Thanks for the Advice

My come a longs are rated at 6000 lbs. each (I use 2 in front). My strapping is 3 in. and rated at 10,000 lbs. each and DOT approved (at least according to whats stamped into the webbing itself.)

As far as brakes I plan on looking into that. Seems like a good thing to have and I'd like to see how hard that would be to put on my double axle 16 foot flatbed. The law in Texas is that any trailer hauling over 4500 lbs. must have brakes. I believe I'm a little below that. Trailer maybe 1000, 8N 2400, and mower 300 you're looking at around 3700 lbs.

I am going to start supporting the rear of the trailer to prevent the truck from being lifted when loading/unloading. Was thinking of using heavy duty aluminum car jack stands. My son had the brite idea of using a trailer drop leg jack on the rear - bolt it on and then just crank it down every time.

I think this forum is great for helping people make safer decisions regarding pulling a trailer and hauling tractors. It's given me a lot to think about.

I like the jacks on TyTX Trailer real well . If was doing again thats the way I would go but here is the jacks on my trailer , Made from jacks from a Truck camper Stortend and welded to back of trailer . I also added covers for lights & moved Plates to back of fender after ripping them off on Gate Post . Sorry for junk on trailer

Don't even bother putting brakes on one axle. If your going to do it do both. I believe most states require both axles anyways and if your going to be buying controllers and doing wiring you may as well do them both. Also get the adjustable controller so you can set the braking amount on the trailer depending on the amount your hauling. You can pretty much turn it off when your empty and save on your trailer brakes. Just don't forget to crank it back up when you load up.

I've done a few panic stops over the years hauling only 3,000 or less. The problem is when you lock up the back tires of the truck it will want to jack knife if the trailer isn't braking it's own load. The last thing you want as you loose steering long before that happens and a split seconds worth of steering goes a long way in accident avoidance. I know you Texans like to live life on the edge but someone from MN may be visiting and not be aware of this little fact. BE SAFE

Mark

Here's a pic of what I had put on my trailer. Real handy and they are always there when I need 'em.

They would be easy to make and do yourself if you can make sparks and glue metal.