Finally getting around to posting some information about our new trailer. Of course, you may have already seen our brief overview video. If not, it is linked below. I’ll provide some more photos and discussion of the features here.
While that video does a pretty good job of showing the overview, some details might be missed. Let’s start at the front.
This photo shows the upgraded coupler. This coupler and hitch assembly is rated for 12,000 lbs. It is height adjustable, and has an easier way to lock/unlock the ball than less expensive hitches.
Behind the hitch, you see the break-away system complete with a battery. If the trailer ever becomes unhooked from the truck while on the road, the brakes will lock up, keeping the trailer from running me over, or running over anyone else.
Moving back a bit further, you’ll see the ‘big momma’ jack. Brad (@ DK Trailers) discussed many upgrade options as I was configuring the trailer. He mentioned that a heavy duty jack was available. In my mind, I was thinking the standard jack was one of those wimpy jacks which in practicality won’t hold up a 50lb bag. So, I was quick to jump on the ‘upgraded jack’.
Now that I know Brad’s ways better, I should have realized that his ‘standard’ jack would be equivalent to everyone else’s upgraded jack. I’m certain that the jack he installed on this trailer would lift a freight train!
While it functionally works well, it isn’t very handy for my situation. It cranks too slowly, it is too heavy, and in general, is simply too large for my trailer.
This, of course, is my fault, because I insisted on the upgraded jack! Oh well.
Also in the above photo, you see the steel box which contains the fluid reservoir, hydraulic pump, battery, and electrical components necessary for the dump feature. Not visible from this side, but protruding from the other side, is the male 120v connector which can be used to recharge the battery. This is a typical ‘battery tender’ type of device which provides a low amperage charge to the battery. The battery is also charged via the truck when the 7-pin tail light connector is connected.
Moving to the rear of the trailer, this close-up photo shows the latch which keeps the ramps from sliding out on their own. If you look closely below the latch, you can see the roller I asked Brad to add. This roller makes it much easier to remove/insert the ramps from/to their storage racks.
Here, Brad is demonstrating how easy it is to pull the ramp out. One handed! The easiest way is to ‘push down’ a bit while pulling it out. This forces the main weight onto the roller rather than the channel ‘slides’ further into the trailer.
Dump Feature
It wouldn’t be right to avoid mentioning the dump feature in this post. Afterall, this is the main reason I chose this trailer. This photo shows the trailer in its ‘fully tilted’ position. Approximately 45 degrees. Hopefully this will be sufficient to get material to slide out.
Here is a view from under the trailer. There are two 3 1/2 x 36 inch cylinders. Together, they are rated to lift 10,000 lbs. This should be more than sufficient for this 10,000lb gvwr trailer. I suppose it would be possible to put a large load at the front of the trailer. This would cause strain on the cylinders. However, this situation is not likely anyway, as the tongue weight would be too high if loaded on the front. So, we’ll simply have to make sure we load it over the axles.
Not easy to see in this photo, but I wanted to point out the safety pole laying down just to the right of the right-most cylinder. This can be stood up and wedged against the bed so that one can safely work under the deck while it is raised.
I’ll post more information in the future as I use the trailer further. Until then, be sure to check out the D&K Trailers website to see examples of other custom trailers Brad and his team can build for you.
I love this trailer set up. I am going to talk to my local trailer manufacturer out her in south eastern Pennsylvania about building something similar. What is the size of the deck? I was thinking 6’x14′ for a 1025r TLB. Does it has 3,500 lbs axles? Is there anything you would change?
I found “dump trailer at the dump” right after I commented. I heard you mention the 5000 lbs torsion axles.
I just closed the deal today on a 1025r with the 60d deck, backhoe and it will be delivered next week. I had them add 72 and 50 lbs wheel weights, also got them to add the Heavy Hitch toothbar and throw in a 50 hour service. I’m looking at ballast boxes now, can’t afford the Heavy Hitch receiver and suitcase weights, but love the idea of it. Waiting to see how it handles the loader with just the wheel weights. Do you have any suggestions for ballast?
I have the same thoughts you mentioned on a trailer. Having just one trailer that sits low, light weight and can dump. I grew up in Iowa and had the luxury of nice flat wide roads. Now here in Pennsylvania the roads are tight and windy and way to much traffic. I really want to keep the trailer short and narrow as possible.
I hoping to fit it on 14′ deck but the more I watch the video I think your right about 16′.
I have been in contact with the local trailer builder and they want to build it heavier than I want. They are concerned about the front of the deck being to light duty for dumping. I told them I would only load heavy material over the axles. I sent them a link to your videos and haven’t been back in touch. Hopefully we can get something worked out.
Thanks you guys for the videos, I have gotten alot of info out of them and my high school daughter enjoys watching Katriel.
I love this trailer set up. I am going to talk to my local trailer manufacturer out her in south eastern Pennsylvania about building something similar. What is the size of the deck? I was thinking 6’x14′ for a 1025r TLB. Does it has 3,500 lbs axles? Is there anything you would change?
When you load/unload your 1025r do you have any problems with the rear end of your truck becoming light or getting picked up at all?
If you are having a problem with that, you’re parking your tractor a bit too far back on the trailer. Unless it’s just during the loading process which is normal..
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You mentioned your trailer width is 72”, what is your trailer length? Are you satisfied with the size (length and width)? Besides the change in jack to the standard, would you have ordered the trailer options any differently? If so, how/why? I’m considering a D&K trailer. Thank you.
I would get a hydraulic jack if I had it to do over I talked to Brad (at D&K) about it. He mentioned the new hydraulic jack. I really like it.
for a 1025R, my 16′ is as small as I would want. 18′ would be nice in a few areas.
If you have a larger truck, I would recommend 18′.
I would not get the spare tire on the side. I would request that Brad put it under the trailer. I could raise the bed to get to it.
Other than that, you won’t find a better trailer. I’m incredibly impressed.
Be sure to tell Brad that you found him through us!
Are you sure that jack is not a two speed? We had this style on our belly dumps(larger but similar in design). Push in crank for one speed and pull out for the other speed.