Trailering the Bota

rbargeron · Jun 13, 2001

I'm looking at a trailer to make short moves with my L5450 and I'm figuring the weight rating needed. Basic tractor is 4400, loader is maybe 1300, backhoe is 1800, so 7500 plus ballast. Does anyone know how much weight of calcium chloride solution can be added to 17.5 X 24 R-4's ? Anybody know of a listing by tire size?

I've got a Silverado 4wd - am I nuts? (wife says yes)

Bird · Jun 13, 2001

In my opinion, you should be looking for at least a 10,000 GVWR trailer; tandem axle with brakes.

<font color=blue>I've got a Silverado 4wd - am I nuts? (wife says yes)</font color=blue>

It depends on the tow rating of that particular vehicle, which includes such things as engine size, transmission, differential ratio, heavy duty cooling, brakes, etc. If it's a half ton (and I'm assuming it is), then you'll probably be pushing it's limits a bit.

Bird

Joe_W · Jun 13, 2001

I have a 2910 w/FEL, MM mower, and box blade on a 1640# trailer rated at 7000# GVW. I am pulling this with a 3/4 ton 4WD Silverado w/ a 350 V-8 & auto trans. I feel that with this weight I am about at the limit of the trucks capabilities. I'm sure I could pull more, but my gas mileage goes down to the 10-12 range pulling this, and I can feel the strain on the engine. If you are going to pull that much weight, I would recommend a 1 ton chassis, with a diesel or big block V-8, and towing package. Your truck will last a lot longer if it doesn't have to strain so much. In my humble opinion.
Joe W.

john4nh · Jun 13, 2001

I would go with what Bird said, but get a goose-neck. Also get electric brakes on both axles. I personally would not worry bout the truck being a little over capacity. Then again Iam the guy that pulls a 450 dozer and 580 bachoe with a HD3/4ton. Usaully one or the other

crafty · Jun 13, 2001

rbargeron,

I have a one ton good for a 10000 lbs trailer load. I don't like pushing the truck to its limits for long hauls so I try to stay under 70% of its max. By my rule a standard tag along landscape trailer at 7000 gvw works fine. I have the tow package and added an extra oil filter and large capacity tranny pan. I would argee if you want 10000 lb trailer a gooseneck would be the way to go it puts the weight directly on the rear tires instead of behind them. This reduces sway, turning radius, and looks cool. I would also make sure you have a good set of brakes on the trialer and a good controller.

just my two cents

cowboydoc · Jun 13, 2001

I would have to second the motions for gooseneck trailer, at least a 3/4 ton, good brakes on truck and trailer, and at least a 10k trailer. With that said you could probably get by with a half ton pickup, but not the best situation. You could also get by pretty good with just a bumper pull trailer as well. I don't think that's a big issue but something to consider. If cost is an issue go for bumper pull and you won't have a problem if you have a 10k trailer, just a little easier and safer with gooseneck. The two things you can't do without though are a 10k rated trailer and excellent brakes on the trailer and brake controller on the pickup.

RobertN · Jun 13, 2001

If the truck is a 3/4 ton, you might do it. Most 3/4 ton HD trucks are GVWR of 8800 lbs or so.

You're really looking more realistically at a 1-ton...

One thing I've always found, is it really sucks to be under-trucked. Only happened once, and I didn't like it.

The thing you might look at, is trying to keep at ~80% of your trucks limit. If there is a emergency stop or swerve, you don't want to pushing the truck or trailers limit.

RobertN in Shingle Springs Calif

HR_Mutt · Jun 13, 2001

rbargeron
ref. the load weight of your size tires I saw that (I think) in a section at tractorsmart.com. I don't have their url, I followed a link from somewhere/w3tcompact/icons/crazy.gif
regards
Mutt
p.s. I forgot how to spell that disease that the older generation gets/w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

rbargeron · Jun 13, 2001

Lots of good advice - it's a great reality check.

A tandem-axle trailer (7k gvw with zoot brakes & controller) is available for low money so I was wondering about its feasibility. But it really isn't enough trailer - and my stovebolt is only a 1500 so it isn't enough truck either.

Maybe I've got too much tractor. Nah, there's no such thing.

I'll keep my eyes open for a 1-ton and 10k trailer. Or maybe just keep my projects in the neighborhood.

Thanks to all.

Dick Bargeron