When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
So first question this.
How reliable is the VIN decoder data?
So the results gave me curb weight of:
Front- 3806
Rear- 2650
Total- 6456 lbs getting read to grade drive way weight ticket from feed store scales
And it leads up to my next question.
My utility trailer/metal bed is 2800 lbs rated 10.4k lbs total.
Took rig to public scale and ticket just reads 16,700 total
So that means my rig, trailer and tractor is at 10,244 lbs., based on the truck weight found with VIN decoder.
Having said all this, You seasoned trailer using folks. Am I cutting this to close or do I need to upgrade to 6k axles?
I do not tow this rig often maybe 3-7 times a month, helping others shredding pastures.
Any other advice also welcomed.
Mods IF this is the wrong place for post please move accordingly.
Thanks everyone
Well, 16700-6456=10244 for the trailer. Your trailer is rated for 10400. I would guess you have 800-1000, maybe more maybe less on the tongue. So I would guess your trailer has around a low to mid 9000 lb load. You’re good.
I'm a little confused with your post. Are you saying that your trailer weighs 10,244lbs loaded? I take it your trailer has 6-lug 5k or 5200lb axles?
While I don't think safety is an issue, you may have premature wear on some components hauling at max weight all the time (tires, bearings, brakes, suspension).
Do you have, or plan to get heavier attachments for your tractor? Do you every haul anything on the trailer with the tractor?
3-7 times a month is pretty often. Can't hurt to look at 14k trailers if you are too concerned.
I'm a little confused with your post. Are you saying that your trailer weighs 10,244lbs loaded?--Yes. I take it your trailer has 6-lug 5k or 5200lb axles?-- Yes
While I don't think safety is an issue, you may have premature wear on some components hauling at max weight all the time (tires, bearings, brakes, suspension).
Do you have, or plan to get heavier attachments for your tractor?- Box Blade 625lbs, Cutter 850lbs Do you every haul anything on the trailer with the tractor?-Yes. Truck bed has 2ea, 5 gal. Diesel fuel cans, Hyd. oil, grease gun, basic save my bacon in a bind hand tools. tractor contains, floor has 2-20ft. 5/16 th chains, 6' choker, 3/4 & 5/15 shackles, machete, 12" adj. wrench.
3-7 times a month is pretty often. Can't hurt to look at 14k trailers if you are too concerned.
that's kindah what I was looking for. Not seasoned enough to know if I should be concerned. Your point about accelerated wear makes perfect sense.
I spoke with a ranch hand and he suggested replacing with 6k rated axles. Guess have 12k capacity would increase margin of safety. I'll look at 6k versus 7k axles cost.
Thanks appreciate you insight.
PS: I did enter 5/16th and preview shows 5/15 go figure???
that's kindah what I was looking for. Not seasoned enough to know if I should be concerned. Your point about accelerated wear makes perfect sense.
I spoke with a ranch hand and he suggested replacing with 6k rated axles. Guess have 12k capacity would increase margin of safety. I'll look at 6k versus 7k axles cost.
Thanks appreciate you insight.
PS: I did enter 5/16th and preview shows 5/15 go figure???
If you are hauling all you normally haul, I think with the tongue weight, you are probably 92-9400 lbs on the trailer. I wouldn’t really be concerned. Yes, a heavier load is gonna tax the trailer, but it’s not gonna fall apart for years to come with some care.
If it isn’t overloaded and you learn it wears prematurely then upgrade when that time comes.
I bet you are ok. I know a guy that has the same trailer and pulled 20k lbs on it multiple times across texas for a job. It’s ok and that was a few years ago, bet he’s never even serviced the bearings.
Bearings. ...lol..oh yeah.....I think I read that long detailed thread in the trailering forum.
A spring time project. Well, thanks everyone for the insight.
Being OCD sure has its drawbacks so outside experience is a big help.
As a side note, what a treat working the 6.2L versus the 1/2 ton chassis of the Tundra.
Have to agree with BigTruckBig Rv on his take of anything over 8k is 3/4 territory.
Marketing forces are a powerful force though.
Well this was quick and easy.
Yah'll have a good night.
Yeah you need to put a little attention to them everyonce in awhile. Not just for safety but it’ll pull better.
One thing about 1/2 tons is that trailer can be pulled behind a halfton. I picked up a 14K equipment trailer in a pinch as we needed an extra trailer then realized it’s a bit much behind our F-150s. I’ve put around 5-6k miles on it since last February.
Looking back I could have got one size down and been happier since I already have a 14k gooseneck. Gonna maybe change the tires on the equipment trailer to see if it improves it and research better hitches for the F-150s.
I’d weigh your axle weights one day just out of curiosity but you are probably ok if everything above is accurate.
that's kindah what I was looking for. Not seasoned enough to know if I should be concerned. Your point about accelerated wear makes perfect sense.
I spoke with a ranch hand and he suggested replacing with 6k rated axles. Guess have 12k capacity would increase margin of safety. I'll look at 6k versus 7k axles cost.
Thanks appreciate you insight.
PS: I did enter 5/16th and preview shows 5/15 go figure???
Umm I think max weight of trailer you need to also include the weight of the trailer. I am also a newbie at this but when I purchased my first trailer I bought a big Tex 14et. Meaning I'm running 7,000lbs axels. My cargo capacity is 12,220 not 14,000. This is what I was told at purchase and choose to follow. It kind of set me back a few weeks from purchase to save for a bigger trailer because I was about to buy a lighter duty trailer in the beginning. Our tractor weighs in at almost 10,000 and I didn't want to be right up against the max capacity. Please correct me if I'm wrong.
I have a big Tex 14ET too, 20 ft. The axles are 7k each so with the tongue weight I will gross a little more ok. I think it weighs like 3400 empty though?
Is it rough as hell? Even behind my f250 it’s rough but if I pull it a few hundred miles it smooths out. Thinking about changing the tires. It’s seriously bad and I’m not that picky; like jerk the back of the truck off bad.
Joe T - empty trailers can suck. They tend to be very balanced weight wise when empty.. so they tend to "bounce" on the hitch, rather than keep nice solid pressure. I've thought about getting one of the air-ride style gooseneck couplers just to smooth it out since I do tend to do a fair amount of empty hauling with both my equipment and horse trailer.
01-08-2019, 05:26 PM
2 Questions truck & trailer kind
