Weight distribution hitch question

I'm looking at getting a 16' utility trailer to haul a subcompact Kubota backhoe (BX23). Total weight between the tractor and trailer would be around 5000#, probably less. I'm assuming I'm going to need a weight distribution hitch though.

My question is, and it may be an odd one, how long does it usually take you guys to hitch up your trailer with a weight distribution hitch? I just ask because my use for this trailer would be semi-frequent short trips, lots of hooking it up and removing it. Just wondering how much of a pain it is to quickly hook up a trailer with this setup?

Thanks

 

~5 min.

 

I would skip the WDH unless you plan on long highway trips with the trailer.

The WDH is used to distribute the tongue weight of the trailer thru the entire frame of truck.

You can't adjust the TW of travel trailers, but you can adjust the TW of the equipment trailer by moving the tractor forward or backwards.

Make sense?

 

This is true and really important. You will need to position the BX on the trailer so that the TW is within spec of the Tacoma. As the BX moves closer to the hitch, the TW will increase, and as the BX moves further away from the hitch, the TW will decrease. The length of the trailer becomes important for this so that you have enough length to find the right position of the BX to put the TW in the sweet spot.

Hooking/Unhooking the WDH is a matter of 5-10 minutes as other have said.

For me personally, I would not tow my tractor (a Deere 3520) without a WDH no matter how short the drive on the road. It is important that your front wheels are planted firmly on the road.

 

No need for a wdh, I've pulled the bx25 with zero issues.

 

I'm on the fence on this one... I think you'll want to add helper spring/air bags. The wdh helps do a lot. Your trailer and load will weigh more than the truck. If it starts to tail wag, you will have issues. I also like my truck level so the disc brakes have the most effect when stopping. Also your steering tires have more traction. A decent wdh is around $200. Totaling a taco, $25k tractor, trailer and risking other lives ain't worth it. Those hitches make a huge difference in towing. For the cost of the deductible on your insurance you can do it right the first time.

 

5K lbs. WD yes!

Safety over convenience every day! You can move the tractor around on the trailer and my end up with a back heavy trailer, increasing your chance of sway. Use the WD and set it up correctly to have the weight distributed back to the front wheels where it is most needed for stopping and control. Also with that weigh you should have a brake controller for trailer braked as well.

 

Thanks for the info guys, that helps.

Stopped in a local trailer place last week on a rainy day. Asked if I stopped back on a nice day would they be willing to hook up a Sure Trac landscape trailer that I'm interested in so I can see how it pulls. They sell tractors too, might ask if they'd be willing to strap on a comparable weight tractor too. If I do that, I won't have a WDH for that test run most likely. I'll have to get a brake controller though.

 

Just curious, what length and kind of trailer? How much does your trailer weigh? The truck handled alright?

Thanks

 

14 foot suretrac trailer single axel, works perfect for the bx tractors. No braking or squatting issues of any kind. I believe the weight of everything is around 2700 lbs, so trailer brakes not needed.

 

Just remember this very important thing when loading your tractor or any heavy equipment on a trailer, make sure someone is in your truck holding the brake pedal while driving on your trailer. When you first drive up on the trailer it will lift the rear end of your truck a little, and if your on a hill or slight incline you could end up rolling.

 

Good advice. Put the truck in 4 wheel drive and it can't roll when the back comes up.

 

You can place jack stands under the rear end of the trailer to prevent the front end of the trailer from rising up when you drive up the ramps.

 

Anything over 2000# in most states requires trailer brakes .

 

In NH, ME, VT and NY it's 3000lbs. which would lead me to believe the 3000# is more common, but those are just the states I pull through, so that's all I know.

This page is interesting for trailer brake laws by state: https://trailers.com/state-laws/