Are 4-wheel trailers with steer axle legal? The kind with steer axles.

[Chapap]

I found a couple of these military trailers for sale. I can't for the life of me get a google search to work and I can't seem to find the applicable law. Is this type of trailer legal? It has a standard trailer axle in back, but a steer axle in front. I imagine it's not safe to tow at any substantial speed and it's probably a nightmare to back. Loading anything would be a pain, but it's cheap and I'm curious. Specific state is FL, but I'm sure there's not too much variation.

 

[2011Supercab]

That trailer empty is probably heavier than you can legally tow with a Ranger.

Does it have brakes?

I don't think towing it would be much of a problem, It's pretty much like the second trailer on a semi towing doubles.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

I found a couple of these military trailers for sale. I can't for the life of me get a google search to work and I can't seem to find the applicable law. Is this type of trailer legal? It has a standard trailer axle in back, but a steer axle in front. I imagine it's not safe to tow at any substantial speed and it's probably a nightmare to back. Loading anything would be a pain, but it's cheap and I'm curious. Specific state is FL, but I'm sure there's not too much variation.
View attachment 95934

I believe they are only legal with a slow moving triangle. Plus if the miltary ones are anything like a hay wagon itll wobble so bad over 20-30mph you wouldnt wanna pull it any faster.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

That trailer empty is probably heavier than you can legally tow with a Ranger.

Does it have brakes?

I don't think towing it would be much of a problem, It's pretty much like the second trailer on a semi towing doubles.

Semis have a converter dolly. Or B trains have a 5th wheel mounted to the front trailer.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I thought of building one from a ranger frame many years ago. Talked to a truck driver buddy and basically its a no go. I don't remember details of why.

 

[Curious Hound]

Farmers use them all the time. But only at slow speeds and mostly off road.

 

[2011Supercab]

Semis have a converter dolly.

Not all have converters,

Turntable drawbar trailer, no landing gear on the trailer, the front axles are part of the trailer.

I see them doing 60+ mph all the time

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Not all have converters,

Turntable drawbar trailer, no landing gear on the trailer, the front axles are part of the trailer.

I see them doing 60+ mph all the time
View attachment 95936

Those must be an outwest thing

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Farmers use them all the time. But only at slow speeds and mostly off road.

Tell the co-op guys that.

The come bouncing three anhydrous tanks into town and the whole crazy train is weaving so bad the back one is almost trying to pass the first one.

No tongue weight, probably no brakes either. In the ag world surge brakes at best.

 

[Curious Hound]

Tell the co-op guys that.

The come bouncing three anhydrous tanks into town and the whole crazy train is weaving so bad the back one is almost trying to pass the first one.

No tongue weight, probably no brakes either. In the ag world surge brakes at best.

Slow is a relative term. I hate to give farmers too much of a hard time. They don’t have the easiest job and they’re at the mercy of the weather and government whims.

Gotta get those tanks filled and back out in the field and maybe, just maybe finish the job by midnight.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Slow is a relative term. I hate to give farmers too much of a hard time. They don’t have the easiest job and they’re at the mercy of the weather and government whims.

Gotta get those tanks filled and back out in the field and maybe, just maybe finish the job by midnight.

This just the guys at the elevator dragging in empties. IE if anything goes wrong it is legally commercial not ag.

 

[sgtsandman]

I wouldn't take one of those on the interstate. Other roads would be trial and error to see what they tow good on and at what speed.