[Kanman]

[ QUOTE ]
my major beef with big tex is that they do not protect their dealers..if big tex sees you making money being a dealer for them, and they feel like they want in that market, they will pull your dealership, and open up a dealership of their own in the same town...the reason that a lot of small trailer places sell them, is because they will put the inventory out there on your lot without you having to pay for it up front, helps with cash flow on a small company.


[/ QUOTE ]

We had looked into opening up a trailer shop a few years back with Big Tex being our main line. Your statement above is the Exact reason we stayed away from BigTex. I talked to many other trailer shops that carried BigTex and they all said almost exactly what you have stated regarding fear of BigTex moving in on them. They are greedy. They do make a damn good trailer. Their prep and paint work (read durability) is second to none.

 

[txslowpoke]

I agree on the PJ to BT comparison, PJ's hands down. I have not owned a PJ, but have had the opportuntity to check them out via the hotshot drivers I use that pull them. I still rate the May above the PJ, but not by much. Of course the BT cheerleaders will not like that.
Im not so sure on the Hayes to Dexter axle comparison. I have always had good service from Dexters, plus the trailer parts places I deal with have the parts instock for Dexters, maybe its just location.
One of our company trailers had the axles changed out 3-4 years ago with Hayes, no problems to date and its my first experience with Hayes.

 

[panhandleredneck]

Why did he dig up a 2 yr old post for? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[strokin_early_99]

[ QUOTE ]
Thanks for the replies guys

So I went to a dealer today and looked at the 10ET and the 12ET today.(Those are car haulers, 10,000 pound and 12,000 pound) The truck I will mostly tow on the trailer is 6000 pounds, my pulling truck. Plus the 2600 the trailer weighs would make the whole thing weigh 8600 pounds where the 10,000 GVW trailer would suit me just fine. But I like how the 12,000gvw is built much heavier, has 16" 8 lug wheeles and has a 9400 pound payload, not 7400 like the 10ET. So if I ever need to haul my (or someone elses) one ton or whatever that wont be a problem. The price difference is only about $450 too.
So I think I just about made up my mind on getting the 12,000 pounder, then the salesman tells me I would need a clas A license to tow it. Well thats a flaw in the slaw right there. Why is it I can pull a 12,500 pound camper with a class C but not a car trailer that will probably only weigh 8600 pounds at the most even though its rated for 12,000?

BTW, I live in California

[/ QUOTE ]

The laws state(nationwide) if you tow any trailer over 10K GVW then you are required to have a class A license. If you tow a travel trailer, a trailer not for hire or have an AG exemption then you need to have a non-commercial class A. You are tested in your rig so the driving part is easy. The written test is the hardest part. I haven't met someone who failed, it is that easy.

If you talk to the trailer MFG, they can put the heavy axles on the trailer with a GVW under 10K if you want. I have a trailer that is technically designed to haul 13K but the GVW is rated at 9960lbs. No special licences is needed but if it were to somehow to get overloaded it can handle it no problem. Plus the tires are never maxed out unless you inadvertantly/unknowingly overload the trailer, somehow. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif

 

[MX727]

[ QUOTE ]

The laws state(nationwide) if you tow any trailer over 10K GVW then you are required to have a class A license.

[/ QUOTE ]

No, it doesn't say that at all. It says that if the combined weight ratings are over 26001 and you tow a trailer over 10K, you need a Class A. Alternatively, in the definitions it also says if the GCWR is over 26001 and the GVWR of the towed vehicle is over 10K, you need a Class A.

This myth just won't die.

Here are the two quotes from the actual reg:

Class A -- Any combination of vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds provided the GVWR of the vehicle(s) being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.

Link: CDL Program

(a) Has a gross combination weight rating of 11,794 kilograms or more (26,001 pounds or more) inclusive of a towed unit(s) with a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds); or

Link: CMV Definition

So, with a '07 F350 which has a GCWR of 23K, and the truck weighs 8500, I can pull 14500, legally without a CDL. I do need to have a license plate in my state for at least 23K if I'm doing that.

 

[Ag__Teacher]

[ QUOTE ]
So, with a '07 F350 which has a GCWR of 23K, and the truck weighs 8500, I can pull 14500, legally without a CDL. I do need to have a license plate in my state for at least 23K if I'm doing that.

[/ QUOTE ]

Not quite - the Ford GCWR doesn't matter, only Ford GVWR.

If your F-350 has a 13,000 lb GVW, you can only pull a trailer rated at 13,000 GVWR or less.

If your F-350 has a 11,400 lb GVW, you can only pull a trailer rated at 14,600 GVWR or less.

If your F-350 has a 10,000 lb GVW, you can pull a trailer rated up to 16,000 GVWR.

This just shows, sometimes less is more when talking truck GVWRs.

 

[MX727]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
So, with a '07 F350 which has a GCWR of 23K, and the truck weighs 8500, I can pull 14500, legally without a CDL. I do need to have a license plate in my state for at least 23K if I'm doing that.

[/ QUOTE ]

Not quite - the Ford GCWR doesn't matter, only Ford GVWR.

If your F-350 has a 13,000 lb GVW, you can only pull a trailer rated at 13,000 GVWR or less.

If your F-350 has a 11,400 lb GVW, you can only pull a trailer rated at 14,600 GVWR or less.

If your F-350 has a 10,000 lb GVW, you can pull a trailer rated up to 16,000 GVWR.

This just shows, sometimes less is more when talking truck GVWRs.

[/ QUOTE ]

Actually, it does. I'm still under warranty. Furthermore, my license plates have a direct bearing on what the total GCWR can be. However, you and I are splitting hairs and seem to agree that we can haul a trailer that is over 10K without having a CDL. As you have pointed out, there may be a couple of math problems that need to be solved before you can decide what you can LEGALLY tow.

 

[TXGooseneck]

[ QUOTE ]
And for dexter axels they are not the best but they are the cheapest. Try finding parts for them when you break down.Dexter dealers only. Hayes axels you can find most parts at napa and other aut parts stores.

[/ QUOTE ]


I'm going to have to respectfully disagree with you on this as would the majority of trailer buyers in this country.

Dexter is the benchmark axle as illustrated by numbers produced, service centers, parts, and so on. They utilize over 2500 service centers nationwide compared to 19 for Quality axles.

Both Quality and Al-ko Kober (Hayes was bought out by Al-ko over a decade ago) use thinner axle tubing than dexter, non hardended spindles and on both of the brands 12k axles they use the same size brakes as Dexter does on their 10k General Duty offering.

It may be easy to find Al-ko parts at the NAPA off of Main St. in Paris, since PJ is right in their backyard, but if you drive outside of the area, good luck.

I welcome you to run by our shop and look at our trailers and I will show you why we are a stronger, better built trailer than either PJ or Big Tex. I'm not knocking them at all, they have done enough right to exceed $200 million in sales between the two of them, I'm only saying there are better, more affordable alternatives. We also build a fair amount of heavier trailers (22.5k axles, air brakes, 30k gooseneck trailers and so on)

 

[tdr1500]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
And for dexter axels they are not the best but they are the cheapest. Try finding parts for them when you break down.Dexter dealers only. Hayes axels you can find most parts at napa and other aut parts stores.

[/ QUOTE ]


I'm going to have to respectfully disagree with you on this as would the majority of trailer buyers in this country.

Dexter is the benchmark axle as illustrated by numbers produced, service centers, parts, and so on. They utilize over 2500 service centers nationwide compared to 19 for Quality axles.

Both Quality and Al-ko Kober (Hayes was bought out by Al-ko over a decade ago) use thinner axle tubing than dexter, non hardended spindles and on both of the brands 12k axles they use the same size brakes as Dexter does on their 10k General Duty offering.

It may be easy to find Al-ko parts at the NAPA off of Main St. in Paris, since PJ is right in their backyard, but if you drive outside of the area, good luck.

I welcome you to run by our shop and look at our trailers and I will show you why we are a stronger, better built trailer than either PJ or Big Tex. I'm not knocking them at all, they have done enough right to exceed $200 million in sales between the two of them, I'm only saying there are better, more affordable alternatives. We also build a fair amount of heavier trailers (22.5k axles, air brakes, 30k gooseneck trailers and so on)

[/ QUOTE ]


wish I'd have known about you before I bought my last gooseneck..a "Texas Bragg" trailer...what a joke..
12K skid steer gooseneck trailer, 20' and foldup ramps. I really do like the "big pipe " construction and it seems sound but they took the cheap route on tires and only one set of brakes on a dual axle trailer...So 2 days after picking it up I called and got all the brake parts to convert the front axle to a brake axle...$300.00. The trailer has less than 400 miles on it and I just replaced all 4 tires...GRRR I HATE BIAS PLY TIRES!!! so they had these 7.50-16 tru-trac tires...in less than 400 miles two developed tennis ball size knots on them..tread seperation...and 3 flats and the rear tires have 1/2 the tread gone..RIDICULOUS!!! I did find out that tire size converts to a 235/85/16 which is the same size as my dually and just this weekend bought 4 new for the truck and took the tires on the truck off and put them on the trailer...10 ply E rated. I loaded my skid steer back up and the tires didnt even squat under it...bias ply on a trailer rated for 12K each tire 2404 LBS...are you kidding me???? the BFG's on there now are rated for 3042 lbs..all this just weeks after writing a 4+K check...GRRR

sorry not trying to hijack thread...
Tom

 

[TalontedTSi]

Far from the level of a trailer most of you are talking about but ive been running a 16ft Big Tex trailer for years now and have had no problems at all. I am currently looking into 20ft versions with a much greater weight capacity. Just wanted to add in my thoughts since ive personally owned one.

If anyone wants to recommend a 20 ft, bumper pull with a weight capacity of 10-12k PM me, id appreciate it as im shopping around for one now.

 

[harpro]

HarPro

I just bought a big tex 14GN gooseneck , they brag about their paint mine has rust on it and the toolbox leaks bad at hinge so all my straps and chains are soaked. i do like it with mega ramps but i just sold a trailer with tool box and good paint i bought new in 2006 that never leaked . i did e-mail them and they said be in contact with in 48 hrs that was last week and this is friday of the next week

 

[kingrat4440]

[ QUOTE ]
my major beef with big tex is that they do not protect their dealers..if big tex sees you making money being a dealer for them, and they feel like they want in that market, they will pull your dealership, and open up a dealership of their own in the same town...the reason that a lot of small trailer places sell them, is because they will put the inventory out there on your lot without you having to pay for it up front, helps with cash flow on a small company.


[/ QUOTE ]

We had looked into opening up a trailer shop a few years back with Big Tex being our main line. Your statement above is the Exact reason we stayed away from BigTex. I talked to many other trailer shops that carried BigTex and they all said almost exactly what you have stated regarding fear of BigTex moving in on them. They are greedy. They do make a damn good trailer. Their prep and paint work (read durability) is second to none.

 

[Nickysix]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
And for dexter axels they are not the best but they are the cheapest. Try finding parts for them when you break down.Dexter dealers only. Hayes axels you can find most parts at napa and other aut parts stores.

[/ QUOTE ]


I'm going to have to respectfully disagree with you on this as would the majority of trailer buyers in this country.

Dexter is the benchmark axle as illustrated by numbers produced, service centers, parts, and so on. They utilize over 2500 service centers nationwide compared to 19 for Quality axles.

Both Quality and Al-ko Kober (Hayes was bought out by Al-ko over a decade ago) use thinner axle tubing than dexter, non hardended spindles and on both of the brands 12k axles they use the same size brakes as Dexter does on their 10k General Duty offering.

It may be easy to find Al-ko parts at the NAPA off of Main St. in Paris, since PJ is right in their backyard, but if you drive outside of the area, good luck.

I welcome you to run by our shop and look at our trailers and I will show you why we are a stronger, better built trailer than either PJ or Big Tex. I'm not knocking them at all, they have done enough right to exceed $200 million in sales between the two of them, I'm only saying there are better, more affordable alternatives. We also build a fair amount of heavier trailers (22.5k axles, air brakes, 30k gooseneck trailers and so on)

[/ QUOTE ]


wish I'd have known about you before I bought my last gooseneck..a "Texas Bragg" trailer...what a joke..
12K skid steer gooseneck trailer, 20' and foldup ramps. I really do like the "big pipe " construction and it seems sound but they took the cheap route on tires and only one set of brakes on a dual axle trailer...So 2 days after picking it up I called and got all the brake parts to convert the front axle to a brake axle...$300.00. The trailer has less than 400 miles on it and I just replaced all 4 tires...GRRR I HATE BIAS PLY TIRES!!! so they had these 7.50-16 tru-trac tires...in less than 400 miles two developed tennis ball size knots on them..tread seperation...and 3 flats and the rear tires have 1/2 the tread gone..RIDICULOUS!!! I did find out that tire size converts to a 235/85/16 which is the same size as my dually and just this weekend bought 4 new for the truck and took the tires on the truck off and put them on the trailer...10 ply E rated. I loaded my skid steer back up and the tires didnt even squat under it...bias ply on a trailer rated for 12K each tire 2404 LBS...are you kidding me???? the BFG's on there now are rated for 3042 lbs..all this just weeks after writing a 4+K check...GRRR

sorry not trying to hijack thread...
Tom

Did you feel you gained more weight capacity by upgrading tire? I had just hauled recently 10k in soil and the holes in one rim reamed out. I hate that on tandems the wheels work against each other when on tight turns. Mainly backing up driveways. Etc. Looking for a quick solution. I only have a 90sr and now feel discouraged that I can fit 10k lbs of soil but the trailer isn't rated for that.

 

[ArcticDriver]

NickySix,
Welcome to the forum.
You found a very old thread and I don’t recognize the names as guys still on the forum.

I think its time you bought a heavier rated trailer or learn to load yours lighter.

 

[LDub]

[ QUOTE ]
my major beef with big tex is that they do not protect their dealers..if big tex sees you making money being a dealer for them, and they feel like they want in that market, they will pull your dealership, and open up a dealership of their own in the same town...the reason that a lot of small trailer places sell them, is because they will put the inventory out there on your lot without you having to pay for it up front, helps with cash flow on a small company.


[/ QUOTE ]

We had looked into opening up a trailer shop a few years back with Big Tex being our main line. Your statement above is the Exact reason we stayed away from BigTex. I talked to many other trailer shops that carried BigTex and they all said almost exactly what you have stated regarding fear of BigTex moving in on them. They are greedy. They do make a damn good trailer. Their prep and paint work (read durability) is second to none.

 

[LDub]

I have one problem with big tex. They paint is not good as other trailers. We got two a 2018 and 2020 40ft. Paint not worth nothing. Look like they just paint over the metal. I bet anyone with a new trailers by big tex the paint is coming up in spots

 

[John in OkieLand]

there is a "Star Lite" dealer in Claremore, OK
is that a different brand?