trailer and handling

[GLC]

Hey guys!! I am thinking about getting an enclosed trailer. I want the single axle one cuz it turns better and I will be in and out of small drive ways. I was thinking like maybe a 12 footer carrying a scag TT with 61" cut and a 36" GD scamper walk-behind. I know it will haul it but anyway my question is...Will a single axle be able to track straight at 65 to 70 mph on the interstate? What do u guys suggest....a bigger trailer or an open trailer for interstate driving? Thanks for all yalls help!!

George

[LAWNGODFATHER]

They do it with motorcycles all the time, why wouldn't it with lawn mowers.

[2 man crew]

Either trailer will do fine on the highway as long as you have more weight toward the front. Fish tailing is caused by too much weight being toward the back of the trailer.

[IBGreen]

You need at least a 16 ft. DOUBLE axle trailer. Double axles just pull better they don't sway as easily and if you have a blow out you'll still be able to make it to a service station or something. If you get a 12 footer you will be kicking yourself later because you will run out of room. On top of that a longer trailer backs easier.

[Gravely_Man]

It will work fine using either a single or a double axle trailer. You do not want to have too much weight on the front of the trailer or the rear of the trailer. Contrary to what 2 man crew suggested you do not want too much tongue weight. A trailer must be loaded correctly to pull at its best.



Gravely_Man

[Five Star Lawn Care LLC]

IBGreen you hit the nail on the head,

GLC...do you plan on expanding anytime in the future? I allways go with th concept pay a little now or a lot later. if you buy a 12" this year and in 2 years you decide i need another rider it going to be a pain in the ***** cuz your going to have to shell out the $ for the rider then try to sell you 2 year old enclosed you will probably get 2/3rd of what you paid for it and that is if you are luckey and then u have to go out and buy a brand new trailer, probably build shelfs in it again, letter it agian. so in the long run i would say it might be a wiser decision to go big enouth to u can atleast fit another rider in when u want to

[lsylvain]

be carefull to check out your local laws on trailer weights. A couple of guys around here with enclosed trailers get pulled over alot because the cops want to make sure they have breaks and such. They can't see what is inside so they assume you are hauling a car or something. The didn't get into any trouble or anything, but it was a hassle for them.

[Boycea]

I would go with no less than a 16' dual axle. I bought a brand new 12' last spring, and by mid summer I was kicking myself for not going bigger. At the time all I needed was the 12' trailer, but you never know what will happen and what equipment you may need down road.

[IBGreen]

Another goor thing about tandem axle trailers (enclosed anyway) is that they come with brakes on both axles. And most of the time the dealer will install the brake controller for you for free! But you will have to harp on them sometimes.

[PR0 TURF]

Always buy bigger than you think you'll need at the present time. Unless storage space is an issue i too, would go with at least a 16ft...better to have a lil extra space then not enough.


:blob4:

[GraZHopA]

GLC;

I have a 6'x12' Wells Cargo enclosed trailer with the dove tail. It pulls excellent at 80 mph. I load it with a 1/2 ton Harley. I would suggest that if you are in the market for an enclosed trailer at least consider the torxflex axle. My trailer has this and I would not buy another without this axle. Besides this, I think that with this axle the trailer will be lower to the ground, which is a plus when loading the mower.

[bob]

Open or enclosed, you can never have too much room. I'd take a hard look at some 16'er's first.

[Turtle II]

Before hitching up
Keep trailer load as low as possible for a low center of gravity
If the trailer/load exceeds 1,000 pounds, the trailer should have its own brake system
Never overload a trailer - trailers have a gross vehicle or trailer weight rating which is usually found on a manufacturer's plate on the tongue. The total weight of trailer and load should be about 13 percent less than the gross vehicle or trailer weight rating for the trailer

Load must be balanced from side to side, while 60 percent of the load should be in the front half and 40 percent in the rear half for a slight weight-forward bias


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The above is copied from dodge.com towing guide.......
They have a pretty comprehensive list of all kinda stuff to concider when towing........

Turtle II
Eastern, NC
:cool:

[MX 158]

GLC,
I'd say it well handle just fine, but be sure you have enough width, my buddy has a 6x12 that only has a 64.75 width opening. Also check on ramp door capacities.

[Runner]

I don't care what anyone says, a double axle trailer will pull better than a single. There isn't all that bouncing around. As far as the cornering goes, I don't know where that came from, because a tandem will corner just as easy as a single.Your truck doesn't feel yhe resistance.

[GLC]

U guys have really got me thinking about what to get. I have found a used 14 footer double axle, brakes, side door, rear ramp and everything for $2,500. It has been sitting there for bout year and a half....gonna check it out again next time I am back around home...which will be bout in a month or so. It ain't goin anywhere so I will hopefully get it.... That means more room, great loads, and balanced ride. THanks for all ur help and comments....a big eye opener. THanks again

[Likestomow]

With the equipment you describe, you will only have enough room left over for a 21” mower next to your WB. You should park the WB in front of the Z and measure how long they both are together. You’ll find them to be real close to 12’.

But when fall comes and you want to carry an aerator, spreader, seed, fert, lime, and other things, where will you put them?

If you have a 16 footer you will be better off, even if you don’t use all the room all the time.

[Tony Harrell]

The length of the tongue has a lot to do with how a trailer handles at speed. Most places will give you the option to lengthen it. Proper balance is another issue. You don't want all of the weight in front or the rear. I'd say a 60f/40r split would be good. Truly, if you're really expecting to need the room the next season, go for the larger trailer with extra axle and brakes. Trailers are like pickup trucks, you can always find a buyer.

[mklawnman]

Those two mowers will fit on the a 12footer barely. I have a 12footer with a 52inch Turf tiger and 52inch WB both fit but their is little floor space, my next trailer will definatly be a 16ft hopefully enclosed. Right now my trailer pulls fairly well on a single axle with no brakes. Though if I need to stop suddenly well its gonna be hard on my truck brakes.
Im not certain how much a 16ft enclose costs though last time i checked a 16ft open was like $1800.
Matt