New to trailers

[Lebneh]

So, I just put a down payment on a sure-trac 20' equipment trailer. I gave the dealer the weight of my 3720 w/ bucket and attachments and he picked the model for me.

I've got a dodge 3500 with tow package. Dealer said he would supply needed ball/mount and cable so that everything fits on my truck setup.

He said he would go through everything and show me how to attach and detach things.

I was thinking about ordering some of the hauling. 3/8" chains from harbor freight to attach my JD 3720 to the trailer.

Basically, I'm looking for words of wisdom on what I should ask when I am at the dealer. Is their anything additional I should purchase (as things are he said I will have a complete setup ready to drive away).

I'd also love some advice on how to secure the equipment. And advice on driving around with an extra 20 feet in tow.

Thanks all

 

[bdog]

Let me know where you are headed so I can stay out of the way.


Seriously though sounds like you are on the right track. In addition to the chains get some ratchet boomers to tighten them up and make sure the chains you get are grade 70 transport chain. Harbor freight sells some lower grade crap chain that you do not want.

Be careful when turning and make sure you go wide as it is easy to wipe things out with that extra 20' back there.

Make sure you load the tractor so that you have plenty of weight on the tongue. If your trailer is loaded to where it is too heavy on the back it will sway all over the place. If in doubt err on the side of too much tongue weight. With a 1 ton and that light tractor I think it would be difficult to get too much tongue weight. To be precise a tongue weight scale and 10%-15% of the trailer weight on the tongue is what you want but I usually just drive forward on the trailer until I see the tow vehicle squat and call it good.

As to securing the equipment a minimum on one chain in front and one in back preferably two in front and two in back. I like to secure things to that if you turned the trailer upside down whatever is on there would not move.

If you have any buddies that haul trailers a lot it might not hurt to have them go with you on your maiden voyage just to make sure you do ok.

 

[Diamondpilot]

You will also need a brake controller in your truck.

As for securing I use 5/16" G70 truckers chain and boomers. 4 short 10' chains, one for each corner of the tractor and then a 2" strap for the FEL bucket and one for whatever is on the 3point.

Chris

 

[Mud Mechanik]

Try Ratchet Straps, Tie Down Straps, E Track Tie Downs, Cargo Straps - U.S. Cargo Control for your trailering tie down needs, I have ordered many times from them and they sell good stuff.

 

[Lebneh]

Thanks for all the info so far. I wish I had a buddy that does this sort of thing... That would help a lot.

How do you guys feel about tongue tool boxes? I was thinking it might be nice to have. I would probably throw all the chains and such in it so that everything is always together. Are these types of things easy enough to install or should I buy and have installed by the dealer.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I have a tongue tool box I installed and could not live without it. You need one. Just make sure its weatherproof.

Chris

 

[davkir]

Make sure you have a good spare and the tools to change it on the road.
Check tires before every trip.
Also beware that thieves love trailers and tools.

 

[Oliver1655]

Locking, weather tight tool boxes to secure chains, binders, ... is definitely a good idea. These items are frequently stolen.

John

 

[woody]

also don't forget your ramps, when I bought my dump trailer the salesman told me they sold two sets of replacement ramps that week. mine are lock to my trailer.

 

[compact]

I have a 20 foot sure trak 10k car hauler with a 3520, pull with f150 ecoboost and reese WDH. about 7500 with bush hog, loader, fuel, tools. 4x 10 foot 5/18 gr70 chains to D rings, 3/8 is heavier than you need. I also have 2 ratchet binders and use 2 extra chains from the top link mount to stake pockets, secured with cam binders, total of 6 chains. It's a good setup you are getting, you're gonna like it.