Good Trailer Spec's For Hay

Most of the hay haulers I have seen use steps. And a steel/apitong should be just fine. I'd probably spec a hay trailer out at 53'x102" standard step. Your choice of either aluminum, combo or steel with wood floor.

I see a lot of guys with 48' trailers and they always seem to have a extension on the back that's why I suggested a 53.

 

I've got some friends that also haul hay and their 53' have 3' removable extensions on them. It nice when they can get that extra 4 round bales or 2 more big squares. We bought a steel 48' and plan on adding a dovetail to the rear for an extra 5' of deck. The dovetail will also allow us to move more tractors to different fields at one time. I wanted an aluminum pretty bad but with all the rough dirt roads we run I didn't wont to take the chance of things starting to crack out. Also with the steel I was able to build what we call a "hay rack". Basically it's just a metal headboard that can cradle the bottom front bales.
Here is pic of what I'm talking about.

Here it is after I got done building and painting it.

I will say that if you plan on using the trailer for more than just hay I could see the hay rack getting into the way of some loads.

 

I like that hay rack on the front. I was gonna say have a bulkhead of some sort mounted on the trailer. I have had farmers try to hang bales off both ends. Or they push from the back to tighten load and shove it too far forward, to where you can't get equipment out of your cab guard boxes. Also, due to weight, I'd recommend an all aluminum trailer. Have had many hay loads where I couldn't get a full load of bales due to weight.

 

102" is the only way I'd go. When hauling 4x5 round bales or 4x4 squares it's nice to have that extra few inches on either side to be able to get straps in and out. Although I will say things don't go perfect and you end up with some still sticking above the rail. The way I've figured the hay I've hauled this year I should have never been over weight. Alfalfa tends to be heavier and easier to overload it.