Up graded tractor, Should I also get a new trailer?

[TroyR57]

I have a 16ft tandom with out brakes, I was just hauling a BX23 with MMM, and it towed good. I just got a great deal on a B3200 TLB package from Barlows, and from photos you see it just fits on the trailer. Towed it up to my Brothers Thursday, and I could tell I was towing something this time. Getting out of my Yard truck spun out some in gravel pulling onto the road, and enroute it tried to fishtail a little, but not much. I think I need to up grade to a 18ft tandom with brakes, what do yall think, or can I get by, I don't travel much with tractors, or just keep hauling the BX23 for further trips, and only us B3200 my house and brothers, (only 7 miles). I use chains on Loader and back hoe, and all four corners of tractors.

 

[DavidVT]

No trailer expert here but curious if it would tow better with the BH to the front?
The BH may have offset the tongue weight too much??

 

[JCByrd24]

Looking at the second pic I don't think to little tongue weight would be a concern but I could be wrong, it isn't making the truck squat much is it? Also, check tire pressure.

I definitely would outfit that trailer with brakes, it is most likely illegal. Here in Maine any trailer over 3000lb GVWR has to have brakes. Utility trailers with 3500lb axles are sold as 2990lb GVWR.

 

[George2615]

I'd definitely upgrade the trailer. 1) The tractor doesn't really fit the trailer, the bucket is on the rail and the BH is turned so it fits. 2) Trailer should have brakes. As mentioned that 7K trailer would also be illegal in my state without brakes plus its really not safe without brakes having all that weight pushing the truck down hills.
If you can't afford a better trailer at least put brakes on that one.

 

[dstig1]

How much does the new unit weigh? I see a B3200 is about 1800 lbs, but can't find anything on the BH or loader. I'd guess each one of those is 1000lbs or so. It would say in your manual. So that means you are pushing 4k lbs for the TLB. It should work on a dual axle 7k trailer, but I'd go longer than 18'. 18' would barely fit better than what you have now. 20' or more would be better. If you rarely need this, then maybe you can rent for those times. Trailer Brakes would be important, IMHO, for that size load.

 

[archerynut]

I also have a B3200 TLB and I haul it on a 18' tandem axle trailer with brakes. If you could go 20' I would, if not at least 18. I was given an estimate of closer to 5000 pounds with filled rears for the machine. Btw I think I also talked to barlows about the very same tractor that you bought and it was a great deal, hope you are enjoying it.

 

[TroyR57]

Thanks for the info y'all, I think this rig B3200 TLB W loaded rears is almost 4,000 lbs.
I think I will be looking at a new trailer. I was hoping a 18ft would do, but looks like a 20 ft tandom with brakes, and low deck rails so I can also hall wider stuff. Its always something wanting more of our money. I may also get a bush hog, and the 20ft would be better. Plus what if I want to up grade again to a L3700 TLB, As I have a line on one of them, that will be avable with in a year or two, from a friend.

 

[dstig1]

If you are thinking about an even bigger tractor in the future, then 20' will seem small, I'd bet. I have a 16' 10k for my L3130 with loader, and it "fits" but there is no room to adjust loading at all. With a backhoe, there would be no way. I doubt even 20' would be enough. If you are going to buy a trailer with those sorts of future needs, you will want to get at least a 10k lb rated one, as an L-series with loader, filled tires and a backhoe will be way over what a 7k can handle. My setup weighs in 8000-8500 lbs (trailer + tractor), and I don't have a backhoe.

My guess would be you should aim for a 10/12/14k low-boy trailer that is 24' long with brakes on all axles, and probably slide in ramps or tilt bed so you can overhang with bushhogs, etc without flip-up ramps getting in the way. If you are going to spend the coin, do it once, do it right.

Next question - is your tow vehicle up to pulling those higher weights?

All of this may change your mind on getting a bigger tractor....the headaches (and costs) go up with size...

 

[kebo]

Thanks for the info y'all, I think this rig B3200 TLB W loaded rears is almost 4,000 lbs.
I think I will be looking at a new trailer. I was hoping a 18ft would do, but looks like a 20 ft tandom with brakes, and low deck rails so I can also hall wider stuff. Its always something wanting more of our money. I may also get a bush hog, and the 20ft would be better. Plus what if I want to up grade again to a L3700 TLB, As I have a line on one of them, that will be avable with in a year or two, from a friend.

You might as well look at upgrading the truck to a dually too, while you're are it!!:laughing: $$$$$$$$

 

[archerynut]

If you are thinking about an even bigger tractor in the future, then 20' will seem small, I'd bet. I have a 16' 10k for my L3130 with loader, and it "fits" but there is no room to adjust loading at all. With a backhoe, there would be no way. I doubt even 20' would be enough. If you are going to buy a trailer with those sorts of future needs, you will want to get at least a 10k lb rated one, as an L-series with loader, filled tires and a backhoe will be way over what a 7k can handle. My setup weighs in 8000-8500 lbs (trailer + tractor), and I don't have a backhoe.

My guess would be you should aim for a 10/12/14k low-boy trailer that is 24' long with brakes on all axles, and probably slide in ramps or tilt bed so you can overhang with bushhogs, etc without flip-up ramps getting in the way. If you are going to spend the coin, do it once, do it right.

Next question - is your tow vehicle up to pulling those higher weights?

All of this may change your mind on getting a bigger tractor....the headaches (and costs) go up with size...

I agree completely. I should start shopping again and do it right this time. I am thinking a zero turn and grand L with all the goodies and a cab, oh and a mini excavator and I should be happy.... I think.