Help trying to figure load capacity on Kaufman 6 car trailer

I can see the 21000 on the trailer tri-axles however you will only be able to run "about" 15,000 on the hitch as your S/A will only allow 20,000 gross in most states, I'm pretty sure your Volvo has around 4,500 of rear axle weight by itself. You didn't say which model but a typical 610 with a single axle should be around 11,500 ft axle and about 4500 rear axle.

We run a very similar setup, although we run full dual tandems and air ride so my trailer capacity would be higher, what are you going to run as a registered weight? If that trailer weighs 14,000 (guess) and the truck is 16,000 (guess) you will be 30,000 empty you COULD reg for 54,000 and BYPASS 2290 heavy use road tax. This would still allow you 24,000 for vehicles.

As long as you are JUST cars in most cases you could get six cars on that, obviously if you are hauling p/u's your cap. will be limited. Remember you really gain nothing reg. for OVER 54,000 with that setup because you are limited to 21,000 trailer axles, 20,000 truck rear axle, and a 12,000 ft axle, so you are only going to be able to haul a total of 53,000 in most states anyway.

Hope I didn't confuse the issue.

Stan

 

There are some G and H load ranges available I believe Goodyear makes them, they should come in at 3500# per that will give you the 7,000 on your axle.

HOWEVER, I can tell you from exp. that running those tires at full max weight and you better be carring a couple of spares. Also I am assuming that this trailer has electric over hyd. brakes? If it does you WILL be putting brakes on the trailer on a regular basis, you will want to check but in most cases on those type of trailers they are using an RV type axle, they are NOT really up to commercial use and 150,000 miles a year.

Don't take this the wrong way, but Kauffman is not really noted for having a quality trailer, google kauffman trailer problems, you will get pages. If you are serious about this business at some point you will want to step up. Go on the truck paper under trailers, you will find TONS of Kauffman or trailers built like them for sale some only 6 months old.

IF you are only hauling lite, AND you are the only guy using it, AND you are meticulious about maintenance it will do you ok. But I doubt that it will last you for years or hundred of thousands of miles. Again, not trying to be a hard ###, but I have been in this end of the business for over 20 years, this is just what I have seen.

Stan

 

Understand about starting somewhere, believe I had next to nothing when I got going, as long as you are aware of the trailers limitations (weight) you will be fine. We haul mostly bigger vehicles, shuttle buses school buses, limos, ambulances and fire trucks that's why we needed a stouter trailer than what most auto haulers are built for.

IF you can do all of your own work and you got a good price on the rig you should not have much going out in expenses, that will help you keep your cash flow up and you will be fine. When I had first answered your post I did not realize that you were already hauling, I assumed this was your first T/T.

Hope everything works out well for you in your new venture.

Stan

 

Interesting thread fellas. Im also trying to step up from a wedge pick up. Does anyone lease or rent a 6 car trailer? Can either of you tell me more about ifta? What kind of fuel mileage you getting BH? thanx...

 

Nobody leases car trailers, if they do, you'll pay so much it's cheaper to buy.