Options for moving the small ones

I move mt D2 around with a 2500 GMC and 5 ton tilt trailer. It is slightly overloaded but seems to work ok.
If you get a flat bed you could always install a permanent beavertail/ramp or fold up ramps so you would have no worries to unload or load.

buy the pickup truck you like, either a 1 ton or a 3/4 ton and rent a trailer from U-haul etc. They should have something. That way you have no storage problem and no maintenance costs, tag. taxes, insurance either.

I see on their website they list 5290# as maximum capacity. Have you ever actually weighed your tractor?

Maybe another company has a higher capacity trailer.

The payload listed for the F-350 probably does not include the flatbed. Most are with the pickup box. Time you add a bed and ramps I am afraid you are going to be stretched way to far. A flatbed and ramps will easly add 2000 lbs. Now of you could find a nice longer wheel base F-550 or perhaps one of the under 26,000 lb gross delivery trucks running you could set up a real nice 15 hauler. You could even throw a sleeper of a semi tractor on it. Good luck.

Roger,

Yes, I am thinking beyond an F-350 and of creating my own custom rig. We all can't have the Big Red that Mike has which is really something special the way he has that set up. Don't forget to lay down a tarp for him to park on if he pulls into your place. After all, folks out here must have a reason that he was named "OilSlick"! I'm jealous actually and think you guys will have a good time back there.

I know you stopped into Chapter 5's "Cat Night" a few months back as did I back in March. What a fine bunch of fellows!

Jan

Jan,

Before you buy something more than a F350 or equivalent, check the new proposed smog regulations. Currently my 08 F350 has to be smogged every other year. Larger trucks have tier 3 and 4 engine requirements that are going to be phased in. You might be able to find a cheap 550 becasue the new regs have made it worthless in Calif.

I like the idea of buying a 3/4 ton and renting a trailer. Go to an equipment rental place. They have heavier trailers there. A trailer of that capacity should weigh 3-4000 lbs plus your 6000 and you would be good to go with a 3/4 ton.

My brother just bought a new 2 axle 14000 GVW trailer at the Tulare Farm Show. It probably weighed about 3500 lbs. I think he paid around $5200 plus sales tax. G

my 5 ton equipment trailer weighs 2400 lbs. empty.

Roger,

Yes, I am thinking beyond an F-350 and of creating my own custom rig. We all can't have the Big Red that Mike has which is really something special the way he has that set up. Don't forget to lay down a tarp for him to park on if he pulls into your place. After all, folks out here must have a reason that he was named "OilSlick"! I'm jealous actually and think you guys will have a good time back there.

I know you stopped into Chapter 5's "Cat Night" a few months back as did I back in March. What a fine bunch of fellows!

Jan

[quote="janmeermans"]Roger,

Yes, I am thinking beyond an F-350 and of creating my own custom rig. We all can't have the Big Red that Mike has which is really something special the way he has that set up. Don't forget to lay down a tarp for him to park on if he pulls into your place. After all, folks out here must have a reason that he was named "OilSlick"! I'm jealous actually and think you guys will have a good time back there.

I know you stopped into Chapter 5's "Cat Night" a few months back as did I back in March. What a fine bunch of fellows!

Jan[/quote]

Thanks for reminding me. I will pick up a big tarp. Seriously Big Red is a real nice setup. I have always wanted to set up an old long wheel base tractor myself for hauling toys. Mike put a lot of work into that one. They should have a fun trip. You are right about the chapter 5 folks. A good bunch of Cat people up there. We had a good time. Too bad you don't have enough parking room. A two axle fifth wheel trailer would make a nice setup also. Take care. Roger