Trailer Advice

[Evad]

Sorry if this is posted in the wrong forum, I wasn't sure where to put it...

I need to buy a trailer to haul my 2018 L3301 around. It has a loader bucket on the front and a 72" box blade on the back. The rear wheels are filled with fluid. I don't have any other attachments. How do I determine what size flatbed trailer that I need and with what load rating? I want to make sure I get the right size trailer but also don't want to overdo it because I still have to figure out where to store the trailer LOL

I tried searching the forums and didn't see a conversation like this but feel free to refer me to an older thread somewhere if thats easier. Thanks in advance!

 

[NorthwoodsLife]

Measure length of your tractor with implements. Check the spec sheet for your tractor and implements to get approx combined weight.

Go to a trailer dealer and tell him the length and weight capacity you need to haul a tractor.

They will show you what you need. If you don't buy from them, you will have an idea of what you need.

Probably a 22 footer with 10K capacity.

Make sure that you have enough truck to haul it!

 

[PHPaul]

Make sure that you have enough truck to haul it!

And more importantly, STOP it!

 

[GreensvilleJay]

Be sure ALL axles have brakes AND have backup lights installed.

 

[Shawn T. W]

Most 7,000 Lb trailers (2 - 3500 Lb axles) weigh about 2,000 Lbs empty, so you can only put 5,000 Lbs on it, at most ... Not including what is on the tongue.

Sounds to me like a 10,000 Lb rated trailer would be better for you, weighs about 3,000 Lbs empty ... I'd not get less than 20' and if you have a heavy duty half ton, get a weight distribution hitch.

 

[GrumpyFarmer]

I think you have some solid advice from the members above.

I’d also recommend to look at where the axles are and try to imagine where the tractor needs to be to balance your trailer. I think also need to consider what implements and or other items you might be taking along….if just the tractor that is one thing. If tractor and brush cutter you can very easily run out of room in where you want to have the tractor to balance the trailer.

If buying something I’d recommend go to the website of the makes you are studying and see if they have a print/drawing that shows the axles location and pitch/dimensions of the over deck. (Don’t forget to consider where your chains/straps need to be to do their job on the front and back of the machine)

good luck.

 

[Russell King]

You may want to consider the type of trailer you want: bumper pull, gooseneck or fifth wheel pull.

At least get a tandem axle trailer. You may be able to get the axles to use the same spare as the truck.

There are ramps that support the rear of the trailer when you are loading it but you can also have jacks added.

 

[Flintknapper]

You may want to consider the type of trailer you want: bumper pull, gooseneck or fifth wheel pull.

At least get a tandem axle trailer. You may be able to get the axles to use the same spare as the truck.

There are ramps that support the rear of the trailer when you are loading it but you can also have jacks added.

^^^^^^

Yep, don't do this:

 

[JasonW]

What’s your tow vehicle? Any other uses other than hauling the tractor?

I used a 18’ 7k trailer with my L3800(same dimensions as a L3301) with a FEL for a decade. Had a little overhang when I had a bush hog on the back, but the bucket was never over the front of the deck.

 

[ayak]

Have the trailer long enough so you can get the proper tongue weight by being able to move the tractor a little forward or rearward as needed. I went with a 20’ for my L3301/FEL and sometimes had a blade on the back, sometimes a rotary cutter. Didn’t have much ability to position it the way I wanted to on the 16’ trailer I had previously. Yes, it fit—but tongue weight wasn’t ideal.

 

[jimh406]

I agree with buy bigger than you think you need. Larger aren't that much more. I'd also consider and dump trailer due to the multipurpose aspect of them.

Also, as others have noted, make sure you have the right size truck and learn how to load a tractor. Lifting the rear wheels of the tow vehicle on a hill is not a game you want to play.

 

[NorthwoodsLife]

^^^^^^

Yep, don't do this:

I don't know about you guys.. but in the video situation I would have simply backed the tractors back wheels off of the trailer as soon as the truck & trailer started moving!

 

[GrumpyFarmer]

^^^^^^

Yep, don't do this:

Oh my that took some talent. (I bet it left a mark too…I am surprised when the operator wrinkled the vinyl seat it released and he was able to hop off and the seat stayed with the machine.)

 

[Splinters and Sparks]

These trailers are pretty sweet. The TH20 is on my to-buy list.

Load Trail tilt and go

 

[cliffboyer]

I have an 18' tandem axle trailer with 2-7000lb axles. Trailer empty is about 2000lbs. Loader with a L3301 with loader, bucket & 5' RCR has the mower overhanging about 2' off the rear.

 

[NorthwoodsLife]

These trailers are pretty sweet. The TH20 is on my to-buy list.

Load Trail tilt and go

I have had a couple tilt trailers over the years.

I don't recommend them for farm work because you can't load other items and then load the tractor.

Say that you need to bring a tiller and a box blade. It is a teeter totter mess.

If you only load the one machine every time. They are fine.

 

[Splinters and Sparks]

I have had a couple tilt trailers over the years.

I don't recommend them for farm work because you can't load other items and then load the tractor.

Say that you need to bring a tiller and a box blade. It is a teeter totter mess.

If to you only load the one machine every time. They are fine.

You are very correct.
It will only be for transport of my tractors off site.
I already have another trailer for everything else. I pile items on it and pull it around with my tractor.

 

[#40Fan]

I think the most important question asked is what vehicle are you going to use to tow it with.

 

[ItBmine]

Minimum 16 foot deck, but I do not recommend aluminum. I just got rid of mine. It had a 5700 pound PAYLOAD capacity and every time I towed it empty, with my 2500 pound Allis or my 5000 pound Ford, it had to go get cracks welded. And I even had to have extra frame members put in it.

Yes it was awesome to pull because it wasn't heavy (1345 pounds) so I got great fuel mileage. But not worth the headaches.

So I just ordered a 20 foot steel beavertail with rear stabilizer jacks for loading and unloading.

Also, whatever brand you buy, pay attention to load securement points. make sure it has good heavy bull rings, or stake pockets and rub rails.

 

[D2Cat]

I have had a couple tilt trailers over the years.

I don't recommend them for farm work because you can't load other items and then load the tractor.

Say that you need to bring a tiller and a box blade. It is a teeter totter mess.

If to you only load the one machine every time. They are fine.

I have a 20' tilt bed trailer with 4' bed in front of the tilt bed. Works pretty nice for me. I can put the grapple there, then go get what ever i want on the tractor and load it. I just got tired of dragging ramps out or swinging them down.