I need a bigger trailer

[lug nut]

I have started looking at some gooseneck trailers to fill my need for a bigger, heavier duty trailer than the 18' car hauler I have now.

I have been looking at some Big Tex, Lawrimore, Texas Pride and another brand that I can't recall at the moment. They all are priced pretty close to each other, so I am having a hard time deciding what I want.

I will be using the trailer to haul my tractor, my Dad's tractor, round bales of hay, possibly a small dozer, etc... I am thinking something in the 24+5 range will handle my needs.

Any input on brands, sizes or features would be appreciated.

 

[wushaw]

I like Big Tex myself.
I recommend GN, many tie downs and even the ability to use the ratchet types like on the big tralers.
Brakes on both axles, the ability to put a winch on the ft. for just incase you have a dead tractor or vehicle.
Duall tandem axles since you may want to haul a small dozer...I think a small dozer weighs like 14k.
Easily adjustable coupler with pin for different height trucks.

 

[InlineDieselFan]

Never thinking we would buy as much land andthus as big of a tractor and all of the implements, I bought a 20', 12,000 gvw trailer a year or two before bying land and the tractor.

A gooseneck is the way to go, Big Tex is real nice, I also liked PJ trailers. I would also agree wtih wushaw, above, dual tandem axles are the way to go. They do not sink in the mud as much as singles and turn much better than three axles when you are in tight spaces.

stake pockets that can hold a real 2x4, I have aluminium 2x4's for my wood sides and they are stout and nice.

a rub rail, and extra tie downs, if you have a welder or access to one do this yourself it would be much cheaper.

steve

 

[Highbeam]

I have a bumper pull PJ but one thing I really like and would look for on future trailers is the flush mounted/recessed style of lighting. These aren't necessasrily LED lights but are rubber mounted, sealed lense/bulb combinations that are used by truckers so they are very available at most anywhere they sell anything for trucks. Vibration resistant, waterproof, and flush mounted to make them really hard to break. They are sharp.

Replacable deck boards. I found many trailers that assembled the steel around the deck boards and then welded the steel in place to hold everything together. Easier to build but much harder to fix.

Paint on the underside. Many trailers were only painted on the topside.

I have no complaints about my PJ and would gladly buy another. Always get compliments.

 

[Rara Avis]

I have started looking at some gooseneck trailers to fill my need for a bigger, heavier duty trailer than the 18' car hauler I have now.

I have been looking at some Big Tex, Lawrimore, Texas Pride and another brand that I can't recall at the moment. They all are priced pretty close to each other, so I am having a hard time deciding what I want.

I will be using the trailer to haul my tractor, my Dad's tractor, round bales of hay, possibly a small dozer, etc... I am thinking something in the 24+5 range will handle my needs.

Any input on brands, sizes or features would be appreciated.

Unless you have a CDL watch how high you go on weight...many state DOT agents (Oklahoma, Iowa, documented events) are on a revenue rampage...

PJ Trailers - Classic Flatdeck with Singles

 

[Farmwithjunk]

Some people like to hook/un-hook their trailer with a load. If you ever envision that as a possibility, pick a trailer with dual weight jacks. Singles work great with empty trailers but are a bit unstable with a load.

Many brands now offer a lift up to level dovetail. I've got that and I LOVE it. Only on rare occasions have I ever needed it, but it's nice. (great when hauling hay)

Either buy with or plan on adding a spare tire carrier/tire/wheel. Don't learn the hard way what happens when you DON'T have a spare. Trailer tires take a thrashing. Tires go flat or blow out at the worst possible moment.

A feature I like is a chain box built on the trailer. I leave my binders and chains with each one of my trailers. They don't help much if you're out somewhere and the chains are at home on the shop floor.

Look UNDER trailers when you're shopping. Check the distance between crossmembers. Wide spaced cross members mean the deck boards will be flexing with the load. I prefer 2' centers. Seen 'em as wide as 3'.

Check the quality of a trailers wiring. Some look like a rolling fire hazzard. Might not catch on fire, but they will give you problems somewhere down the road. Look for "automotive grade" electrical work.

Lastly, check the quality and weight rating of the TIRES. I've seen dozens of new 14,000 GVWR trailers (as an example) that have tires that limit carrying capacity to well under the trailers capacity. It's a real bummer to buy a new trailer then have to turn right around and spend a pocket full of cash on new rubber to be able to use that trailer to its potential.

 

[SnowRidge]

Something I never thought of when I bought my last trailer, checking who makes the axles. I ended up with brand X axles, instead of Dexter. Dexter parts are available everywhere. Brand X, who knows.

 

[DirtyDan243]

Take a look at Brute Trailers. They sell on eBay and the website is detailed and lengthy. I was impressed.
Brute Gooseneck Trailers

 

[lug nut]

Thanks for the advice, guys.

I've heard some good things about the PJ trailers, but it looks like the closest dealer is in TX. I've about made my mind up on a Big Tex. There is a dealer about 30 miles from here, and they also have a good reputation.

 

[Rara Avis]

Thanks for the advice, guys.

I've heard some good things about the PJ trailers, but it looks like the closest dealer is in TX. I've about made my mind up on a Big Tex. There is a dealer about 30 miles from here, and they also have a good reputation.

Texas is their manufacturing facility...

Fill out the data...and they will provide you with a local dealer...I'm pretty sure there is one in NY...

PJ Trailers - Retail Stores

 

[Skyco]

Lastly, check the quality and weight rating of the TIRES. I've seen dozens of new 14,000 GVWR trailers (as an example) that have tires that limit carrying capacity to well under the trailers capacity. It's a real bummer to buy a new trailer then have to turn right around and spend a pocket full of cash on new rubber to be able to use that trailer to its potential.

Had that exact thing happen to me- bought a dump trailer rated at something over 14k, got to looking at the tires closer after I got home and found they only totalled around 12k Fortunately the manufacturer agreed to ship me 5 brand new tires and rims with a higher rating at no cost. They pleaded that it was a simple mistake. Problem is I was at their factory later for a warranty issue and saw truck loads of dump trailers like mine going out with the same tires I originally had...apparently they only supply the higher cap tires if one catches it and complains


Another thing- many use ScotchLok type squeeze connectors on brake and light wiring. Plan on pulling all of them off at some point in the trailer life because they will get bad connections eventually. It is best to do this new because you can solder and tape the wiring connections before it gets all corroded and won't take solder. Guess how I know

 

[john_bud]

Good point on the wires. I hate the scotch lock POS's.

The only place for a wire to be accessed is inside a housing. Otherwise, you will be chasing bad lights for ever.

jb

 

[moloss]

I had a 24' equipment trailer w/7K axles that was built by Lawrimore.....when I was looking at trailers they seemed (at least locally) to be the best value....they are a really well made trailer....they are made about an hour from where I live......and I went to the factory to buy mine....when I buy another trailer (a gooseneck this time) it will be a Lawrimore trailer......what you need to look at is what size beam is being used, how often the cross bracing is (16" vs up to 24"), the wood on the deck should not appear green in color as some do, it should be pressure treated properly.......get under the trailers and look if there is C channel or I beam used....new tires vs used (alot of guys put used tires on new trailers).....I went to 7 different trailer dealerships with my digital camera and took pics and then compared and contrasted them......all these things will give you a good idea how well it's made ( and yes I can turn anything simple into a difficult decision)......there are several real good trailer makers out there just take your time......one last thing when in doubt go bigger, it's always better to have to much room than not enough.....my next trailer will be a 27+5.

 

[lug nut]

I ended up buying a Delta from a local dealer. It is rated at 23,400 lbs and is 28' and has the rear pop-up, headache rack, basket, new tires, spare tire, tool box and a good-looking floor. It wasn't cheap at $7,500, but it has all the features I wanted and is a well-made trailer.

It will take some getting used to, since the longest trailer I normally pull is my 18' car hauler. I will have to remember to swing wide when turning.

 

[Dougster]

I ended up buying a Delta from a local dealer. It is rated at 23,400 lbs and is 28' and has the rear pop-up, headache rack, basket, new tires, spare tire, tool box and a good-looking floor. It wasn't cheap at $7,500, but it has all the features I wanted and is a well-made trailer. It will take some getting used to, since the longest trailer I normally pull is my 18' car hauler. I will have to remember to swing wide when turning.

That must be one heck of a trailer! Even if my pickup truck could haul around that trailer (It can't!), there isn't a client I've had or a place I need to go with my tractor that could accommodate a trailer that long and hefty. Even with my mere 20-ft, 10K bumper-pull trailer... I've gotten to the point where I visit the local police department in advance of each and every job... and ask them directly where I can (and can't) legally park. I figure by now it has saved me at least 4 or 5 nasty cop encounters and/or expensive tickets.

I've got to ask: How much does it weigh (empty) and what are you pulling it with???

 

[Dougster]

Had that exact thing happen to me - bought a dump trailer rated at something over 14k, got to looking at the tires closer after I got home and found they only totalled around 12k

I've run into that as well: 14K trailers with 12K worth of tires and 12K trailers with 10K worth of tires. You tell the seller about it and he looks back at you with disdain and contempt like you just insulted his mother. Go figure.

Dougster

 

[lug nut]

Doug, it weighs about 6,600 lbs, if I remember right. I wanted a trailer for my little tractor, my Dad's big Kubota, and possibly my uncle's small dozer from time to time. I also plan on hauling a lot of hay this fall and winter.

I am pulling it with my '97 F-350. It seems to be handling it quite well so far. The only load I have put on it so far has been my '79 Bronco trail rig, which it pulled and stopped with no trouble.

I do have a chip, exhaust, beefed-up tranny and a homemade air filter kit on it. It was no problem running 75 mph with the unloaded trailer. I'll see how it does this weekend with a full load (probably 22 round bales) of hay.

 

[Dougster]

Doug, it weighs about 6,600 lbs, if I remember right. I wanted a trailer for my little tractor, my Dad's big Kubota, and possibly my uncle's small dozer from time to time. I also plan on hauling a lot of hay this fall and winter.

I am pulling it with my '97 F-350. It seems to be handling it quite well so far. The only load I have put on it so far has been my '79 Bronco trail rig, which it pulled and stopped with no trouble.

I do have a chip, exhaust, beefed-up tranny and a homemade air filter kit on it. It was no problem running 75 mph with the unloaded trailer. I'll see how it does this weekend with a full load (probably 22 round bales) of hay.

That is really quite amazing... but if you are gonna haul around a bulldozer and mega-bails of hay, I suppose that's what's necessary.

Aren't you going to run into a problem with The Man??? I mean, this has got to be putting you way over the Ford's rear GAWR and GCVR. Or am I missing something here?

Dougster

 

[sandman2234]

Dougster, ssssshhhh, quiet or somebody is going to hear you and they will be after him.
Sounds like a nice trailer.
David from jax

 

[Dougster]

Dougster, ssssshhhh, quiet or somebody is going to hear you and they will be after him. Sounds like a nice trailer.
David from jax

Sounds like one heck of a trailer! I could use that up in New Hampshire to haul around a JD310 hoe! Behind a diesel dump truck, of course.

But you know dang well that I'd be sitting in jail right now if I ever tried pulling that beast anywhere around here... never mind the fact that my 2500HD gas wouldn't even budge it anyway!!! I can hear and smell the rubber burning now!!!

Is the Ford F-350 really that much more heavy and powerful? It would have to be a diesel just to budge that trailer fully loaded... yes?

Dougster