I'm having trouble determining what is the proper way to haul my skid steer on my car hauler. regarding weight, the skid steer is 5300# with the bucket attached and the trailer itself goes about 1500#. The trailer I have has two 3,500# axles so I am assuming I JUST make the weight requirement. The stock hitch on my 04 DMAX is rated for 6k dead weight and 10k with the weight distributed using the proper hitch (so I'm told) so does this mean that if I do not have a weight distributing hitch I have exceeded my dead weight limit? Also, I was told recently that the DOT has changed the rules regarding tie downs and that you need to have a 4-point tie down system. I guess this means I should attach a tie down on each corner of the skid steer with its own (I plan on using ratchet tie downs with both chain and braid with a 10k break strength). I was going to use two connection points and run the chain across the trailer's width and over the skid steer but I was told that is no good anymore. I know this is a lot of info here but perhaps you guys could give me some of the answers to at least part of this. Thanks in advance.


Dennis

Recheck your rear hitch, I am thinking it's 10K w/o and 12 or 14 w/ weight dis. hitch.


I still run 2 chains one each end on my SSL and 3 grade 100 chains on my dozer and hoe.

Den,


The other thing that dot is pushing is that all chains for the tie down... be stamped or marked for what grade they are... be it 70, 80, or whatever... and as far as tie down... all 4 points with a ratchet... and if it has an arm.. backhoe, excavator, etc... it too has to be tied down....


Pete

With that kind of weight you should probably run a weight distribution hitch with sway control. As far as D.O.T is concerned, I wouldn't worry about that too much, they are busy enough with the 18 wheelers out there. It's a good idea to use the 4 seperate tie downs just in case.


Ozzy

I wouldn't worry too much about the weight or a weight distribution hitch unless the trailer is giving you trouble. With that weight I wouldn't worry about it. I just got done hauling a 8000 lb. hoe, a 600 lb. atv and a bunch of tools on a 5000 lb. trailer behind mine with a pintle. Now maybe, the heavy trailer helped me out. I'm not sure. It is a good sized load and the truck handled it great.

I rented a 7800 lb skid steer on their steel i beam dual axle trailer from home depo using my rease travel trailer hitch but no equilzer bars and had no problem . They give you a hand held remote brake applyer and you have to run with lights on cause that is how their trailer brakes get juice . They will only rent to 3/4 ton and up truck due to weight . The unit had 4 corner super rachet chain tie downs . Truck towed it very well but did have to allow longer stopping distances due to weight . Rich

Your trailer is fine for hauling the skid steer. I used to haul my 11,000 lb one behind my 95 3500 without issue. You must take extra care on where you place the machine so you have enough weight on the tounge, but not too much. I eventually nailed a 2x4 to the trailer bed to mark the sweet spot. :) Use a tape measure on the truck's rear bumper. It should go down ~2-3 inches with the machine loaded.

DOT regs are a minimum of four independent tie downs. Ratchet binders and stamped chain. Total chain working load rating must be twice the machine weight. Nylon straps ARE OK below a given machine weight, but I don't remember the number. It was low, something like 5,000 lbs. Straps must exceed the machines weight by a factor of 2. The four connecting points on the machine must be to the frame/chassis, not over the bucket. Buckets attached to booms must be captured independently. A bucket pocket on the trailer satisfies this and is what I used.

And there are other pain in the butt items like:

No loose dirt on the trailer. (unrestrained load!)
No parts of the Machine can hang over the limits of the trailer without reflective marking or flags.
Electric brake trailers Must be chocked when parked.
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Thanks for the info. I love the bumper measuring trick. Great idea. Quick question. Does it matter whether you load the skid steer facing forward with the bucket toward the truck, or backed on? Seems like most folks back them on with the bucket to the rear, but the way mine sits, it seems best driving it on forward. Weight is distributed best this way. Can't imagine why anyone would care, just curious. Thanks.

Doesn't matter which way. More an issue of wieght distribution than anything. It is easier to load a skid steer backing up the ramp. Most are a bit tippy.