Project "Trailer Beef Up"

So, I have this 6.5X10 Big Tex Trailer.


It's the perfect size for my needs. However, the 3500 LB axle just isn't enough. I was going to sell this trailer and buy a tandem, but today I realized that I seem to have lost the title... I took it as a sign that I should just keep this trailer and beef if up a little.

Another problem that I have, is that for various reasons, mainly space in my drive, I need to move the trailer around by hand often. Obviously, this is easier to do with a single axle.

So, I ordered a 7000 LB Dexter EZ Lube axle with brakes, 3500 LB Springs, three eight lug wheels and tires (gotta have a spare), 7 pin connector, Prodigy 3 brake controller, and a breakaway kit.

With the 8 lug tires being bigger, I ordered the new axle and springs under slung. This way, the bigger tires won't rub on the fenders.

The trailer weighs 1000 LBs empty. I'll never put 6000 LBs + in the trailer, but if Im doing it, I might as well go all the way.

Mostly I'm doing this because I want a trailer that I can safely haul a cord of wood in. As I'm sure you know, a cord of wood is 128 cubic feet. This trailer is 6.5x10 with 2' sides. That equals 130 cubic feet. With the heavier axle, I think this will be the perfect trailer.

 

I've been wanting to do EXACTLY this! Single 7k axle for a cord of wood! Post pics.

 

Will do. I have to wait two or three weeks for Dexter to build the axle though.

 

thats what I need !

 

Well, I took the first step tonight. I got up under the dash and found the brake controller plug. I plugged the factory pig tail in just to make sure it was the right plug. I ordered the plug and play harness with the P3, but I at least know where to,plug it in.



Now I'm just waiting for parts...

 

I would reconsider. Legally you will never "upgrade" the 3k gvw rating. Something to think about when the State police inspect your trailer if/when there's an accident. Ask me how I know? I had a little accident while I was pulling a trailer and the local PD came out and they also called Washington State Patrol to make sure my trailer/load was legal.

Single axles pull like crap compared to dual axles especially when loaded. With only 2 wheels on the ground and pulling lets say 4500 pounds, itll be all over the road. Duals just handle way better BUT a bigger wheel does make a difference.

I have a 6.5x12 foot ramp gate trailer just similar to yours. 3k gvw and I have pulled 4k IN the trailer easily on top of the 1200 pound empty weight. I even upgraded the tires to load range Ds. When loaded it pulls like garbage behind my dads 05 Sierra diesel (and this is a truck that can bumper pull 15k). The wheels handled the weight, the trailer swing is the problem and a 4250 pound Tacoma wont handle it like a 7k pound truck.

I have a dump trailer with the 8 lug wheels. 235/85/16 110psi gladiators, and when im next to the wheel it goes up to around my thigh, I think you will be surprised in how big it is, maybe too big.

The 6 lug axle would have been a better bet because they are 5200 pound axles, the 8 lug is extreme overkill. I love my new 20 foot 10k gvw tilt bed!

Just picture this, you are driving down the road with 1500 pounds of crap in your small trailer and its bouncing because those tires literally don't feel anything, they are hard as rocks. When you decide to air down they may get too mushy then you're just dragging it with under inflated tires and you're defeating the whole purpose.



My 06 DCSB loved pulling my old 18 foot dual 3500 pound axle trailer alot better than the 6.5X12 single. The single is a good useful trailer but not for the heavy loads.


I would have done the following in this order:

1). Upgrade to load range D 205/75/15 - 65 PSi tires

2) Sell trailer and buy a dual axle in the same size ready to roll

3). Just dont overload the trailer

4) Upgrade to 6 lug axle

 

Here's a pic of me towing my old CAT 422S forklift on a 10 foot long 8k gvw single axle tilt trailer. That freakish thing weighs 6k pounds on its own (+trailer). I had it loaded nicely. The trouble with single axle trailers is that the load rocks forward and back when you slow down/ speed up or stop/start. See how front heavy I have it ? It was still kicking like crazy.

I know how heavy wood can get because I deal in alot of wood and trust me when I say that it will suck to tow a cord of wet wood when balancing on one axle.

Check out this trailer, its a 10 foot, they are out there and have brakes ready to roll.

 

Alright. Those are valid points.

I just cancelled the order. Buzz kills!

Now, back to searching for a trailer...

 

I think you made a good choice. Someone will buy your trailer so fast and you could get into a NEW trailer for only $1000 more. Plus you'll save alot of time in labor and have a trailer that is legally rated at 7k gvw. BTW, that trailer I posted a pic of is only $2200+tax. Thats a deal.

 

Thank you, Too bad it's in Washington?

Do you know the brand? Maybe I can find one around here?

 

I just called the trailer dealer. Seems the reason I can't find the title is that there never was one.

The trailer is too light to need one in NJ. Says it right on the reg. "NTTRL" or "Non Titled Trailer"...

Go figure!

 

great info...and good to know...my craigslist trailer shopping perimeters have now changed.

 

That trailer is a Fabform which is a smaller manufacturer out of Oregon and they sell to west coast dealers. Certainly not on the same level as PJ trailers, Big Tex as far as size, but the quality is the same. There are different sizes of trailer manufacturers and probably 10+ in Washington, most likely 100+ in a state like Texas.


Every trailer manufactuer is a member of NATM (national association of trailer manufacturers) and they all use the same axles and same steel (generally from China).


I see no reason that a trailer should cost any more on the East coast compared to west coast. Oregon doesn't title under 2k pound trailers, Washington state requires title on EVERY trailer. Your state is like Oregon I guess.

 

Well, here's what I ended up with. 14' Big Tex:

 

Hey, thanks man. I didn't see your post until just now.

 

Sweet trailer! Did you end up selling the smaller one? Make sure to get D-rated radial tires when those wear out. Usually they're just cheap bias plys from the factory.

Get some pics in the show us what you tow thread!

 

Thank you. I did sell the smaller one. I had a guy offer me more than I was asking... So, that helped too!

They are bias plys. Ill cross that bridge when I get there.

I'll put a couple pics in that thread now.