Trailer for BX23 and ZTR

Nik · Sep 11, 2004

Need a trailer to tow a BX23 and ZTR mower separately as needed to a close-by property. My question is what is the shortest or longest trailer that can be towed with a 1992 Ford 150 5.9liter pickup truck. Should I get a 16' double axle trailer with electric brakes (GVW7000) or 10' single axle trailer without brakes (GVW2900). The reason I was considering a smaller trailer as I think my Toyota highlander which has a hitch may at least be able to tow the ZTR. The toyota is rated for about 3500#. I don't know the towing capacity of the FORD 150 but I would expect that it would have a higher tow capacity than the toyota. I mainly need something to move the ZTR but having a trailer to tow the BX as well would be nice. My knowledge of trailering is small and I respect your expertise.

Bird · Sep 12, 2004

Nik, it can be done with either trailer, but can be done more comfortably and safer with the 16' trailer. When I was hauling my equipment around, I had both trailers. I had bought a 5' x 10' tiltbed trailer to haul a riding mower, among other things, pulled by a '93 Ford Escort. Then my brother bought a 6' x 16' trailer when we were building his house and left it at my place and I had an old '81 F250 that I pulled it with.

jpr62902 · Sep 12, 2004

You'd be pushing the 10' single axle. The BX TLB weighs 2500 lbs. That 10 footer probably weighs 700 - 800 lbs. more, so you'd be in excess of the axle's weight limit. I towed my BX22 on a a 12' single axle trailer and it just didn't feel right. I kept it under 55 m.p.h. just to be safe, bu I think I had too much tongue weight. The 12' trailer was also just barely long enough (attached is a pic of my BX on the 12). I don't think the BX TLB would fit without hangin' part of it out the back of the 10 footer. I'd go with the 16 footer.

Almost forgot -- I tow mine with a 2000 F150 with a 5.4L V-8. It pulls my setup just fine.

Nik · Sep 12, 2004

Thanks for your replies. I will likely go with the 16 foot trailer with double axle and brakes. I only need to tow about 1 mile and I think the Ford 150 should be able to do the job. I will check with the trailer dealer on Monday for his input too.

JoeG · Sep 15, 2004

Nik,

I recently purchased a Triton UT12-2 aluminum utility trailer. Dual axle, dual surge disc brakes, aluminum wheels, and tailgate ramp. The trailer has a gross capacity of 5,000 lbs. The beauty of the aluminum trailer is that it only weighs 700lbs! I put my BX23 on it easily with the hoe swung to either side. It tracks well behind my Jeep GC, and yes you could tow the BX behind the Highlander with this light trailer.

Why didn't I go for a 7,000lb steel trailer?
1. The 7,000lb trailers weigh approximately 1,800-2,000 lbs. Net capacity is 5,000 to 5,200. So I would gain an additional 900lbs capacity but I'd have to tow around extra 1,000lbs of trailer.
2. With the high surcharges on steel the cost difference was not too bad.
3. The surge disc brakes are superior to electric drums.

Triton also makes a 7,000lb 16 footer.

Good luck.

DougM · Sep 17, 2004

surge disc brakes are superior to electric drums
I am also looking at trailers so this statment caught my eye..
I will be buy NEW so what I would like to know is

Is this TRUE ????

JoeG · Sep 17, 2004

Let me rephrase that... all other things being equal, a triton surge/disc stops in a shorter distance than a triton elec/drum. Check their website.

I forgot to mention another advantage. The surge trailer can be hooked up to any tow vehicle without any additional hardware like an electric brake controller.

The trailer has great stopping power.

DannyD · Sep 17, 2004

Just bought this trailer. 6.5 foot x 16 foot, with a 2 foot dove tail. Dual brakes, electric, brake away ( I pull on the freeway) and as you can see I have a bit of room to spare, but I can also adjust for where the tractor sits for tongue weight. Oh that is a Sport Trac, 4 wd, 6 cylinder 3.0 I think, Reese frame hitch. Pulled fine today

SCB · Sep 17, 2004

I had a trailer with surge brakes once. I found out the hard way that if the hitch isn't exactly level the surge control can stick. I was trailering down the freeway and it had been applying the brakes for some time. Right side tire blew from the heat and proceeded to burn up my RV. Now this set of surge braked were on a 1979 trailer. I have no idea if the technology has changed in how they work. But for me, I won't own another trailer with that type of brake again. I have electronic controlled electric brakes now and enjoy the ease of adjustment with that system.

Nik · Sep 18, 2004

How do surge brakes work? I like the idea of an aluminum trailer for lighter weight and reviewed Triton's website. If I went with a triton trailer would I be better off with a 16 foot or 12 foot? I guess I am wondering if too much tongue weight would be placed by the BX23 cramped onto the 12 foot trailer. I don't need to tow any implements and was trying to go with the smallest trailer for better manueverability.