Dovetail or Flatbed Trailer?

[makemineorange]

Greetings. I'm looking at a PJ tandem axle trailer to haul my BX 2370. I figure a 7'x16' will accommodate the tractor with attachments, but am not sure if a 2' dovetail (3' gate) or flatbed (4' gate) is best. I'm wondering if the tractor would get up on a flatbed with the belly mower attached. Consequently, I'm leaning towards the dovetail. I'd appreciate your thoughts on this and the benefit of your experience. Any glaring reason to not go with the dovetail, other than it's a bit lower in back? Trailer has a channel frame with wrapped tongue, tow vehicle is an F-150 with tow packages. Been towing enclosed cargo and equipment trailers for years, but have no experience with utility trailers/tailgates. Thanks

 

[D2Cat]

I prefer a dovetail. Easier loading, less ramp length required.

 

[mcfarmall]

Fold up ramps are a must, in my opinion. I don't like lifting and horsing the slide-ramps around. Dovetail trailer might give a gentler trip on and off the trailer with a belly mower but it doesn't take much of a hump to get hung up on.

 

[NHSleddog]

My vote NO RAMPS at all . If you are going to be towing a lot, get a tilt deck, it will save you a ton of time and clearance won't ever be an issue. It is gravity up/down so nothing to worry about maintenance wise for the tilt. If you have a bunch of attachments, I would also suggest going at least 2' longer than you think you will need. I would never regret having a trailer that is 2' longer but I would often times want just 2' more - lol.

 

[SRRGC1]

Dove tails are nice for loading purposes, however can drag depending on terrain.

 

[Creature Meadow]

For me used friends dove tail for 3 years he was in my deer lease so left it at my house so "we" could manage property with my tractor. I loved it much easier to load. I like his ramps that slid in near the rear on the sides.

Borrowed another friends trailer while back no dove tail did not like it much harder to load.

I'm buying one in next couple of months for my L4600.

My choice will be a 7x20 with ramps stored under trailer near rear. just don't like the fold down ramps as it will not only be used for the tractor so they will be sticking up in the air all the time.

I'll be loading pallets from the rear, will make it a pain I would think because I'll have to fold them down drive up them to load then back down. As opposed to just pull up and drop pallet.

Just my opinion and thoughts.

Jay

 

[Kurtee]

My vote NO RAMPS at all . If you are going to be towing a lot, get a tilt deck, it will save you a ton of time and clearance won't ever be an issue. It is gravity up/down so nothing to worry about maintenance wise for the tilt. If you have a bunch of attachments, I would also suggest going at least 2' longer than you think you will need. I would never regret having a trailer that is 2' longer but I would often times want just 2' more - lol.

View attachment 53134

gets my vote, I have an H and H steel frame, 14' and 4' like this and it works well with mowers and such. Dragging ramps is a back killer and fold up ramps suck fuel.

 

[UpNorthMI]

It sounds like you are talking about a landscape utility trailer, 7k tandem axle from PJ. I think either model you mention would work, I would take the flat one with the taller gate, it would give you greater ground clearance.

For larger tractors and equipment I really like a tilt trailer. Equipment trailers, particularly deck over give me a pucker when loading tractors.

Good luck with your selection and trailer use.

 

[BXHoosier]

I personally prefer a car hauler over a utility/landscape trailer. The open sides allows pallets to be side loaded. Removable sides can be added to a car hauler to make it more useful. My Liberty trailer has stamped steel ramps that are fairly light and they are small tire friendly unlike the welded angle iron ramps.

 

[swpflipper]

I know the tilt was not a choice you mentioned. Yet it probably works best for loading something low. Then the dove tail and last the flat.
The ramps you assemble are a pain.
I own a tilt and flat hauler with stand up ramps.

 

[makemineorange]

Thank you towing vets! Unfortunately a tilt bed is a bit out of the budget. All things considered, I’ve decided to go with a 77”x16’ straight bed tandem, mostly because I'll need the clearance more than the ease of loading. Brakes on both axles and the gate will lay flat when not in use. If the mower hangs up on the gate/bed angle, I can always crank the front up a bit more to reduce it. I’ll add jacks to the rear for stability while loading.
https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Jack/Pro-Series/PS1401080303.html
Towing accidents are very common and can usually be attributed to lack of information or not paying attention to details. We’ve all seen the results. I heartily recommend everyone do their own math so they don’t end up being “that guy” who didn’t bother. Thanks for your input!

 

[Chad D.]

I’ve got a slightly larger B2650 machine, but it’s not huge by any stretch. I had a PJ trailer built last year and could not be happier with it.
10,000# 20’ x 7’ flat deck. Though about dovetail, but I do use the trailer for other things. If I’m hauling hay, I don’t want a beaver tail back there...
I did folding ramps with “knees” under them so I don’t need to use stabilizer jacks. They’re spring assisted, and lift with a couple fingers.
I could have squeezed by with a 16’, but no room for extra implements. Thought about 18’, but a 20’ was only a couple hundred more. I’ve used all of the length many times...

 

[GreensvilleJay]

I have 24/7 access to a couple of 'car hauler'(one was mine..) but if I have a custom trailer made for my tractor it will be NARROWER that the 'stock, cookie cutter' 7' wide ones. Less width = less steel = less weight and easier to haul+park . Also keeps others from 'borrowing' it as cars don't fit !

 

[River19]

This is kinda timely as I was looking the other day at a 22' 15K GVWR tilt bed for possible Spring purchase.

The dovetail with ramps were fine but once I added some of the features I wanted the tilt bed was only maybe $500-800 more......

I was thinking the 14.5' tilt portion was more than enough for my B2601 and the 8' front fixed portion is great for additional implements.

Of course I am running out of places to store trailers.......horse trailer, travel trailer, etc.

 

[jnschnit]

I have the PJ 8316 dovetail landscape trailer. I have used it to trailer my B2620 with FEL and 60 inch MMM. No problems at all. MMM has never hung up. Haven't used it yet to trailer my new B2601. (it's buried in the snow)

 

[OrangeKrush]

Had the PJ dovetail 18’+2 and loved it, mainly for sidexside’s & four wheelers at that time. Pulled great with 1500 extended cab silverado lb.