4 hours ago
Company Background
Hudson Brothers Trailer Mfg., Inc. was established in 1970 and is based in Indian Trail, North Carolina. The company specializes in building heavy‑duty flatbed and deck‑over trailers for hauling equipment and material, with its “Pro Series” line rated for 10‑ton (and higher) loads. For over 50 years the brand has built a reputation for robustness, with many users citing exceptional durability when hauling heavy equipment.
Key Specifications of a 10‑Ton Model
Typical spec sheet for a 10‑ton model (for example the HTD18D or HGN10) includes:
Users who own these trailers often ask: “If the trailer is rated for 10 tons, how much weight can it really handle?” One field user examined a situation where hauling a 23,000 lb track loader on a trailer rated for 20,000 lb payload seemed tempting but posed practical risks. They noted that while axles may physically tolerate more weight in the short term, other factors such as hitch loading, tire rating, brakes, and legal road limits come into play.
Key considerations:
A contractor in North Carolina had a Hudson Brothers 10‑ton trailer rated for about a 20,000 lb payload. He purchased a 23,600 lb John Deere 605C loader and considered hauling it on the Hudson trailer. Though confident the trailer’s frame and axles were rugged, he realized that adding up his truck’s hitch load, axle limits and tire ratings meant the setup would exceed safe margins for frequent use. After discussions with peers and assessing the legal risk, he chose instead to rent a higher‑capacity trailer. Meanwhile his Hudson trailer remains in service moving smaller equipment (10‑15 ton class) on short hauls, which suited its rating comfortably and minimized wear.
Recommendations and Best Practices
The Hudson Brothers 10‑ton class trailers offer robust construction, decent payload capacity and good value for equipment haulers. They shine when used within their rated capacities and maintained properly. However, when hauling equipment nearing or exceeding the nominal payload, all supporting systems (axles, tires, brakes, hitch loads, legal limits) must be evaluated. For hauling ultra‑heavy equipment frequently, it may be wiser to invest in a higher‑rated trailer rather than pushing the limits of a 10‑ton class unit.
Hudson Brothers Trailer Mfg., Inc. was established in 1970 and is based in Indian Trail, North Carolina. The company specializes in building heavy‑duty flatbed and deck‑over trailers for hauling equipment and material, with its “Pro Series” line rated for 10‑ton (and higher) loads. For over 50 years the brand has built a reputation for robustness, with many users citing exceptional durability when hauling heavy equipment.
Key Specifications of a 10‑Ton Model
Typical spec sheet for a 10‑ton model (for example the HTD18D or HGN10) includes:
- GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): ~25,700‑26,700 lbs.
- Empty (dry) trailer weight: ~5,700 lbs.
- Payload capacity: ~20,000 lbs (if hitch load is kept within spec)
- Deck width: ~102″ (8′6″) with various deck lengths depending on model.
- Axles: typically two 10k‑lb (10,000 lb) oil‑bath Dexter axles with brakes.
- Construction: heavy‑channel main frame (for example 10″ channel @ ~15.3 lb/ft on one model) plus reinforced cross‑members.
Users who own these trailers often ask: “If the trailer is rated for 10 tons, how much weight can it really handle?” One field user examined a situation where hauling a 23,000 lb track loader on a trailer rated for 20,000 lb payload seemed tempting but posed practical risks. They noted that while axles may physically tolerate more weight in the short term, other factors such as hitch loading, tire rating, brakes, and legal road limits come into play.
Key considerations:
- Hitch load / tongue weight: A heavy load shifts weight onto the truck hitch; excessive hitch/axle load can exceed truck or trailer limits.
- Tire & rim ratings: A trailer may have an axle rating, but if tire/wheel assembly is undersized, then risk of failure (e.g., blow‑out) under heavy load increases.
- Brake system: On heavier loads, brakes become critical. Trailer buyer reports stress that “keep your brakes well adjusted & inspected” when near or above nominal ratings.
- Legal compliance: Even if physical capacity exists, hauling more than rated without proper permits, or exceeding state weight/axle limits, may result in fines or safety citations.
- Frame and structure: Many users of older Hudson trailers reported rugged design and long service life, but warned that modifications (e.g., to increase capacity) require structural inspection.
A contractor in North Carolina had a Hudson Brothers 10‑ton trailer rated for about a 20,000 lb payload. He purchased a 23,600 lb John Deere 605C loader and considered hauling it on the Hudson trailer. Though confident the trailer’s frame and axles were rugged, he realized that adding up his truck’s hitch load, axle limits and tire ratings meant the setup would exceed safe margins for frequent use. After discussions with peers and assessing the legal risk, he chose instead to rent a higher‑capacity trailer. Meanwhile his Hudson trailer remains in service moving smaller equipment (10‑15 ton class) on short hauls, which suited its rating comfortably and minimized wear.
Recommendations and Best Practices
- Always check the GVWR of the trailer and subtract the trailer’s own weight to determine the usable payload.
- Inspect the trailer’s axle rating, tire & rim capacity, and brake system condition—especially if you plan to approach or exceed standard payload.
- If hauling heavy equipment (20,000 lbs+), ensure hitch/load distribution is correct to avoid overloading truck or trailer hitch.
- For frequent heavy hauling, consider a trailer rated above your maximum load to preserve safety margins and reduce wear.
- Maintain service records: bearing lubrication, brake adjustment, structural weld checks, and tire condition—especially for trailers in constant use.
- Understand local and state laws regarding overweight or oversize loads: even if equipment seems physically able, you may need permits or escorts.
- GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): Maximum allowable total weight of the trailer plus its loaded cargo.
- Payload Capacity: GVWR minus the empty weight of the trailer (and minus the hitch load, if relevant).
- Axle Rating: Maximum load that an axle (including its wheels and tires) is designed to carry safely.
- Tongue/Hitch Load: The portion of the trailer load transferred to the towing vehicle’s hitch or drawbar.
- Deck‑Over Trailer: A trailer design where the deck is positioned over the trailer axles, providing a low load angle and easier equipment drive‑on.
The Hudson Brothers 10‑ton class trailers offer robust construction, decent payload capacity and good value for equipment haulers. They shine when used within their rated capacities and maintained properly. However, when hauling equipment nearing or exceeding the nominal payload, all supporting systems (axles, tires, brakes, hitch loads, legal limits) must be evaluated. For hauling ultra‑heavy equipment frequently, it may be wiser to invest in a higher‑rated trailer rather than pushing the limits of a 10‑ton class unit.
