about here? I sure don't.:fight:

He must be on crack... So he's saying you can place 5000# of weight on your trailer hitch..HHHMMMMM. I'm not even sure tri axle with an excavator has 5000# tongue wt... Someone at the trailer shop needs to look for new work...

 

[PHILIP8N]

I have never seen a tag trailer with a 5000# rating on the tounge, especially with 15" 5 lug rims, and I have seen alot of trailers. I have used military style lunette ring and pintle hitch rated 20K/2K, but that was on a 5 ton truck.

For example, My 10K trailer has a tounge weight of 1K. It has two 6K axles (both with brakes) with 16" 6 lug rims, each tire is rated for 3K. So, my suspension is good for 12K, but trailer is rated for 10K. That is a pretty typlical build (over rated axles and tires).

Glad to hear dealer is making it right, as he should, you are much more knowledgable, and I know you will share this info with others in need.

Good luck! Philip.

 

[PAPPASMURF]

Firefighter; That was my thought...and He was the OWNER. I just let it go because a new trailer was being built. Philip; I am much more knowledgeable thanks to you, Firefighter, and many others that have responded to this thread with great information and advice, and yes....I plan on passing this on to everyone I can. Thought about posting a thread under the buying and pricing forum warning newbees to check their trailers BEFORE making a deal with the dealer, and checking their respectable state laws. I will post again with pics when the trailer is completed and its in my possession which should be next week. Thanks again!:smurf:

 

[94BULLITT]

Funny thing happened at the trailer shop where they manufacture the trailers.....when I spoke to that manager, he said that my trailer I was turning in was a 7000lb trailer, and that the stamp for 5000lbs means that the tongue of the trailer has a 5000 lb limit. I looked at him like he was on crack and told him that I read that as "gross weight" meaning the entire trailer was restricted to that load limit. He claims I am wrong about that. He also claimed that the axles on my trailer are 3500lb axles. This doesn't make sense to me because that would make the trailer 7000lbs max weight, so why is it stamped 5000??? Anyway....I told him to make me a new one which he is doing. Anybody know what he is talking about here? I sure don't.:fight:

Maybe he meant to say coupler instead of tongue. Couplers are rated for different weights. If the coupler was rated for 5k then that is all you can gross with the trailer.Ultra-Tow A-Frame Trailer Coupler — Class III, Fits 2in. Ball, 5000 Lbs. GVW | Towing Couplers| Northern Tool + Equipment

 

[UpNorth1]

Maybe he meant to say coupler instead of tongue. Couplers are rated for different weights. If the coupler was rated for 5k then that is all you can gross with the trailer.Ultra-Tow A-Frame Trailer Coupler — Class III, Fits 2in. Ball, 5000 Lbs. GVW | Towing Couplers| Northern Tool + Equipment

That's what I was thinking too:
Trailer Coupler, 2" Ball, A-Frame Tongue (5,000 lbs) Atwood Trailer Coupler 80071

 

[PAPPASMURF]

Yep....thats exactly what he meant. The coupler is where it is stamped 5000lbs. I knew I was right in that this means the maximum i can gross on the trailer is 5000#.

 

[zoltanthegypsy]

I knew I was right in that this means the maximum i can gross on the trailer is 5000#.

Pappa, the gross includes the trailer weight, not just what's on the trailer. I bet that's what you meant - but just for the record...

Z.

 

[PAPPASMURF]

I knew I was right in that this means the maximum i can gross on the trailer is 5000#.

Pappa, the gross includes the trailer weight, not just what's on the trailer. I bet that's what you meant - but just for the record...

Z.

That is what I meant z. Thats why I had such a hard time believing what the guy at the trailer manufacturing place tried to make me believe.:smurf: