trailer choices

[onboard2]

I'm going to buy a trailer for my Bobcat 61 ztr and bobcat 54".
I will be towing this setup with a toyota tacoma 6 cyl. My question is what size should I buy with this size of truck. I am considering a 6.5 x 12 single axle. Some say that A double axle will ride better ? But a single axle would be easier to manuver Do I need electric brakes ? Is this a case of too much mower with this truck. My dealer said that tube railed tralers are more durable that the L shape rails. Your help woulld be appreciated.
Whats a good price and where a good dealer in Ohio ?
Thanks,

Tony

[brentsawyer]

Buy a 14' or 16' for the same price, you'll use it or need it later. For the estra $100, buy the brakes, that's a no brainer, you'll thank yourself as some F.L.O.P. pulls out infront of you. Those should come in dual axle, saves from your truck being in a ditch or catwalking down the road.

[Lanelle]

onboard 2

I have moved this thread here so that it will get more views/opinions since you are going to be hauling mowers.
Thanks,

[David Haggerty]

They have a big inventory to look at. Or you can order one exactly to your spec's. It 's not very far from Dayton.


I'm with brentsawyer on the dual axels.
If your truck's a little light, the dual axels will help stabilize the weight.

That dealer's right about the tube rails. But they also add trailer weight.

Dave

[scagman]

Im not sure what kind of torqe a toyota V6 has, but I was almost in the exact situation as you are one week ago. I have a GMC Sonoma 4.3 I was pulling a 6 x10 all last year. It was ready to go. I bought a 6.5 X 12 about a week ago I got it with tandem axles, and brakes on all four wheels (this is an absolute must!!!!). It looks like to me that with a single axle it might result in more tounge weight. You will probably need a set of helper springs. I took my truck down to Les Shwab and got an extra leaf on each side for $141 installed. My truck doesent squat at all. single axle 6 x12 can haul only #3500 pounds, while tandem axle 6 x 12 can carry #7000. Just try to avoid hills with a big trailer and those heavy ZTR'S. What type of V6 does your Toyota have and what kind of torqe?


TRAILER BRAKES!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[mklawnman]

Hey Onboard 2
Right now we have a 6.5 x12ft trailer, single axle with no brakes, it is a Falcon Trailer. I will have to agree with Brentsawyer, buy either a 14ft or 16ft tandem with brakes because with the equipment you have right now their won't be any space on the 12ft trailer for extra attachments. ITs always good to look ahead to any future expansion.
But if your going to go with the 12ft trailer then get brakes and a tandem. We have a 52inch Turf Tiger on the trailer along with a JD F525 three wheeler and if the load isn't balanced correctly it can sway very easily with just one axle back there. I am just afraid that without brakes on the trailer my truck,98 Ford Ranger V6 4.0L 4x4, will have to get new brakes soon :(. Take it easy on that truck thats what i have learned.
Matt(Lawnman)

[big james]

I don't agree with that theory, unless they are use awful thick square tubing your better off with anle iron -just my two cents .I have owned both ,someone stole my angle iron trailer and I replaced it with a square tube and I regret it ! pulling with that type of vehicle I would make sure I got some trailer brakes . I pull two ztr's around on a one ton pickup withour trailer brakes but my pickup weighs 4800# and I got those one ton brakes.;)

[onboard2]

Thanks for the help guys. What's the advantages of a double axle over a single axle. Would a single
axle with brakes be about the same as the double.
Or would the single have more tongue weight than the single and be harder to handle ? Would the double be worth the extra money or too much weight for the Tacoma V6 1/2 ton.

Thanks

[RoewMow]

The double distributes the weight better and will track better.... Safer for youand those around you. Check out Gator Trailers in Somerset KY (don't know if they have a web site). The guy has standard landscapes or will special make ones for a little extra. Go with a tandem axle for the better ability to handle loads.

[RoewMow]

Sorry forgot to mention, plan for the future when you get a heavier truck (Ford for my money) and start to carry more/ expand (crew and equipment).

[scagman]

Capable of carriying twice the weight.

Most come with trailer brakes.

Better balance.

Ive owned both single and double there isnt much difference in manuvering.

You say your truck is a Tacoma aren't those 1/4 tons? I think your truck will be fine, just add some helper springs. As for the V6 is it the big V6? whats that like a 3.4 litre. It should also do fine, mine does. Same class.

[SCAPEASAURUSREX]

Dual axle and brakes.. are a MUST.... I have had a single axle trailer in the past... Never agian, ( at least for hauling equipment ) .. With weight the thing would sway and you could feel it back there doing it's own thing.. Unloaded it was great....

Now I have a few Dual axles and the one an 18' er.. on the hiway I dont even know its' there... It's a beautiful thing , much smoother and better tracking... Not to mention handling and weight distribution....

Especially with the small truck.. The better and more stable the trailer the less wear and tear on the truck... Even if it's a few lbs heavier..

Tubes are much stronger than angle iron.. However if you plan on attaching racks , you have more to drill through.... The round tubes are even more difficult unless you make a jig... the square tubes are nice looking... I would have the shop weld in mesh between the rails and the frame so you can not worry about the little stuff leaving ... and also look into split gates.... Just my 2 cents...

[onboard2]

What's the average price for a tandem axle 6x14 trailer with brakes on 2 wheels ?

[WatkinsLawn]

Onboard2

Where in Dayton? I'm in Kettering.

[David Haggerty]

Originally posted by onboard2
What's the average price for a tandem axle 6x14 trailer with brakes on 2 wheels ?

I was going to say something about your post about tandem axels with two wheels. (It'd have four wheels)

Then I reread my own post and I've messed up worse than that!

It's tandem axels (two axels)

And dual wheels (two wheels side by side).

Not dual axels like I posted.

Sorry about that.

Dave

[Cutter1]

When I first started out I used a Toyota t100 with a 4 cylinder. I pulled a 12 ft trailer that had two walkbehinds and everything. I would end up with a full load of grass and it would pull everything fine. It was a stick too!! Do not underestimate Toyota's. My second crew still runs that truck, but now they also have a ztr and a walkbehind. Its still on the original clutch and has over 100k miles on it. It is a single axle trailer and I think brakes and all that are overkill for that truck. You would be surprised what your truck can handle. Especially with the v6. The opnly problem I had was the tongue weight, but you rectified that with springs!!

[plow kid]

you can get a 6.5' X 16' tandem with gate @ goldstar trailer sales in Clyde Ohio for $795, $895 with brakes on 1 axle, I am going to buy one from the goldstar in Monroe Michigan (closer to me)