Got a used home-made trailer and have some questions.

[JamesCoste]

A few details. My grandpa gave me a trailer this past weekend as he had no use for it any longer. The trailer is a hauling trailer with plywood sides and wood plank bottom. It has a steel frame supporting the plywood sides. The trailer is 5' x 8' and has a single agle with full-size tires.<br /><br />1. I drove from Gulfport, Mississippi to my house (about 300 miles) on I-10 at about 70 mph. After about 30 minutes on the road, I pulled over to inspect the tire temperature and felt the hub to see if there was any excessive heat. There was none. Although I had no problems at all after the 5 1/2 drive, does anybody see an issue with traveling that speed with a trailer?<br /><br />2. I now need to get a tag for it. I called my tag office and they said I need a bill of sale (which I have) and a proof of weight slip that proves that the trailer is less than 2000 pounds. Where would I get that weight slip?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Got a used home-made trailer and have some questions.

Any of the larger truck stops have scales. Otherwise check you local yellow pages for "Public Scales"

 

[Bondo]

Re: Got a used home-made trailer and have some questions.

Sounds like a Great Deal,.......<br /><br />1) It sounds like it's in Good Shape,+ if it follows well,+ You've got the Horse to Pull it,....<br />Go For It.......<br /><br />2) As stated,... Truckstops,.... Quarries,.... Moving Companies,.... Garbage Haulers,+ Transfer Stations,....Sand Pits,.... Feedmills,....Cement Companies,....<br /><br />You Might even get 1 of the Brownies at the State Truck Safety Scales to pop you off a Ticket,..??....<br />Weight Ticket that is.............

 

[rwidman]

Re: Got a used home-made trailer and have some questions.

does anybody see an issue with traveling that speed with a trailer?<br />

It's up to you, but I feel that's too fast to pull a trailer. You have very little manuvering ability at that speed, any quick move would likely cause a wreck.

 

[JamesCoste]

Re: Got a used home-made trailer and have some questions.

Thanks for the input.<br /><br />That trailer did travel smooth and my 2002 Chevy 1500 V8 pulled it fine.<br /><br />I live about 2 miles away from our County Landfill and it has a scale. Maybe they will weigh it for me. I'll find out today.<br /><br />I doubt that I'll take that trailer on the interstate again and won't travel that fast unless "necessary".

 

[JamesCoste]

Re: Got a used home-made trailer and have some questions.

Update:<br /><br />Talked with a neighbor who said that I could take my trailer to the Landfill and have it weighed for free.<br /><br />Thanks again for your input/advice.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Got a used home-made trailer and have some questions.

I live about 2 miles away from our County Landfill

Uphill From It I Hope,..................................... <br /><br />Good Luck,.......... It's Great to hear, When a Plan Comes Together...........................

 

[byacey]

Re: Got a used home-made trailer and have some questions.

Often bearings won't heat until they have a good load of weight on them. Keep an eye on them when pulling a load.

 

[RubberFrog]

Re: Got a used home-made trailer and have some questions.

Back to the speed. That's way too fast to safely pull a trailer, James. Keep it around 60.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Got a used home-made trailer and have some questions.

back in the dark agesm young and dumb, wanting to get to the lake. i would pull about an 1800LB load, boat & trailer, 70-80 mph, with a 71 ford torino, CRAZY the brakes only lasted 13 months.

 

[Kenneth Brown]

Re: Got a used home-made trailer and have some questions.

I think your speed was just fine. In the racing days we pulled about 5500 in car and trailer. Wasn't a problem at all running 75-80. My brakes worked great, the trailers worked great, and everything was fine. Ain't nothing wrong woith 70 if the law allows it and you are within safe weight limits and loaded right.