Minimum Trailer Size

fjblair · Aug 18, 2005

What do you guys think the minimum size trailer would be for an L3130 with FEL and backhoe or bush hog attached? I know a lot depends on this or that, but I am looking for some general ideas?

I would not be moving the tractor very often, maybe 5-10 times a year at most. This would be a purchase not a rental.

Thanks.

Highbeam · Aug 18, 2005

Read my post in this same category. That 3130 is no light tractor and the loader is a stout one too. If you want to carry even one stout implement I have found that you will not be able to get away with the cheap and common 7000# GVWR car trailer. You will need at least a 10,000 GVWR trailer. I found an excellent trailer at PJ trailers, the 18', 10,000 lb GVWR, dovetail, bumperpull, for 3100$ here in WA.

penokee · Aug 18, 2005

Get one long enough to carry that entire setup. I had one made that has two-6,000LB axles, but when I have the Box Blade and FEL on, have to remove the tooth bar (That's how tight it is.) If I move my L3130 with the Bush Hog attached, have to remove the FEL - all big pain in the neck. My Loading Ramps fold up - currently getting them cut off at a welding shop and going with 5,000 LB aluminum ramps that I can remove completely so the Hog can hang over the backend of the trailer. Will attach a picture of my "Ramp Problem"
penokee /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Ps: Had the trailer custom made 10 years ago or so for my AC H3 Crawler - never thinking that I'd have anything else to haul /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

penokee · Aug 18, 2005

Fj - A picture of one more problem you want to avoid. Punctured my tail gate with the tooth bar when turning too sharp, so removed the bar and raised the grapple up - for what it's worth, you may want to avoid these type problems.
penokee /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

RobertN · Aug 18, 2005

A few hints from my towing expierences... I have a 16' 7000lb dual axle trailer.

Figure out what you have, and your worst case load for weight and length. As shown in pictures on this thread, a long load on a short trailer can be a problem

My worst case is when I have my mower on. I have a smaller Kubota, an older B8200( same size as B2710). I always run my loader, even though it is a quick attach. With the loader at the front of the trailer, my mower fits on the trailer, but the tail wheel hangs off. Fortunately, it balances pretty well(and, my tractor is light, at only about 3000lbs). When I run the scraper, I have a couple feet front and back to move/balance the load.

My trailer has a cargo capacity of 5500lbs. My 3000lb tractor is well within that. For your heavier tractor, add up the weights for everything you might carry. The numbers will surprise you... I have occasion to carry the tractor, mower and scraper some times. That is pretty much my max tractor load. I add the numbers for things like:
tractor
loader
mower
scraper
post hole auger
full fuel can
tool box
ice chest with lunch, refreshments
water cooler(I always carry a 5gal water cooler)

I'd bet your tractor exceeds the 5500lb capcity of a 7000lb trailer(remember, the trailer is included in the gross weight, mine weighs 1600lbs+/- 100).

Think too, about what else you might haul. I have hauled a car, pipe, lumber, firewood, Cub Scout parade floats, Cub Scout day camp docks for water front activities, small Bobcat, medium Bobcat, track-loader, my Kubota, my Farmall, my Dad's Ford 2N. Some of this was light, while some like the medium Bobcat were at my trailer max.

A few things to think about while you are looking at trailers...
A good brake controller
A spare(terrible to have a flat with no spare
Spare tire bracket/mount
jack/lug wrench(my trailer uses different size lugs than my truck...
LOTS of chain and rope hooks/d-rings
Lots of chain and a good set of binders(at least four

From what I have seen of similar tractors(my brother in law has a Kubota L2950), you would want to look at a 10klb trailer. Probably start looking at an 18' minimum, more like a 20' if you haul a rotary mower.

As long as you are at it, add up the weights for a trailer, tractor, implements, tool ect and make sure you have sufficient tow vehicle too.

That's more than you asked for, but are some good things to think about.

fjblair · Aug 19, 2005

Thanks folks this is great info. How important is having a trailer with a dovetail? Some 18' trailers seem to be 16' with a 2' dovetail, so the level deck length is still 16', right? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

I was really hoping I could get by with a 16' 7,000lb trailer. Surprising, huh?

Bear with me. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

FB

Egon · Aug 19, 2005

Dovetails are a matter of personel choice. Very handy if you do a lot of moving and the trailer is dedicated.

I'd suggest a minimum of 20 feet and 10K rating with electric brakes.

As already mentioned the tow vehicle is also important. It is nice to be able to stop.

Egon

mikim · Aug 19, 2005

Surprising, huh? 
nah ... I did the same thing - went for the smallest trailer I thought I could get away with .... with my 8n I had a 16' ... it was too small so bought an 20' for my TC45 ....wish I had more. When I buy my next truck it will have a gooseneck hitch and I'll trade trailers for a 24' gooseneck. Don't half step it - If you buy "the smallest you think you can get by with" you'll be kicking yourself nlt the second year.

Dargo · Aug 19, 2005

Just to give you an idea of size, here is my 5030 (which is the same size) on a 20' trailer that has a 5' dovetail. This trailer has 2 8000 pound axles. In this pic, the only rear implement is a PHD. With a 7' bush hog, I'm all the way to the end.

Oh yeah, I also wanted to mention, with the FEL and 7' bush hog on, my tractor weighs right around 7000 pounds. As pointed out previously, you have to subtract the weight of your actual trailer from the combined axle rating to see what you can actually haul. Also, the amount of weight you pull grows pretty fast. I think my trailer empty weighs 5500 pounds. Add my tractor to that and I'm hauling 12,500 pounds. I think that would get heavy for a 1/2 ton truck in a hurry. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

DMF · Aug 19, 2005

What size truck do you guys use to tow a 10K trailer? One of the things that has been stopping me from buying one is the question of will my truck handle it? I have a 1995 K2500 "light-duty" (6 lug wheels) 3/4 ton, 4WD, Chevy pickup.

AntrimMan · Aug 19, 2005

If you already have the machine you could measure it.
If not you could go to a dealer and measure it.
You could take my word that I measured mine, L3130 LA723 BH90 and the minimum trailer would be 20' long. If you play the game and put the loader bucket on the tongue and swing the back hoe you may be able to get away with less but you can't pin the hoe in that position and it will look odd enough to the experienced eye of the law to beg a second look and those people will treat you like the Roman's treated Christians.
I think a 10K rating is cutting it close, too close perhaps. Do your homework and be sure of the rating and load.
That tractor with implements puts you into the semi-serious category if you do it safely and you should or don't do it at all.
You could also do a TBN search and comsume the wealth of discussion on just this subject.

Luck is with you in that you are in NC. Do a web search on Kaufman trailers... or click here... http://www.kaufmantrailers.com/ . They sell direct to the customer, you can go pick it up when it is ready, and they are the least expensive by far. I think they are a good match for your intended use. There is another Kaufman in TX, that's not the one I'm refering you to. I have no connection to the company whatsoever, I don't even own one.

Be wise in whatever you do, you will need a decent vechicle to tow that package.
TrailerLess Martin

GeneD14 · Aug 19, 2005

( What size truck do you guys use to tow a 10K trailer? One of the things that has been stopping me from buying one is the question of will my truck handle it? I have a 1995 K2500 "light-duty" (6 lug wheels) 3/4 ton, 4WD, Chevy pickup. )

For my 10,000 GVW trailer I use an F350 with the new Tow-Command braking system. It is better too go big on the truck rather than too small. I have had to make an emergancy stop going from 55 mph to zero to avoid an accident and if I had too small of a tow vehicle or in sufficient trailer brakes I may not have escaped serious injury. I'll attached a picture of the set-up I have now.

RedRocker · Aug 19, 2005

(
I was really hoping I could get by with a 16' 7,000lb trailer. Surprising, huh? )

That's what I have, I'll sell you mine, it works, but I'm wanting a 22' so I can haul my quad too. Otherwise I'd go with a 20'. Can't have too much truck or too much trailer. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

GeneD14 · Aug 19, 2005

( If you already have the machine you could measure it.
If not you could go to a dealer and measure it.
You could take my word that I measured mine, L3130 LA723 BH90 and the minimum trailer would be 20' long. )

I agree that 20' would be the shortest you should consider if you have implements. See how my tractor fills a 20' trailer.

fjblair · Aug 19, 2005

Great, now I need a Freightliner and a CDL /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I am seriously reconsidering my "minimum" specifications. I see a lot of guys around home towing some pretty big stuff on some pretty small trailers and just figured it was okay to "get by".

Not many 20' trailers for sale around here, mostly 16's and an occasional 18' with a 2' dovetail. Of course the trailer dealer says a 16' will do, cause he makes do with one. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

FB

Highbeam · Aug 19, 2005

We have the same truck except for your rear end is a semifloater and mine says 1500 on the side. Oddly, the 2500 truck with the 350 has a lower tow rating than my 1500 in 98-99.

It is not the GVWR of the trailer that dictates whether or not you can tow it. I towed a 12,000#GVWR trailer just fine when it was unloaded since it only weighed 2500# or so. It is all in how you load it.

The 2300# 10k trailer that I plan to buy for my future 4000 lb tractor will weigh 6300 when loaded plus I have a margin of 3700# before the trailer is overloaded. That margin is great for longevity of bearings, tires, the frame, and the hitch.

Your tractor will weigh about 5000#. If you chose a 7000# GVWR car trailer that weighed 1500# then I you be left with a 500# margin. That is not enough to carry home the brush hog. Plus, what about chains, binders, and fuel. When you only have a 500# margin, you must look at the details.

True you may want to limit what your truck tows to 7000lbs. I My opinion is that the worst way to do this is by using a trailer that is maxed out at 7000.

I have about 90% decided to downsize to that 4000 lb tractor so I can keep my truck plus a few other benefits. I could get away with a 7k# trailer but the 10k# trailer is only about 1000$ more here in WA.

wushaw · Aug 20, 2005

My L2800 with FEL and BH is too long for my 16' 7000lb GVW trailer, I have to curl the bucket down and rest it on the ft. bar of the trailer so I don't have anything hanging off the rear end.
My B7500 fit this trailer just fine.
My next trailer purchase will be a 20-22' 12,000GVW gooseneck, I just haven't decided on flatbed or utility type bed...it doesn't matter I don't have the $$$ anyway.

penokee · Aug 20, 2005

DME - I tow with a Chev 2500HD (3/4 t) 4WD. Have been told that the 2500 HD is a 3/4 T on a 1 ton frame, not sure if this is fact. Have Hydraulic Surge brakes on all 4 wheels of the trailer, which works nice for braking. Occassionaly use 4WD up steep grades. I rarely haul on US or Interstate - mostly State, County and Local roads.
penokee /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

fjblair · Aug 22, 2005

I am looking at 20'/5 ton trailers now. Thanks a lot /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

After going back and looking at the 16'/3.5 ton and comparing it to the bigger trailer, there is a lot of difference. Two different frames entirely.

Martin, thanks for the heads up on Kaufman. Spoke to them today.

FB

Highbeam · Aug 22, 2005

I am set to go pick up my 5 ton 18' including the 2' dovetail in about 2 hours. It is made by PJ trailers out of texas and distributed all over I'd guess. Supposed to be 3100$ here in WA.