Finally found a trailer I liked. I know its no tandem-wheeled gooseneck, but I think its a solid trailer for $1600. I'll look into something bigger when the time comes but for towing my Bobcat and tractor right now it'll do great. I've seen much lighter trailers go for more than that price. Needs a little wiring work here and there, and I've gotta repack the left rear hub and/or possibly adjust the brakes, but it tows great, no squeaks or rattles or anything. 16" 8-lug wheels, decent 235/85/R16 E-rated truck tires, brakes on both axles, solid metal bed, breakaway battery, pintle hitch, etc. Its 16' long with a 2' dovetail.

And before someone says that the ramps are going to slide off, they do in fact hook on to the rail in the rear - its just hard to see that in the pictures.

 

I'm not crazy about "LT" tires on a trailer, even if they are "E" rated. The sidewalls will break down and are prone to blowouts (I've had plenty). Then the tire tears your fender up, etc.

I think you did fine on the price. If the axles and brakes are in good shape, you should be golden. I'd suggest getting some tires rated for trailer use when the LT's wear out (or blow out). Just my opinion, but it's based on the school of hard knocks. Here in Arizona the freeways get hot in the summertime.

 

Loks good to me.

 

[QUOTE=LeonT;2382359]I'm not crazy about "LT" tires on a trailer, even if they are "E" rated. The sidewalls will break down and are prone to blowouts (I've had plenty). Then the tire tears your fender up, etc.

I think you did fine on the price. If the axles and brakes are in good shape, you should be golden. I'd suggest getting some tires rated for trailer use when the LT's wear out (or blow out). Just my opinion, but it's based on the school of hard knocks. Here in Arizona the freeways get hot in the summertime.[/QUOTE

what tires do you suggest

 

Dennis, just be careful. When you run a skidsteer up on that trailer you're probably going to be exceeding you hitch rating.

 

I got some new tires and wheels from a local trailer builder for $80 a piece. They are 15 in and bias 8lpy tires but they are made for trailers. I pulled it from east Tx to pheonix and back non stop with a car one time and a jeep and 4wheeler the other time with no problems.

 

What is wrong with LT tires? Why would they not hold up as well on Arizona freeways as trailer tires?

I just bought a set of 5 LT tires to go on my Toyhauler because according to most of the guys on my thread here https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...d.php?t=229236 said they would be better than trailer tires.

I compared the tires side by side....and found the LT tires to "appear" to be much more sturdy, much stiffer sidewall, and generally tougher tire in every way.

Any tire can break down and blow out. IM just curious why you think the LT is more prone to it than the ST tire.

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My truck came with the tow package, so what class is the hitch that came with the truck rated for? Should I look into getting a class V hitch?

 

Technically speaking, you have a 7 ton float. That is 14,000 LBS GW. Simply put, those tires and your factory receiver are not up to that. The factory hitch is a class 4 and rated for 5000 LBS weight carrying and 10,000 LBS weight distributing - way under what the trailer is rated for. Get an aftermarket class 5 and call it done. Second is those LT tires - get rid of those. The LT radial belt arrangement is garbage for your float AND they are not rated high enough for the axles. Those LT's are probably rated for 3000 LBS or so, max. The proper trailer tire in the same size will be rated for 3500 LBS minimum. That is a 2000+ LB difference in tire capacity...significant, IMO. Other than that, it looks like you got a good deal on a solid trailer.

 

whats a good link for trailer tires then??

 

I will only run "ST" tires on my trailers now. They are built to take the abuse and sidewall flexing that is heaped on them when turning corners. You are basically dragging the tire sideways sometimes when you turn (especially on three axle trailers). I thought this was a tire manufacturing racket for years, but after blowing out countless LT tires over the years I finally decided that maybe they know what they're talking about (referring to the tire manufacturers). We could get LT tires cheaper and thought we were saving money. Didn't turn out that way.

I started buying ST tires and the problem was solved. No more blowouts. No more LT rated tires for me on trailers. I know folks will disagree, but I know what works for me. They put that "ST" (special trailer) stamp on there for a reason. Same for the "LT" (light truck) stamp.

I'm not a tire dealer, just a common dude who has pulled everything imaginable over the years on a lot of hot roads that you could fry an egg on during the summer.

 

Looks good. had a buddy with a similar one. he added little swing down legs on each side in the back so he could load it without the front flying up. Just a square welded to the side, with a sliding square inside it with various holes for pinning at different heights will do it.

 

Looks like the ramps are going to slide off.

Looking good tho!

 

I run 'ST' tires on all my trailer as well, they ARE rated in a higher weight class. I also put the swing-down jacks on both rear corners to stop the load rise at the front end. I've seen many carry a 6x6 block to put under the rear corner, but honestly, why carry a block when a jack makes it easy and does it right.

Your stock receiver is NOT good for towing heavy loads. They recommend using a weight distributing setup with it to get the max out of it, but many have had problems with the stock hitch using the wd - they crack and break down pretty fast with heavy pulls in no time. Make sure your saftey chains are stout enough too. Better to put on a heavier duty receiver and have peace of mind.

I'm not fond of pintle hooks, I'd be changing it out to a good solid ball connection. Too much slop and banging about when towing with them to suit me. I like the GN jack used up front, better than those cheezy screw jacks that come on most all BP trailers. My 12K TEX BP trailer came with the standard front junk jack and I'm replacing it with the GN jack soon. I'm also adding a storage box on the tongue for chains, etc so everything I need stays with the trailer instead of taking up space in my truck toolbox or in the cab.

You got an excellent deal, well worth the price. It will meet your needs and then some. It certainly gives you some $$ room over buying a new trailer, they are just too expensive these days for what you get.

CD

 

Well I wish you had jumped in on my thread when I was studying trailer tires for my Toyhauler. Everybody was saying to move up to 16'' and LT tires. That it would be SOOOOOOO much better.

I've ordered my wheels and tires now....so im gonna go ahead and give them a try. I guess if they don't work out.....i'll buy 16'' ST tires next time.

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