L4701 Trailer

[Missouribound]

Thanks for the useful information.
I was ready to jump in and buy one, and now I think I will check on renting one, no more than I hopefully will need it.

Keep in mind, based on your truck and drivetrain, your vehicle is rated for 5000# to 8000# towing capacity. Check your owners manual for your specifics. You can most likely get a trailer that fits your needs in that weight range. Over 3500# should have brakes which is a plus and you certainly need a tandem axle trailer.
Whether you buy or rent, those factors need to be considered.
"EDIT". I looked again at the specs and I found some information that suggests that 13,500# is the weight the F150 in that year can tow......well above what you require.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

Really need to read the owners manual for the REAL trailer capacity ! There'll be a chart 'somewhere', to show you style of truck, engine size, tranny, diff ratio...ALL of which factor into what you CAN pull. Also need to know the trailer hitch type on the truck.class 2,3,4 ?

 

[mcmxi]

re: I'd be interested to see your build sheet with cost for a trailer "twice as good for less".
last summer, tandem, 18', had less than 1500 in steel, about 1800 in running gear,wiring,battery bkp and yes LED backup lighting plus work lights,weighs less than 'store bought' versions so higher payload.

Pictures please! And $1,500 in steel is hardly a build sheet. What size steel did you use? What brand of axles, brakes etc. How did you paint it?

 

[GreensvilleJay]

no pix, client took it last summer
build sheet is confidential
running gear is all 'Made in USA'
paint, old school enamel

as for the design details, go onto the net, 100s of plans, mine is a mixture, for the clients specific use.
considerable time is spent to achieve the best payload to weight ratio, also taking into consideration is the steel forms sizes, which minimizes losses(aka scrap)
actual design calculations are done using a custom Delphi program that then creates the build sheet. While the original programs took some head scratching, they cut the design time from 3 days to 2 hours.

 

[CGMKCM]

My L4760 on a 20' 10k rated trailer. I have room left over for implements. Make sure you get brakes on both axles, lots of trailers out with only one set of brakes. Also look at ramps or jacks that support the rear of the trailer when loading. The weight of the tractor being loaded can pick up the rear of a pickup truck. My dealer says it happens enough that they have the equipment owner load the equipment.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

yes, 'feet' on the ramps are a must ! BUT..paint them bright friggin YELLOW immediately. If you don't know why.....report back in 3 months with YOUR shinscar pictures....

 

[jyoutz]

yes, 'feet' on the ramps are a must ! BUT..paint them bright friggin YELLOW immediately. If you don't know why.....report back in 3 months with YOUR shinscar pictures....

It also helps to remember to raise the jacks before driving off.