Landscape Angle Iron Trailers – Thoughts?

Kendog · Nov 16, 2009

I need to purchase a new tandem/7000lb rated trailer. It will have the short rails as most landscape trailers have, and will not be a ‘livelyhood’ trailer, just for hauling a small tractor to occasional shows, and moving family stuff.

After looking at different brands, styles, and constructions, I do notice a lot of flex in the trailers made of all angle iron vs. box steel and tube rails. These angle iron trailers are less$, but I fear the flex and durability factor.

Any thoughts/experience?

Janicholson · Nov 16, 2009

Angle iron has no resistance to tortional stress. Think of a bed frame rail and how easy it is to twist it along its length. Thus your observation is correct. I would never rely on one to haul a tractor unless it was a small format garden/lawn tractor like a wheel horse.
It is just not stable. (beds require the floor so as not o twist!) JimN

CNKS · Nov 16, 2009

Also, remember that all trailers that "look like" 7000 lbs GVW aren't. Be sure to read the tag on the trailer. The true 7000 lb GVW should be up to any load that does not exceed that number. The 7000 lbs includes the weight of the trailer. Having 2-3500 lb axles does not make it a 7000 lb GVW trailer.

ScottyHOMeY · Nov 16, 2009

CNKS is right. The trailer is only as strong as it's weakest component, and two 3500# axles will carry 7k only if the frame will support that kind of load.

The deck and main frames of my 16+2 tilt-bed car hauler are all 5" channel iron, with 3' channel iron crossmembers every 18" -- plenty sturdy and weighs a shade over 2k by itself, so there's still room to haul up to 5k.

Tube looks nicer to some eyes, but angle iron is okay for your rails. It will take the bumps okay. It's not intended to secure a heavy load to -- you should have stake pockets and anchors for that purpose.

Wardner · Nov 16, 2009

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That Diamond T one ton truck was shipped from Bakersfield, CA to New Haven, CT on a back haul. The front haul was a Ford 600 from Providence, RI to Topeka, KS. No problems. No DOT dudes. I like those light trailers.

CNKS · Nov 16, 2009

I bought a 7000 GVW from a local trailer dealer, was sold to me by a former Kansas Highway Patrol trooper. He told me that they just look at the tandem axle. I got the 1st one home, and looked at the tag -- 5550 or so lbs. I took it back the next day and he didn't believe me until he looked at the tag. Traded it for a true 7000 lb one (for a couple hundred more). He "should" have know that, perhaps that's why he is not a trooper any more.

Leland2 · Nov 17, 2009

I have a 7x12 tandem rayed at 7000 but the hitch coupler has a 5 grand rating

Larry in CO · Nov 17, 2009

Probably depends on how the trailer is made as to how strong it is. My 16 foot trailer is made of 3 inch angle with an angle rail and a wood floor. It has 5K axles with load range C tires and a 12K hitch. This trailer is a home-built trailer built by an old retired welder out west of Denver. I've hauled Farmall H's from Mo to CO several times as well as hauling them to shows locally. Not had any issues with the trailer yet. Larry
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Landscape Angle Iron Trailers – Thoughts?

Kendog

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Janicholson

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CNKS

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ScottyHOMeY

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Wardner

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CNKS

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Leland2

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Larry in CO

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