I want to build a trailer that will track behind my 700 EFI. I'm going to pull a 110 gallon water tank and a transfer pump, thru the woods on muddy trails, to collect sap for making Maple syrup. I have an 82" axle with electric brakes that I can cut to 48" (the width of my tire tracks). If I make it a flat bed (48" x 60") will it be too top heavy to be practical? Can I hook the brakes to my foot brake to help hold it on the hills, or would they get dirty and cause problems? I dont think I'm crafty enough to build a tub type bed and I dont think it would be wide enough to be of much use any way, 28" between the wheels. The axle is a drop type axle that I was going to use up side down to get ground clearence. I'm open to all ideas.

 

Wow, that's a lot of weight to pull. With a fully loaded tank plus the weight of the trailer, you may be pulling close to 1000 lbs. (My approximate guess.)

What are the dimensions of the 110 gallon tank?

Electric brakes are a thought, but there is also the type of trailer brakes that are actuated at the trailer ball area. Are you familiar with that type?

As far as ground clearence goes, wouldn't you only need it to be slightly higher than the 700's ground clearence (when trailer is loaded)?

 

Vinnie is right, that's a LOT of weight. How much does sap weigh in comparison to water? Water is like 8lbs/gallon. Or maybe 7, I always forget. I know those 700s are beasts, but that's still a lot of weight. Plus the weight of the trailer itself, likely a couple hundred pounds. Maybe try a 55 gallon barrel. Should be able to get one that's brand new, and probably plastic to keep the weight down. Would probably be a safer bet. Remember that tow rating is ideal. I'm sure it would be very taxing to pull that kind of weight in mudd.

Not sure how electric brakes would work. They are sure going to suck a lot of juice. Figure at ATV battery is about the size of an emergency brake battery on a trailer. And that's designed to be used once, though at full brake power.

Also not sure how well hydraulic surge brakes would work going up and down hills. Or if they even make an actuator designed to work at or below 1,000lbs.

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If electric brakes would work, you could mount an automotive battery on the trailer, and run a wire from the 700's battery (through the trailer's plug) to it to keep it charged.