Trailer frames and ratings

[KMB]

I don't really have a means to move logs so it is best for me to haul splits home. The only downfall is that I am usually too worn out to do anything with it when I get home, so it stays on the trailer until I get to it. Right now I have my 20 foot trailer full, a pick up box full, and I just came home with my ATV trailer full of oak that will need split. A dump trailer would rock!

I'm in the same boat with no machines to move anything other than rounds. Everything is done manually. Yes, a dump trailer would be beautiful!

I have to be really motivated and in the right mind frame (good day of cutting) to cut and fill the trailer and then come home and unload it right away...especially if the rounds are in the 30" range. A bad day of cutting (got to hot, for example) in the southern summer equals 'stopping' the truck and trailer in the yard, leaving everything in the truck, into the house and laying on the floor in the A/C.

Kevin

 

[Locust Cutter]

I'm in the same boat with no machines to move anything other than rounds. Everything is done manually. Yes, a dump trailer would be beautiful!

I have to be really motivated and in the right mind frame (good day of cutting) to cut and fill the trailer and then come home and unload it right away...especially if the rounds are in the 30" range. A bad day of cutting (got to hot, for example) in the southern summer equals 'stopping' the truck and trailer in the yard, leaving everything in the truck, into the house and laying on the floor in the A/C.

Kevin

:agree2: Thats why I try (when Uncle Sam lets me be in town anyway) to cut all of my wood in the winter and then split into the spring. Cutting in 90+ heat with 90%+ humidity is hard on the operator, the equipment and the desire to cut in general. I usually try to empty the truck/trailer immediately after to give the springs a break, but, some days it's just not happening.

 

[KMB]

:agree2: Thats why I try (when Uncle Sam lets me be in town anyway) to cut all of my wood in the winter and then split into the spring. Cutting in 90+ heat with 90%+ humidity is hard on the operator, the equipment and the desire to cut in general. I usually try to empty the truck/trailer immediately after to give the springs a break, but, some days it's just not happening.

:agree2: I've been trying for at least 2 years to do my cutting in the 'southern winter' and early spring...but work, weather (cutting area to wet to get to or raining when I have found/made time to cut), or something else pushes me to be cutting in the summer months. I'm trying this year again to get most of my cutting done before it gets hot again...we'll see.

Good point about unloading immediately. That should give me the motivation to get it done.

Kevin

 

[Haywire Haywood]

Don't remember if these were mentioned, but have you looked at the Lone Wolf Trailers? Seem like a middle of the road tandem.

4" channel tongue, 3x4x1/4 angle frame. Local guy quoted me $1795 for a 14'x77" with one braked axle. $150 more for the second set of brakes. Problem with that is 6% sales tax.

Ian

 

[Haywire Haywood]

After doing the numbers, the Lone Wolf may not be such a good deal after all. Comparing that to the Kaufman 14x82 wood deck equipment trailer is apples and oranges.

Kaufman.. 14x82, 4" channel tongue and frame, 3" channel cross members 24 on center. Both axles braked. $1990 + $200 delivery = $2190 (My Kubota dealer will take delivery and unload it for me no charge)

Lone Wolf 14x77, 4" channel tongue, 3x4x1/4 frame, $1795 + $150 for brakes on second axle + 6% tax = $2061

$129 more for a much stouter trailer. No contest. Only thing to consider is weight. If the Lone Wolf is good enough, it's lighter to tow. The Kaufman is 2300lbs.. no idea on the lone wolf.

Ian

 

[KMB]

After doing the numbers, the Lone Wolf may not be such a good deal after all. Comparing that to the Kaufman 14x82 wood deck equipment trailer is apples and oranges.

Kaufman.. 14x82, 4" channel tongue and frame, 3" channel cross members 24 on center. Both axles braked. $1990 + $200 delivery = $2190 (My Kubota dealer will take delivery and unload it for me no charge)

Lone Wolf 14x77, 4" channel tongue, 3x4x1/4 frame, $1795 + $150 for brakes on second axle + 6% tax = $2061

$129 more for a much stouter trailer. No contest. Only thing to consider is weight. If the Lone Wolf is good enough, it's lighter to tow. The Kaufman is 2300lbs.. no idea on the lone wolf.

Ian

Decisions, decisions. The 2300 lbs. is something to consider for sure.

Looks like a nice trailer. I'd be interested to know if the Lone Wolf offers a Bulldog hitch. Looks like the closest dealer to me is over 200 miles...a little to far. In my research, it looks like I have quite a selection of trailer builders with in about 2 hrs. away in Texas...just great...more to choose from. I'd rather have just a few to choose from...easier on my brain .

Kevin

 

[Haywire Haywood]

Ok, if you compare apples to apples... Kaufman's 16' landscape trailer. 3x3 3/16 angle frame and the 16' version (no 14 to compare) is still $1990+$200 delivery. I asked about a 14 but they said no change in price. All the steel is pre-cut. They would just have some waste when they build it.

The Lone Wolf's 3x4x1/4 angle is the better frame when compared like that.

Ian

 

[Locust Cutter]

Ok, if you compare apples to apples... Kaufman's 16' landscape trailer. 3x3 3/16 angle frame and the 16' version (no 14 to compare) is still $1990+$200 delivery. I asked about a 14 but they said no change in price. All the steel is pre-cut. They would just have some waste when they build it.

The Lone Wolf's 3x4x1/4 angle is the better frame when compared like that.

Ian

Well, have fun with the angle frame trailers,... I've broken one by overloading it a bit (didnt look like it) and snapped the neck clean off. I've similarly overloaded C channel trailers (wet Hedge and Locust is deceptively heavy) and they never seemed to care. Either way I did have to overload it to make it happen, so Kevin, with your attention to detail, you'll probably be safe. Knowing my proclivities and tendency to just say screw it and try to get it done, I'd like a beefier trailer with a bit more strength as a safety net. Good luck whichever way you go.
-Bryan

 

[KMB]

Ok, if you compare apples to apples... Kaufman's 16' landscape trailer. 3x3 3/16 angle frame and the 16' version (no 14 to compare) is still $1990+$200 delivery. I asked about a 14 but they said no change in price. All the steel is pre-cut. They would just have some waste when they build it.

The Lone Wolf's 3x4x1/4 angle is the better frame when compared like that.

Ian

Ian, are you wanting a tail gate or slide in ramps? How about the coupler...Bulldog or Atwood?

Regarding the Trailmaster I mentioned in post #7 (83" x 16' utility trailer). Standard items I liked (nothing special really) are the Bulldog coupler, wrap tongue (4" channel), wiring in conduit, treated floor, stake pockets (4) and LED's are a nice touch. The other option I would get is the 2nd brake axle (with the 3" x 4" x 1/4" angle frame, 48" tail gate, extra supports on the tail gate, and spare tire mount). I was quoted $2022 out-the-door from a dealer about an hour away.

I've done some thinking about the frames. Big Tex and Kaufman trailers use 5" x 3" angle (x 3/16" for Big Tex and x 1/4" for Kaufman) for their 14K rated utility trailers. I would say that they are both 'big' trailer builders, and to me that says something because they have to (or should) stand behind their trailers and they have a rep to uphold. I do know that other 'big' name builders do use C channel frames on their 14K (and also down to 7K) rated utility trailers. Each builder has their reasons.

Kevin

 

[KMB]

Well, have fun with the angle frame trailers,... I've broken one by overloading it a bit (didnt look like it) and snapped the neck clean off. I've similarly overloaded C channel trailers (wet Hedge and Locust is deceptively heavy) and they never seemed to care. Either way I did have to overload it to make it happen, so Kevin, with your attention to detail, you'll probably be safe.

-Bryan

Bryan, yep, I guess that is the way I am . I get that from my dad who has passed on. I admit I'm not much of a big risk taker. If there's a middle of the road on something, I usually lean to the safer side. Again, I go back to my weak link...my truck. I think I've explained myself enough already on what I'm trying to achieve. Y'all are gonna run me off one day .

Knowing my proclivities and tendency to just say screw it and try to get it done, I'd like a beefier trailer with a bit more strength as a safety net.

Ya got rep for that one.

Kevin

 

[Haywire Haywood]

I don't have a preference between tailgate and ramps. The tailgate would just save me having to make a back wall. I'm considering calling LW and seeing if leaving off the tube sides in favor of a flat bed with stake pockets would save some cash. I'll be building sides for it anyway to either extend what's there or in the case of a flat bed, make it whole height. I want 24" sides. Heck, I could just custom order it with 24" tube sides that I just have to side with boards.

I don't know what kind of coupler other than the LW is for a 2" ball and the Kaufman is 2-5/16. I'll call tomorrow.

Ian

 

[Haywire Haywood]

Again, I go back to my weak link...my truck

Yep, that's where I'm at... big hefty trailer means less wood on it before reaching 6600.

Ian

 

[KMB]

I don't have a preference between tailgate and ramps. The tailgate would just save me having to make a back wall. I'm considering calling LW and seeing if leaving off the tube sides in favor of a flat bed with stake pockets would save some cash. I'll be building sides for it anyway to either extend what's there or in the case of a flat bed, make it whole height. I want 24" sides. Heck, I could just custom order it with 24" tube sides that I just have to side with boards.

I don't know what kind of coupler other than the LW is for a 2" ball and the Kaufman is 2-5/16. I'll call tomorrow.

Ian

24" high uprights would be nice to just add plywood (or boards) to...and I have thought about pricing that option, but I think I would have use for the lower uprights when hauling other things.

Kevin

 

[Haywire Haywood]

24" detachable tube sides that sit in stake pockets.

Ian

 

[KMB]

24" detachable tube sides that sit in stake pockets.

Ian

Ah-haaaa...that would be the way to do it for sure, yup.

Kevin

 

[Locust Cutter]

Bryan, yep, I guess that is the way I am . I get that from my dad who has passed on. I admit I'm not much of a big risk taker. If there's a middle of the road on something, I usually lean to the safer side. Again, I go back to my weak link...my truck. I think I've explained myself enough already on what I'm trying to achieve. Y'all are gonna run me off one day .



Ya got rep for that one.

Kevin

I completely understand where you're at. For about 5 years my wood truck, (my only 4-wheeled vehicle for that matter) was a '97 F-150 2wd 5-spd with the 4.2 V-6 and a 3.42 rearend (my friend custom ordered that way and I bought it for $700 wrecked). I had over a ton of wood on it on several occasions and it did VERY well for what it was. It wouldn't pull a trailer very well. It could do a 16-18' wood trailer, but it wasn't happy about it and forget backing it up a hill so configured,.... You'd smoke the clutch trying. I love my 2 Superduties, but I do miss that truck, it did a lot more than any 1/2 ton probably should. I'm with you on the safety aspect (much to my Wife's frustration) until I get mad, then it tends to shift towards a tactical Mad Max approach (not always the best idea depending on the circumstances) until I regain my composure, or finish the job. Whichever comes first.

You might look at the single axle PJ's, Kevin, they're one of the better built trailers that I've seen across the build/size spectrum; if you've got the $$$. I don't so that's why I'm in the "need one (or 3) category".:hmm3grin2orange:

 

[KMB]

I'm with you on the safety aspect (much to my Wife's frustration) until I get mad, then it tends to shift towards a tactical Mad Max approach (not always the best idea depending on the circumstances) until I regain my composure, or finish the job. Whichever comes first.

Thanks again for the chuckle after the "until I get mad..."

When I get 'very frustrated' (ya, that's it...) at something or a job, I start doing stuff at a faster, intense pace...but it's still controlled. Sometimes I want to 'dispatch' of an item, but quickly I think of the consequences (even while in the 'very frustrated' state) and what it will cost to replace the item, and the moment will pass...usually .

You might look at the single axle PJ's, Kevin, they're one of the better built trailers that I've seen across the build/size spectrum; if you've got the $$$. I don't so that's why I'm in the "need one (or 3) category".:hmm3grin2orange:

Now you have went and done it...another idea for my poor brain.

I have thought about a 6' or 77" x 10' single axle and along with my truck bed to be able to haul my goal of at least 1 full cord of Oak. But using 5500 lbs. approx for a cord of Oak, a 3500 lb. axle trailer (weighing about 1000 lbs.) and with not much payload on my half ton, that combo wouldn't work. PJ Trailers do have a C channel single axle utility trailer that has a 5200 lb. axle option. Would the trailer rating go up to 5200 lbs. with a brake axle? Anybody know how that works? I might have to get an estimate on that trailer...but I'm sure it will be out there out of reach. I'd still like to know for curiosity.

Kevin

 

[KD57]

Since I quit building trailers and buy them, I get the PJ's. Built really nice, and the frames are powder coated, not just painted. I pull with a F-350 diesel, my 5.4 1/2 ton won't get out of it's own way, and I have a 3.73 ratio. I have a 5x10 PJ, (channel frame BTW) and when it's full of wood, that's all the 1/2 ton wants.
One other thing, most trailer mfr's also put cheap tires on them, so if you intend on pulling at max gvwr, I would suggest upgrading the tires. Quality mfr's usually use a better tire, and don't need upgrading. I have seen some of the cheapo trailers flatten out the tires before reaching max loading for the trailer.

 

[Locust Cutter]

Since I quit building trailers and buy them, I get the PJ's. Built really nice, and the frames are powder coated, not just painted. I pull with a F-350 diesel, my 5.4 1/2 ton won't get out of it's own way, and I have a 3.73 ratio. I have a 5x10 PJ, (channel frame BTW) and when it's full of wood, that's all the 1/2 ton wants.
One other thing, most trailer mfr's also put cheap tires on them, so if you intend on pulling at max gvwr, I would suggest upgrading the tires. Quality mfr's usually use a better tire, and don't need upgrading. I have seen some of the cheapo trailers flatten out the tires before reaching max loading for the trailer.

I agree about the tires, most are crappy to begin with, but after replacement make for a decent trailer. A friend back home has one that he tows with a Jeep Liberty diesel,... loaded up with river rock out of the flint hills, the Jeep knows it's there, but it pulls nicely. He put a weight distribution hitch on it and it tows like a dream for a single axle trailer,...

Kevin,
I think you're well on the way to making a sound decision (and it's your $$$ either way). I'll give you a bit of advice that my Dad gave me a long time ago that has served me well: Buy the best tool that you can afford for any job that you plan on doing more than once,... That would definitely go for trailer and tires. You might pay a bit more for the PJ or a similar quality model elsewhere, but the value, peace of mind and longevity you will get in return for the investment will greatly outweigh the initial cost. Save up, eat Ramen noodles, whatever you've got to do, but do it and do it right and you'll be glad you did.
I suspect that you'll probably have your trailer longer than you'll have this truck. Given the supposition that you'll buy a more capable truck to replace it with, the mild weight penalty you'll pay now (with the better trailer) likely won't be noticed with a slightly more powerful truck. My 5.4 1-ton will drag a 20' Sided landscape trailer with about 2 FULL cords of Oak on it 70mph just fine (on flat ground). It's not a diesel (my diesel is broken currently), but it does very well. You find a decent older Ford 460 or a newer V-10 250 or 350, you'll do all you ever want to do. Just don't buy an 8.1l V-8 Chevy: pulls like a freight train, fuel mileage of an oil tanker,.... (and I'm a Chevy Guy). Sorry for the Book,....
-Bryan

 

[KMB]

Bryan, great advice...and I didn't mind the 'book' . I'm an info junky when it comes to researching stuff. I'm looking at every option and trying to find the balance in it all. Thanks.

Kevin