14 or 16 footer?

[Lynden-Jeff]

Hey,

I currently have a 6 by 12 single axle trailer. I just purchased a bagger for my rider so I plan to upgrade to 6.5 X 14 or 16 foot dual axle trailer. Will my dodge ram 1500 5.9 liter have any trouble pulling the extra weight of a 16 footer? There is no extra equiptment weight just the trailer. Also what class hitch will I need? Right now I have class 3 but im thinking atleast a 4. Would anyone recommend just the 14 over the 16?

Cheers
Jeff

[DaughtryLC]

Always get the bigger triler!

[noseha]

bigger is better!!!!! i think a 20 ft.

[grass_cuttin_fool]

Get the 16, 4 feet makes alot of difference. Your truck shouldnt have any problems handling a 16 foot trl.

wayne

[stumper1620]

bigger is better!!!!! i think a 20 ft.
I have a 16, almost always wishing it was a 20'
Whatever you get, you will always wish it was bigger.

[godzilla]

I'd say get the 16. 2' will really come in handy at times. On the other hand though, if you do a lot of work in tight areas... get the 14. I was working with a 10 this spring and it was small, but for turning around in dead end roads it was fine. Now with my 16, i've got much more room... but turning around in those small dead end roads really bites.

[Lynden-Jeff]

Am I going to find it much more difficult to drive with the 16 over the 12?

Cheers
Jeff

[Birdhunter1]

I've got a 16' tandem axle trailer and I don't find a problem manuevering anywhere with it, of course I've been pulling it for the last 10 years since I was 16. Your truck will not have a problem pulling that trailer, unless it weighs about 4000 lbs. an you're wanting to put another 4000 lbs. on it.

Then again you have a Dodge so you may have a problem, better trade it on a Ford before you get that trailer!

[LindblomRJ]

Seems like the longer the trailer is the easier it is to handle. Longer trailers seem a lot easier to back than shorter trailers.

[tsh1773]

I went from a 6 x 12 enclosed to a 6.5 by 16 open and I'm glad I went with the 16 ft. I put my cub, 48" wb, wb blower, honda 21", and the rack em collection box and still have room for clippings when I dethatch and have to take clippings with me. Last week I have all of that stuff and the renovator and a pull behind aerator. Had to run the cub over the clippings but not a problem. I pull it with a 1500 Dodge Ram with the 318 V8 and really dont have any trouble. I have a Class V hitch.

[S3Scooter]

I agree, go 16'. Make sure it has brakes though, that will make it nicer. I'm not sure how it is up their, but in the US I think if it is over a certain length, or weight it has to have breaks.

I am upgrading in the spring too, also from a 12 and I am going to have a side gate for sure. You will also find a tandem trailer will be easier on your 1500 than a single.

Finally, don't listen to Birdhunter1. Ford Guys only make those comments about our Dodges out of Jealousy. Rams Rule, and Fords Drool!!!

[SpruceLandscape]

I am in the same situation, looking at new trailers myself and trying to decide if I want a 14 or 16. I just sold my 18 because I was having to pay storage to park it. For me, I'm leaning towards a 14 with a side gate because I can back that into my garage at home and still be able to maneuver around the trailer when the door is closed, saves me $80/month storage and will let the trailer last longer being kept inside. On the other hand, if you have more than 1 riding mower, you will probably want the extra room of a 16. Like in a previous post though, if storage is not an issue, and you can afford it now, a 20 would be the most versatile in my opinion. Just my $0.02
Chuck