Need 10,000 lb trailer for new Tundra

sixdogs · Oct 1, 2011

Now that I have the new Tundra I am looking for a 16' to 18' equipment trailer to haul stuff for landscap prep work. Am thinking 2 1/4" ball hitch.
My 16 ft trailer has been fine for a long time since I usually only haul a Kubota L4300 with the implement mounted on it. I might now haul a Deere 5520 as well. What about the type of trailer with the bed that tilts as you drive up onto--or off of? I woulnd''t have to jerk around with ramps that way. Do ant brand names come to mind? Cost? Thought? Quality? Any help would be appreciated.

RobertN · Oct 1, 2011

Judging by my similar size NH TC40D, maybe a 20' trailer...?

Also, the Tundra is rated 10klbs, but is that with a weight distributing hitch? Something else to think about...

No input on trailers, beside get two axle brakes. Otherwise, trailers seem to vary by region.

mojoinco · Oct 1, 2011

I have a 16' 10k flatbed. Wished it was larger (for my tractor). Too narrow (slightly), and with almost any rear implement is too short. And 5' ramps suck to move around.

A tilt trailer does weigh more, so less overall weight for the load.

A dovetail might work as a compromise.

I prefer bumper pull, as it leaves me bed space and can be pulled with any full sized truck.

Dmace · Oct 1, 2011

I agree with RobertN that 16ft will be too short, especially if you have any implements on that Deer 5520. I would go at least 18 feet if not 20.

As far as the tilting trailers, keep in mind the extra weight they add. Even a non-powered gravity tilt will add 700+ lbs compared to an equivalent non-tilting trailer which leaves less towing capacity which is not helpful with only a 1/2-ton truck.

sixdogs · Oct 1, 2011

Dmace said:
I agree with RobertN that 16ft will be too short, especially if you have any implements on that Deer 5520. I would go at least 18 feet if not 20.

As far as the tilting trailers, keep in mind the extra weight they add. Even a non-powered gravity tilt will add 700+ lbs compared to an equivalent non-tilting trailer which leaves less towing capacity which is not helpful with only a 1/2-ton truck.

What do you suppose a regular (non-tilting) 10,000 lb, 18 ft trailer would weigh by itself?

two_bit_score · Oct 1, 2011

A Landoll LT 1020 is a good tilt trailer but weighs over 3000 lbs IIRC.

Code54 · Oct 1, 2011

My 18' 12000 lbs trailer weights about 2200 empty (no tilt)

karverind · Oct 1, 2011

A Tundra? Sorry. I am thinking you should stick with 5k or lower trailers.

hayden · Oct 1, 2011

When considering the length trailer to get, don't just look at the length of you equipment, but consider extra length so you have some latitude in positioning the equipment for correct weight distribution. I find it makes all the difference.

As for trailer weight, any good manufacturer will list the weight of the trailer, and of course from there you can figure out the payload capacity.

I've been really surprised a number of times how quickly everything adds up. Between the base tractor, loaded tires, a loader, and perhaps some other implement, the capacity gets used up pretty quickly.

Not that I recommend them in particular (though I also have nothing against them), take a look at Big Tex on the web. They have a wide variety of trailers and their spec sheets list the trailer weights. Other manufacturers will be about the same, and it will let you get a feel for how big a trailer you can have while still retaining enough carrying capacity.

It's pretty scary to see how often people overload trailers and/or tow vehicles, placing themselves and others in a lot of unnecessary danger. It sounds like you are asking all the right questions to avoid that.