After reading a different thread about towing capacities, it got me thinking about a trailer we have at work. It's a home-made 20' dovetail triple axle trailer. It's a bumper pull with a 2 5/16" coupler and chain brackets for a weight distribution hitch. It's titled as 11,500# GTW (can't be correct), but we have TXDOT inspection for 20,000#. It's rarely used, but it occasionally tempts a crew (with a CDL) to use it as an equipment hauler.

My question is, does a weight distribution hitch exist that can handle this trailer fully loaded?

Follow up question. We have various Ford Super Duties, 2006-2008, F250 thru 550, all diesel. We also have 2008-2010 Dodge 3500s, also diesels. Can one of our trucks even tow this fully loaded trailer - with or without a weight distribution hitch?

 

according to the 08 towing guide, the max towing capacity is 16,000lbs conventional. http://www.fordvehicles.com/assets/p...TTgdeMay07.pdf, page 18

the largest I have seen is an 18,000 hitch Curt Trailer Hitch for Ford F-350, 450, and 550 Cab and Chassis 2010 - 15600

page 21 of the towing guide shows the gooseneck/5thwheel and IF the 550 has the special 33,000lb gvwr, then it could support a 23,000 (GROSS) trailer.

the biggest weight distributing bars I've see are for 15,000lbs/ 1500 tongue weight.. Reese SC Weight Distribution w Sway Control - Trunnion - 15,000 lbs GTW, 1,500 lbs TW Reese Weight Distribution RP66157

So, I would say,
1. no u shouldn't haul this loaded with anything u have.
2. u should use a stronger hitch to get to the 16,000 lb max
3. and a wd setup
or
go to gooseneck. really the better approach..

and the trailer is either 10,500 (3*3500lb axles), or 15000, 18,000 or 21000 (5,6,or 7k lb axles).

the highest 2 5/16s ball I've ever seen is 30,000 (this surprised me!) http://www.etrailer.com/*****/Curt/C40041.html
sam

 

WD hitch ratings are based on tounge weight not trailer weight.
I've got a 1500lbs Blue Ox unit on my toy hauler.
With tri axle your tounge weight should be lower then single or double axle if the trailer is loaded properly.

44

 

I think this trailer has three 7,000# axles. Tongue weight is usually about 10-15%, correct? If it's too heavy for almost all of my trucks and it's too heavy for a weight distribution hitch (even if just slightly), then why does this trailer exist? It's like leaving loaded gun around the work yard.

BTW - Anybody want to buy a trailer? Make you a heck of a deal...

 

well, just cause it HAS 7k axles doesn't mean you HAVE to load it up like that. thats the only time its too heavy..

triple axle is a bit much for a single car carrier tho!..

Sam

 

Most of the equipment haulers are design to be hooked up to dump trucks that have the coupler just inches behind the rear axle. The trailer axles are way back and lot of trailer weight goes on the hitch. I am using triple axle, 18k gross trailer and even with my F450 flatbed I had to add airbags to handle the 2000-5000 tongue weight.
For that weigh you need pintle hook. Have never seen WD for those.

 

To further complicate, when I load my triple 7K axle fifth wheel trailer, the tongue weight actually reduces. It's lighter on the truck loaded than when unloaded. This is due to placing the heaviest part of the load directly over the middle axle on the trailer. Wrap your head around that and you may be tempted to load her up and see what happens.