Homestead mailing list

[Don Bowen <don.bowen AT earthlink.net>]

At 10/23/2005, you wrote:

> A trailer is definately something on my mind for that reason alone, and also
> because with some minor adjustment I could haul stock or whatever.

Be careful, not all tandems are the same.  For any load over 1500# most 
stated require brakes on at least one axle.  Surge brakes are easiest to 
use but require the most maintenance.  Electric brakes require a controller 
in each tow vehicle.  Axles are rated from 1500# to 3500#.  A tandem with 
3500# axles can carry around 5500#, taking into account a trailer weight of 
around 1500#.  Be aware of tire load weights.  A wood floor of 2 bys will 
carry point loads such as a tractor or distributed loads such as 
gravel.  Loading ramps are another place where you want something strong 
enough for the anticipated loads.  Ramps in the shape of a ladder are light 
but many times the openings can make it difficult to roll a car 
tire.  Railings on each side make a light trailer but can interfere with 
car doors but pose no problems for tractors.

My tandem has two 3500# axles with electric brakes on the front with radial 
tires rated at 2200#.  It has a floor of 2X10s and rails along the sides 
and a 2 5/16 ball.  The larger ball makes it harder for people to 
borrow.  The connector is the RV type which also makes it harder to 
borrow.  The sides get in the way of car doors but it had hauled steel, 
crawler and rubber tired tractors, rocks, etc.  The ramps are the ladder 
type but the spacing makes it very hard to load cars with flat tires and 
the ramps are very heavy.  I plan to replace the ramps.

Here is a picture with a tractor loaded:
http://www.braingarage.com/Dons/Travels/journal/January%2005/images/ferguson.jpg 


Don Bowen                          Awl Knotted Up

My travel journal
http://www.braingarage.com/Dons/Travels/journal/Journal.html

My present location is the star on the map in the link below
http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?latlongtype=decimal&latitude=35.588269&longitude=-82.629132