Subject: [Homestead] trailers was: Auctions- was Tractor
Date: Sun, 23 Oct 2005 18:47:11 -0400
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.