would you tow this?

[CookD]

Ok guys here goes with a loaded question.

After looking and reading here and on dodges website for max tow ratings and what the stock hitch is rated for. I come up with my truck rated to tow 15,550 in best case depending on other weight in truck, but it looks like class iv hitch is good for 10,000 with weight-distribution.



So here goes the question I'm digging a foundation and a friend has a backhoe i can use if i can tow it over, he says the total rig weighs right at 14,000. So with a wd hitch would you tow this rig 30 miles? Or is this stupid to even think about?

 

[ScottLewis]

Yeah, I'd do it. But then I'm hard headed enough to do a lot of things I shouldn't.



Most WD bars are 1000 lbs max. so you should locate the hoe on the trailer so it doesn't put too much weight on your truck.



Stay away from the scales and the police. Also a good idea to stick to back roads if at all possible.



Dan

 

[jnelson]

What does your friend tow it with?

 

[SHobbs]

That kind of weight on the bumper? IMHO, no I would not do it. Is the weight of the equipment just that or is a trailer included, if the trailer adds more weight then I would definitely not. You may be able to get away with it but, what if it breaks loose you would be responsible and open to all kinds of legal problems. Ultimately it's your choice though.

 

[DonTX]

I don't think he is talking any weight on the bumper, he has a hitch receiver on the truck obviously. One ton Dodge trucks pull more than that often, as was said, where you put the backhoe and how you use the WD hitch becomes more critical than a small load.

I used to pull my backhoe to jobsites with a Dodge pickup, you know back in the 60s the little cutie that was actually a van with the back portion cut off? The WD hitch was SO critical, I would sometimes have to lower the back wheels of the pickup for traction! Poor people have poor ways, not always the smartest sometimes.

 

[CookD]

My friend has a dump truck he tows it with but he will be out of town for two weeks on a job, and his driver will have the dump truck on another job. So he said I have to get it there myself.

I am not worried about my dodge towing it, but the weight/tounge weight on the reciever hitch. I found two different statements about what the stock rec. is rated for one said 10,000 the other said 12,000 with wd. My owners manual says 10,000 or over fifth wheel. The rec. hitch under the bumper does not have any sticker on it at all! If i knew it was a 12,000 hitch I would just tow the thing, but if it is a 10,000 i think that might be a bit to much.



Thanks for the input, any more input much appreciated

 

[Hendricks]

I wouldnt have a problem with it just be smart about how the hoe is loaded. Too much weight on the truck aint good but not enough tongue weight and you will be all over the road at anything above 25. And if your only goin 30 miles, hell take it and go slow if your not real sure of how well its goin down the road

 

[SHobbs]

I don't think he is talking any weight on the bumper, he has a hitch receiver on the truck obviously.



I understand that, my bad I still refer to the receiver hitches as the bumper. I am not a big fan of large heavy loads there. I prefer to have a goose neck for loads like this, just my opinion. I pulled a large toy hauler for a friend once that was a bumper pull. That thing drove crazy and I didn't like the way the truck handled with it. Like I said just my opinion.

 

[rkressg]

I have pulled 14,000 with the skidloader, hoe attachment, and multiple pallets of brick behind my truck. The most important part is to get the weight load correct. Ensure that the brakes work correctly on the trailer!

Just take you time, remember, that much weight can push your truck right down a hill

The truck will pull it no problem, just take it easy until you adjust to the load.
-Rich

 

[Moab4x4]

My question is to the trailer. Is it a 2 5/16 ball or Pintle? I assume you are going to use his trailer. My hoe weighs 14k too and I don't have a trailer big enough to tow it. :{

Bro in law (150 miles away) says if I put in gooseneck hitch I can borrow his tandem dually trailer if it's not full. I think I will be worth it as I have not seen a bumper pull trailer rated for that much weight unless it uses a pintle.



Good Luck, Hydraulics are one of man's best friends.

Ken

 

[bmoeller]

Depending on the trailer, I'd have no trouble wanting to pull it with a tag. What I normally do hauling a tractor, is to drive ahead just far enough for the rear end of the overload spring pack to touch the pad, and the front one isn't quite touching, or just touching it. Pulls real well.

Probably wouldn't go much over 45 mph with that hoe. Plenty of go power, just need more whoa power.

 

[MMeier]

Go for it... just make sure your insurance is paid up and your attorney is in town !! :-laf

 

[CRuth]

I think it depends on the 30 miles. If its some low speed rural roads fairly level, then yes, I"d do it. Down the interstate or on congested roads I'd pass.

 

[TFucili]

If you're getting free use of the machine, why not get a quote from someone equipped to haul it properly? You'll still be $$$ ahead of renting a machine or hiring the work out, and you won't be sticking your neck out.

 

[CookD]

triple axel

Well I just found out more info, the trailer is a triple axel with a pintle or pindle hitch so there in no wd bars. Better or worse?

 

[JFaughn]

I see your in Spokane , WA , does that mean your needing to drive I the mountains ? Then I would say no .
On the pentle hitch , if you can get the load so that you've got about 1,000 lbs on the tongue , balanced load slightly forward .

 

[CookD]

No mountain just back roads from one end of town to the other.

 

[jmy]

"says the total rig weighs right at 14,000. So with a wd hitch would you tow this rig 30 miles"



"Well I just found out more info, the trailer is a triple axel with a pintle or pindle hitch so there in no wd bars. "



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CookD,



14K seems low for a full size backhoe and a heavy duty equipment trailer. I'd expect closed to 19-21K. A JD310 or Case 580 operating wieght is not far off 14K (depending on cab and 4WD) by it's self without the trailer.



Is this a full size backhoe?



This link has detail on the different class hitch ratings.



Reese-Hitches.com > America's most recognized Hitch!



A pentel hitch and receiver adapter is available at mmost farm supply stores.

 

[BDeMartile]

Make sure you have at least 10% of the weight total on the hitch dont worry about bars and tow it the 30 miles stay at a reasonable speed and ignore all the people that are seeing lawyers in all the shadows. Also make sure the trailer tires are good and inflated properly as well as the tires on your truck. Have a great day.

 

[DonTX]

Here is a guy talking good sense:

Make sure you have at least 10% of the weight total on the hitch dont worry about bars and tow it the 30 miles stay at a reasonable speed and ignore all the people that are seeing lawyers in all the shadows. Also make sure the trailer tires are good and inflated properly as well as the tires on your truck. Have a great day.