I bent my trailer frame.

[gemini5362]

I have a 16foot dual axle trailer which I have used for years. I have had gravel on it cars, tractors etc. Normally I haul my 49 horse montan with FEL and cab around on it with no problems. Today I was returning a case L35 backhoe this was a fairly small tractor in comparison with my Montana. When I got to the rental place I started to put ramps down to drive it off and the rental agent told me you can just drive them off with out ramps. I told him that maybe he could but I am not going to do that. He started driving it off and when the back tire got to the edge of the trailer I heard a noise and saw the square tubing on the side had broken. He finished getting it off and I looked at the side of the trailer and the frame on the right hand side had bent down about two inches at the back of the trailer. I do not imagine not using ramps would have made a difference and I would not have thought that the L35 was that heavy. I just have to figure out what I am going to do to fix it now. I am thinking I might just decide now is a good time to make that into a dove tail trailer.

 

[johnk]

Is it a 7000#, 10000# or 12K trailer? Luckily it happened while not in motion.

 

[BTDT]

Sorry to hear that. So the rental guy was backing it off and it broke, did you agree for him to do that (I know you said you wouldn't)? Maybe he is liable, if you wanted to pursue that route.

To fix, I guess if you could get a tractor back up on it, then put a jack under the back of trailer and jack it back into place. Weld some heavy duty angle over the cracked part, extending a foot or two on each side and weld it up.

Any pics?

 

[Egon]

Have you checked the rest of the frame for signs of incipient failures?

 

[Builder]

If you mean a Kubota L-35, it weighs 7,000 lbs with no add-ons, like filled tires, 4in1 bucket, etc.

They're very heavy for their overall size and physical appearance.

 

[gemini5362]

Sorry to hear that. So the rental guy was backing it off and it broke, did you agree for him to do that (I know you said you wouldn't)? Maybe he is liable, if you wanted to pursue that route.

To fix, I guess if you could get a tractor back up on it, then put a jack under the back of trailer and jack it back into place. Weld some heavy duty angle over the cracked part, extending a foot or two on each side and weld it up.

Any pics?

Yes I agreed to let him do that I just do not like driving off without ramps. I am sure that I could pursue some legal action but I am not going to. I was the one that made the decision to use my tractor. I could have rented one of theirs for a small fee but did not think I needed it and I am used to my trailer.
actually I think this might be a good excuse to convince the wife that I need a heavier duty trailer and probably a gooseneck.

 

[john_bud]

Yes I agreed to let him do that I just do not like driving off without ramps. I am sure that I could pursue some legal action but I am not going to. I was the one that made the decision to use my tractor. I could have rented one of theirs for a small fee but did not think I needed it and I am used to my trailer.
actually I think this might be a good excuse to convince the wife that I need a heavier duty trailer and probably a gooseneck.

Wow, somebody "man-ing up" and accepting responsibility. Maybe the world is not a total loss after all?

I also agree, it's a great time for a nice gooseneck!

jb

 

[Builder]

perhaps your insurance company might be sympathetic enough to toss you a few bucks for your loss?

 

[shvl73]

I am sure that I could pursue some legal action but I am not going to. I was the one that made the decision to use my tractor.

You have a very refreshing outlook, great to hear.
It still stinks that your trailer broke, though. Is it easily repairable, then trade up?

 

[lopezian]

perhaps your insurance company might be sympathetic enough to toss you a few bucks for your loss?

But his insurance carrier is likely to just go after the dealer's insurance...
It's about the same as pursuing legal action against the dealer, although admittedly less hassle.

 

[gemini5362]

Gentlemen thank you for the nice posts. Yes I could turn in a claim with the insurance company. Yes if i did that they would go after the rental company and I dont think that is right. My insurance company when I have had legitimate claims have paid them and not argued a bit. This was my decision to use my trailer and I told the worker at the rental place it was ok to offload without ramps. I dont think it is right to make someone else pay for my decisions that I made that did not turn out right. The rental place when I rented the backhoe the guy behind the counter gave me wrong information. He told me that I could use the backhoe for 24 hours and only pay for 4 or 8 hours depending on what the hour meter showed I had used. I questioned that but he said that is how they do it. When I got back the next day with the backhoe and turned it in the owner was there and he said nope when you rent it for 4 hours that is from the time you leave with it until it gets back. I told him what the other guy had said and he cut the bill to 4 hours rental on the spot. He did not argue with me or say you will have to have the other guy confirm what you said. He just charged me the amount based on what I told him. I do not have enough buisness dealings with people that are willing to just take you at your word. I sure am not going to penalize someone for my mistakes that still does buiness that way. I think I can get the trailer fixed easily enough for light duty and I talked to the wife today about getting a gooseneck for hauling tractors and stuff. But once again thank you for your kind posts.