Tractor placement on trailer

[raeuber]

I am shopping for a dual axle equipment trailer for tractor, but I am unsure what length to get. Obviously it has to fit the whole thing, but what about the placement of the tractor on the trailer? Once it's loaded and up against the headache rack, where is the bulk of the weight supposed to end up? Where should the rear wheel sit compared to the two axles on the trailer? Is there a rule of thumb that I can apply while shopping short of bringing my tractor along?
Maybe somebody has the same tractor and tell me what trailer you are using.

 

[RickB]

Rule of thumb is to have sufficient trailer length so you can place the load in such a manner that the trailer tongue weight is acceptable. Too much tongue weight is nearly as bad as not enough. Sizing the trailer so the load can't be moved fore & aft to optimize tongue weight is a critical mistake.

 

[raeuber]

Rule of thumb is to have sufficient trailer length so you can place the load in such a manner that the trailer tongue weight is acceptable. Too much tongue weight is nearly as bad as not enough. Sizing the trailer so the load can't be moved fore & aft to optimize tongue weight is a critical mistake.

So you do not want the tractor to "stop" at the front of the trailer? Isn't that what the front bar is for?

 

[Rustyiron]

If this is your 1st trlr, you'll soon discover how many other jobs you'll have for it! I'd get as long a trailer that is; in your budget - your tow vehicle can handle - will maneuver for your use. Placement of your tractor is not necessary against any front structure the trlr. may have, that will be determined by positioning your tractor (or any load) for proper tongue wt.

 

[AVIVIII]

While it may be necessary to have the tractor up against the headboard, it is not a requirement. It is more important to have the trailer loaded correctly regardless of that the cargo is. Having the CG of the tractor over the axels is a good start. Loading too far forward will increase tongue weight (depending on what you are towing with, normal pick-up tongue weight limits are around 500lbs) and may cause the trailer to tow funny including excess sway. Loading too far aft will produce a negative tongue weight which is even worse and is very dangerous.

You will inevitably want to put more things than just your tractor on there too, whether you are bringing implements with you, moving your friends truck or going on a lumber run, if you are not sure what size to get, go with the bigger one.

Weight will also be a deciding factor. What is the tow vehicle? Make sure the trailer GVWR is enough to carry your tractor and the weight of the trailer. Make sure the combined weight of the tractor and trailer (and everything else) are within the GCVWR of the tow vehicle. You also may need a weight distributing hitch. A longer trailer may have a higher tare weight that could put you over your towing capabilities.

 

[RickB]

So you do not want the tractor to "stop" at the front of the trailer? Isn't that what the front bar is for?

Hardly.

 

[AVIVIII]

So I did some searching...

I found data on the tractor, but not the Loader or the backhoe, so I'm going to assume those numbers...

Tractor = 4300 lbs
Loader ~ 800 lbs
Backhoe ~1500 lbs

Total payload ~ 6600 lbs

You would probably look for an 18' or 20' 10,000# GVWR trailer. Leep in mind that some of that 10000 lbs is going to be the weight of the trailer

 

[raeuber]

So I did some searching...

I found data on the tractor, but not the Loader or the backhoe, so I'm going to assume those numbers...

Tractor = 4300 lbs
Loader ~ 800 lbs
Backhoe ~1500 lbs

Total payload ~ 6600 lbs

You would probably look for an 18' or 20' 10,000# GVWR trailer. Leep in mind that some of that 10000 lbs is going to be the weight of the trailer

Thanks for the numbers. I was looking at a 20' and it weighs in at 2750lbs, so I think a 10k is too close for comfort. I may go with a 12k or even a 14k.
But with the comments above I may have to revisit the length now as well. Good thing I asked

 

[Soundguy]

So you do not want the tractor to "stop" at the front of the trailer? Isn't that what the front bar is for?

not specifically. you load it so you get correct tounge weight as rick specified.. don't want the front end of th truck to be light.. or the rear end unweighted. both can/will happen with incorrect tounge weight..

 

[MissouriSprayer]

A simple way to balance the load is to measure bumper height with empty trailer then move tractor forward or back to achieve the same height. Its not perfect but is not bad. Also play with loading backwards and forwards and look for best fit. Then on first road trip pay attention to any sway at highway speed and if you sway, stop and adjust front or back.