Not quite a truck owner yet, but looking actively.
Just bought two farms in Southern Ontario, total 400 acres, about 100 miles east of Toronto ... they are about 5 miles apart ...
Have a 75HP New Holland tractor in a Coverall at one place, need to transport it to the other frequently to build house, driveway, septic bed etc. ...
The tractor weighs about 8-10,000lb., depending on attachments such as loader and backhoe etc. ... I figure another 10,000lb. for a gooseneck flatbed trailer ...
I'm thinking of an F-350 with these specs:
Age: '96-'01
Miles: 80,000-130,000
Eng.: 7.3L Turbo Diesel
Drive: 4X4
Wheels: Dually
Hitch: Flip Ball in the bed
Box: Extended (I'd like to haul stuff, from gravel to wood chips)
Cab: Regular (will NEVER have more than one passenger)
Brakes: Brake Control Package for the load
Is this a good spec.? Will I be able to find something like this? How much should I expect to pay?
I think you will technically be over the limit if it actually adds to 20k.
I don't think the trailer will weigh that much, but I may be wrong.
But, you will only be going 5 miles, probably slowly on back-country roads at reasonable speeds so it shouldn't be unsafe.
Definitely get the 7.3 versus the 6.0, proven more reliable, torquey, and better mpg.
Definitely get the long bed. Bigger fuel tank and better for goosenecks.
Definitely get the dually since you plan to tow HEAVY.
I would at least get the extra cab so you can recline the seats a little and lock more gear in your truck.
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04 PSD CC 4x4 XLT
8" Superlift, 37"BFG's
Most GN's rated for 14K run between 5,800 and 6,500 lbs. depending on length. You can look at several GN manufacturer websites to check their running weight.
If your trailer is under 25' and is only a four-wheeled trailer you probably will be under 5000lbs, even as a goose. If you bump up to a dually type trailer you may see empty weights up around 8000lbs. For that load you do not need such a heavy trailer and would be fine with a 20k rated two axle, four wheeled trailer. The dually truck will then be completely legal towing the tractor and trailer.
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Nathan
2002 F150 SuperCab Short Bed FX4 5.4L V8 Firestone Load Level Air Suspension
2007 Featherlite 8413 20x7x7' Stock Trailer
Super Steve: Appreciate the rec for at least an extended cab for keeping things safe, and dry. I'd prefer that to an in-bed toolbox.
Jefftb: I'll definitely have to firm up the trailer and tractor gross weights. I'll be happy if it all comes out a bit lower. I have two ways to go between the two farms, one through a substantial creek valley, and one about 4 miles longer, but flat. I'm looking for being legal and being safe.
Grafekie: Thanks. I'll do more inquiring about two axel, single wheeled, with about 20k GVW rating. That seems like a good combo, especially if the truck is dually.
Anyone: If not an F-350, are there Chevy or Dodge equivalents I should also be looking for?
lotsa farmers around here farm a few different properties. its not uncommon for them to just run the road. (prob quicker than loading, towing unloading)
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RIP BIG GREEN owned her from 08.17.04 - 05.10.08
lotsa farmers around here farm a few different properties. its not uncommon for them to just run the road. (prob quicker than loading, towing unloading)
x2- Thats what my folks have done for years. Unless you have to go a long distance this is the way to go, just watch traffic tho, people can be idiots.
__________________ 2008 F350SD CC PSD 4x4 long Bed
Yeah its not uncommon to see some pretty big peices of farm machinery move on the highways out here, especially cotton equipment. They actually drive right down the middle taking up most of both lanes sometimes. 5 miles isn't that far to run, especially if theres a nice wide ditch down either side.
I don't know about Canada, but tractors can use highways in Texas as long as the have headlights, a taillight, reflectors, yellow flashers, and a slow mover sign.
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red 04 F250 build date 04/04 6.0 PSD ,auto,cc, xlt ,sb, moon roof, 4X4, off road pkg, sports pkg., tow pkg,camper pkg,FX4, electric shift on fly
93 f350 7.3 , 5 speed manual, ext cab, long box 240K+ miles
1967 C700 farm truck
30 ft travel trailer
Vietnam Vet/ OS1 USN/USNR retired 26 years
B5 soydiesel user
Sirius radio
I'm kind of late on this thread, but welcome to FTE. I haul a 75 HP New Holland tractor all over the place with my 350 with no issues. I use a 24' gooseneck trailer with 2 7k (lbs) axles under it. The trailer is around 3200# empty. You'll be fine with a F350.
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Chris
2002 F350 6-speed 444 CID. XLT, Heated Seat, 270,000 & counting. 6637 w/ Pete's armor. Cold air set up for 6637
“Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment.” Will Rogers
