Towing veteran help needed making trailer purchase decision

[DiscoSlug]

I have the Max Tow sport S, I've removed some gear and when I hit the scales empty after turning in scrap I'm about 200# under curb weight.

I'm looking at 18' trailers and have been unsuccessful finding something in between 7k and 10k axle ratings. They just don't seem to exist, which is fine, so I have to make a decision.

Should I get the lighter trailer that can handle a bit less weight, but is only rated to 7k total or bump up to 10k axles and take the 250# weight hit.


Here are the specs for the two trailers I'm looking at:
18' 7k axles: Curb weight 1840lb, carry capacity 5,160lbs. Will always be under gladiator towing max if loaded correctly
18' 10k axles: Curb weight 2,150lb, carry capacity 5,500lbs (when taking into account max tow rating)

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[jansmith]

Making a trailer purchase decision can be quite a challenge, but I'm here to help. Based on the specs you shared, it seems like you're torn between the 7k and 10k axle ratings for the 18' trailers.
If you're confident that the lighter trailer's total weight capacity of 7k will be sufficient for your needs, it could be a viable option. It'll save you about 250 pounds in weight, which can make a difference in fuel efficiency and overall towing experience.
On the other hand, if you anticipate needing the extra capacity and don't mind the additional weight, going for the 10k axles might be worth considering. Just keep in mind that you'll have a slightly lower carry capacity due to the higher curb weight.
When I face tough decisions like this, I like to add a bit of excitement by using a 4 sided dice to help me choose.

 

[RudeJeepin]

I have the Max Tow sport S, I've removed some gear and when I hit the scales empty after turning in scrap I'm about 200# under curb weight.

I'm looking at 18' trailers and have been unsuccessful finding something in between 7k and 10k axle ratings. They just don't seem to exist, which is fine, so I have to make a decision.

Should I get the lighter trailer that can handle a bit less weight, but is only rated to 7k total or bump up to 10k axles and take the 250# weight hit.


Here are the specs for the two trailers I'm looking at:
18' 7k axles: Curb weight 1840lb, carry capacity 5,160lbs. Will always be under gladiator towing max if loaded correctly
18' 10k axles: Curb weight 2,150lb, carry capacity 5,500lbs (when taking into account max tow rating)

Unless the difference in price is Hugh, I'd go with the 10k. Sure the Gladiator won't really take advantage of the capacity difference, but what if you end up getting a 3/4 ton pickup down the road.
Or if need you have the possibility of borrowing someone else's full size pickup.
Or if you loan it to someone else, they are less likely to overload the trailer.

18 foot, is probably dual axle, so really they would be either 2 3500 pound axles or 2 5000 pound axles. Or are you really looking at a single axle trailer? Are you looking at open air car trailer or an enclosed trailer? You could also think about an all aluminum trailer, save some weight on trailer that could be added back into the trailer cargo capacity.

 

[jeventures]

You haven’t mentioned the weight of what you intend to tow. That’s the place to start. I will say, hunting for a used aluminum trailer would get you the best of both worlds if it’s worth the money to you.

 

[DiscoSlug]

I ended up going with the 10k dual axle trailer with 5500lb capacity (gladiator's safe load amount on the trailer).

I'm towing a 4800lb diesel tractor with bushhog attachment. Used a weighsafe hitch to figure out numbers and distribute weight.

Towing on rolling hills was great.

I have a single short run (less than 1 mile) major grade hill on my trip. Average grade for the hill is 12% and half the mile is creeping up on 18%. It's a truly ridiculous hill that sees accidents on a semi-regular basis. There's no way around it other than more than 1 hour detour.
Naturally the engine was using high rpms but it maintained 15mph and nothing seemed overly stressed. Heading the other way, the trailer has electronic brakes that are very good and with testing on the mopar brake controller in the cab I was able to lock the trailer brakes up momentarily with the manual override button on the setting of 8/10. I wasn't brave enough to test brakes with the trailer controller turned all the way down.

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