trailer for 1800 lb Mahindra 1815 tractor

dutch4505 · Jul 28, 2012

I need a trailer to haul a 1800 lb Mahindra 1815 tractor. The tractor weighs about 1800 lbs. I was thinking of a BIG TEX 5 by 10 trailer with tandem axles. The local dealer thinks that a single axle is fine. the single axle trailer weighs about 1,000 lbs. GVWR of 3000 lbs which would allow about 2000 lbs. My concerns that there is no brakes with a single axle. Also the weight capacity is near the maximum.

The tandem trailer has a GVWR of 4500 lbs, less trailer weight of 1200 lbs allowing 3300 lbs of cargo. It also has electric brakes on one axle.

Wondering if anyone hauls a compact tractor with a single axle trailer. Any comments will be much appreciated.

bcp · Jul 28, 2012

Get brakes! You may regret not having them, but will never regret having them.

They may be required even on a 3000GVW trailer, depending on the weight of the tow vehicle:

From:
www.wsp.wa.gov/traveler/docs/cvd/170_129.pdf

"Every trailer having a gross weight exceeding 3,000 pounds must be equipped with brakes on all wheels and capable of being applied from the towing vehicle. Any trailer whose gross weight is over 3,000 pounds must be equipped with a device that will automatically apply the brakes in case of a breakaway.

Trailers with a gross weight of 3,000 pounds or less must be equipped with brakes if the weight of the trailer(s) exceeds 40 percent of the weight of the towing vehicle. Trailers manufactured and assembled prior to July 1, 1965, having a gross weight less than 2,000 pounds need not be equipped with brakes"
---------------

3000 pounds is 40% of 7500 pounds. If your tow vehicle is less than 7500 pounds when towing 3000 pounds, brakes are required.

The tandem doesn't sound legal in WA. "...gross weight exceeding 3,000 pounds must be equipped with brakes on all wheels"

Bruce

Diamondpilot · Jul 28, 2012

Skip the short trailer, its a waste of time and money. There is no resale market. Get a tandem 16'. They are common so they are cheap and hive you room to take a couple if attachments while balancing your load.

Chris

s219 · Jul 28, 2012

Agree on the tandem 7x16 -- that's what I got. I use every bit of the 16 foot deck when balancing tractor/implement loads to get good weight distribution and proper tongue weight. I have a Kubota B2920 that weighs about 2000-2500 lbs with my typical implements. My 7x16 tandem has a 7000# gross and weighs 1600#, for a capacity of 3400#.

I don't think a 5x10 would really work. That gives you little to no room to balance the tractor on the deck for proper tongue weight. I sure wouldn't go with a single axle trailer either.

Definitely get brakes. Very beneficial.

Gary Fowler · Jul 29, 2012

s219 said:
My 7x16 tandem has a 7000# gross and weighs 1600#, for a capacity of 3400#.

.

Looks like a little subtraction error here 7000-1600=5400 in usuable towing weight.
I agree with everyone that a minimum of 16 foot with dual 3500# axles is the way to go. When I ordered my 20 foot trailer with dual 6000# axles, it came standard with brakes on the rear axle. It only cost $150 to add brakes to the other axle at the time of order. It cost much more to add them later. I would suggest going with new trailer and get it the way you need and want it. Most of the used ones are just a few hundred less than new and most have weathered tires and rusted paint, rotten boards etc. A good trailer tire will cost you nearly $200 each so why take a chance on someones old trailer when for just a few hundred more you can have new.
If you ever think you may want to upgrade to a larger tractor, you may even consider getting an 18' trailer with dual 5200# axles with brakes on both axles which should also equate to a heavier frame. The down side to bigger heavier capacity is that they weigh a bit more thus reducing your actual hauling capacity unless you have a super duty truck. My trailer weighs 1900 pounds vs about 800+ or - for a 16' tandem 3500# trailer but still leaves me with over 10K of load capacity on the trailer but not necessarily that amount for my current truck.