New trailer day

1880 Views 8 Replies 4 Participants Last post by 56FordGuy, Mar 19, 2012

56FordGuy

Discussion Starter · Mar 18, 2012

Well, new to me anyway. Picked this up today.

24', 7 tons. Adjustable dovetail flips up to be level with the deck. So far I like it, with a few exceptions. More on that later. I had to replace the electrical connector to match my truck, but no big issue. I've been using an 18', 7 ton bumper pull trailer and it was way too narrow for a lot of stuff I need to move.

So, what is my issue with this trailer? One, I found while swapping the connector on the trailer. The factory did not put anything in place to charge the breakaway battery. I haven't had time to throw a meter on it and see what it's got, but I doubt it's ever actually been charged. The second issue is beneath the trailer. It's been primed, but they didn't paint it. I'll have to do something about that. The final issue is the tires. I believe they are the original tires, and they look good with good tread, no cracks, etc. Trouble is, this is a 14,000 lb trailer. It has 4 tires rated at 3,000 lbs apiece. 3,000 x 4 = 12,000. The tires are the weak link in the trailer capacity chain. Seems like an oversight on the part of the factory, but that should come as no surprise to anyone who is familiar with the trailer industry. :lol:

In any case, very happy with my new trailer. A few issues, but they should be simple to address. :thumbup1gif:

See less See more

Save

1 - 9 of 9 Posts

dieselshadow

· #2 · Mar 18, 2012

Good observation on the tires. Not many people would catch that. :good2:

Sent from my phone using Tapatalk.

Save

56FordGuy

Discussion Starter · #3 · Mar 18, 2012

It's like I told you, work trucks and trailer are my hobby.

They also didn't run 10 gauge wire to feed the brakes, not to mention most of the wiring is the wrong color and connected with scotch locks. Few people, even in the trailer industry pay attention to that stuff.

Just another day in the trailer building world. Have two tractors to move tomorrow, looking forward to putting this thing to use.

See less See more

Save

Kennyd

· #4 · Mar 18, 2012

Nice trailer 56,
When I bought my trailer years ago, the battery was hooked to the brake light wire, I guess the theory was it would charge when the brake lights are applied? What a joke.

Save

dieselshadow

· #5 · Mar 18, 2012

I re-wired my father-in-law's trailer yesterday. The lights and wiring on it were also a joke. The wires just pushed into the lights with a thin piece of metal to make contact and hold the wire, all exposed to the elements.:thumbsdown: The lights will work to get you out of the parking lot of the store. After your first rain, corrosion sets in and your fun begins!:bye2:

I own a Load Trail trailer. That trailer was built heavy and used great components. Overall I'm very pleased with it. The only complaint was the Chinese tires used. They are junk...

See less See more

Save

56FordGuy

Discussion Starter · #6 · Mar 18, 2012

Kennyd said:
Nice trailer 56,
When I bought my trailer years ago, the battery was hooked to the brake light wire, I guess the theory was it would charge when the brake lights are applied? What a joke.

That's how mine is done. Looks like a little Power Wheels battery in there. I need to throw a meter on it today and see what it's got. The data tag says the trailer is 6 years old, if that battery is the original and has never been charged, it may be time for a new battery.

See less See more

Save

Fran_K

· #7 · Mar 18, 2012 (Edited)

The total rated weight of a trailer seems to factor in some of that weight on the tongue. Probably 20% or so for a gooseneck like the one pictured in post #1. a 10,000 pound pintle or 2 5/16 ball type trailer seems to have four 2540 pound rated tires but rated only for 8500 on the trailer wheels. At least the one I got the only difference with a 12,000 trailer would be the rims and tires. I could the next load range up tires but it is tagged for the way it came. The trailer rating is really for the lowest link. axle, springs, rims, tires and maybe another one or two I omitted. There is probably some formula as you can't expect to have the same weight on all four trailer tires at once.

Does anyone pay attention to the fact you are supposed to have a midical card if you go over 18000 pounds in your home state and over 10000 if you leave the state? That is gross combined weight, hauler trailer cargo load all.

Maybe this will save someone some frustration which I experienced. If you buy a ford and get the trailer package option they put a little circuit breaker and a little fuse in a plastic bag in the glove box. Your break away battery charge electricity won't go to the plug in the rear until those are installed.

Fran

See less See more

Save

56FordGuy

Discussion Starter · #8 · Mar 18, 2012

fran...k. said:
Does anyone pay attention to the fact you are supposed to have a midical card if you go over 18000 pounds in your home state and over 10000 if you leave the state? That is gross combined weight, hauler trailer cargo load all.

Maybe this will save someone some frustration which I experienced. If you buy a ford and get the trailer package option they put a little circuit breaker and a little fuse in a plastic bag in the glove box. Your break away battery charge electricity won't go to the plug in the rear until those are installed.

Fran

Depends on the state, I guess. TN does not require a CDL or medical card for any vehicle, regardless of weight, if it is not commercial. You can go buy groceries in a semi truck so long as you don't get paid to haul anything while you do it.

Good point about the relays. My '01 had a spot for two of them under the hood that I had to add.

See less See more

Save

56FordGuy

Discussion Starter · #9 · Mar 19, 2012

I got to use the trailer today. Loaded up the lawnmower and moved it, then picked up my other tractor and moved it. I like my trailer. It really is a shame, the way they did the wiring. There are so many things right with this trailer that it could easily be a top name brand if they had followed up with a couple extra hours of labor. All the wiring is run through metal conduit, the junction box is nice, the paint seems good, etc. A lot of details were well thought out, and followed through on. Unfortunately, they finished it up with substandard wiring. They welded on studs to mount a license plate, studs for ground connections, and a hook to hang the wiring pigtail on when not connected to the truck. Just a bit more labor to eliminate the scotch locks and use standard wiring combinations, and they could probably rival any manufacturer out there for quality.

See less See more

Save

1 - 9 of 9 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.

Top Contributors this Month