Trailer for the 40

[78-FJ40]

Who trailers their 40 and what are the specs of the trailer? Is a 16', 7000lb trailer capable of safely hauling a 40? Are brakes on one axle enough or are brakes on both axles needed (tow rig is a 3/4 ton Chevy)? What other things are desireable on or that I should know about trailers?

Thanks,
John

 

[Lynden]

I've pulled mine on a 16 footer with no brakes and a half ton truck and it tows fine. You just have to be mindful of your stopping distance. Brakes on at least one of the axles would be nice to have.

 

[Plowboy]

I pull a 16 ft with 7000 lb axles, electric brakes, 3/4 ton ford. No problems what so ever.

 

[Fast Eddy]

I've pulled mine on a 16 footer with no brakes and a half ton truck and it tows fine. You just have to be mindful of your stopping distance. Brakes on at least one of the axles would be nice to have.

You're asking for trouble. Find a big empty wet parking lot and hit the brakes in a turn and see what happens. Ever seen a PIT maneuver? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PIT_maneuver

That setup is fine for a short distance if you're sure it will be completely dry.

Brakes make all the difference; the more axles the better.

 

[sandrat62]

I tow with a car/atv trailer with brakes. My buddy uses a conventional car hauler trailer with brakes. Neither one of us would EVER think about towing without them.

 

[Weedhopper]

Almost all trailers like that have brakes on one axle. All of our landscape trailers are like that. As long as it is a well built trailer you should have no problem with that setup. Brakes ARE mandatory from a legal standpoint and a mental health standpoint. One panic stop and you will be a believer.

Put jackstands or some other support under the very end of the frame on both sides near the tailgate. This eliminates the possibility of bending or breaking the back of the trailer due to weight when you drive on.

 

[Gus]

Go for trailer a little bigger (length and capacity) than you think you could get by with, you always end up towing something big enough to take up that extra space and as others have already said, brakes are a VERY good thing.

 

[tm7302]

Brakes are a must. I towed a 1972 Triumph TR6 (2300 lbs) on a 16 ft tandem axle utility trailer from South Florida to Little Rock with a Toyota Tundra and it was a frightening thing trying to stop. It was like cruising in a boat and quickly moving the throttles to idle, a stern wave that pushed the boat forward (if you're familar with boats). Definitely not something to do when the road conditions are crappy.

 

[remy1974]

something a little bigger and heavier is always nice for those few times when you need just a little bit more and at least one axle for brakes is good especially if you live in an area with a lot of inclement weather as i do in the northeast