Most compact and mid-size skid steers fit well on a 12,000-14,000-lb GVWR standard duty equipment trailer. Larger machines, added attachments, or frequent highway hauling often justify stepping up to 15,000–20,000-lb GVWR contractor grade equipment trailer. Contractors moving multiple buckets or heavier models may prefer a 20,000–25,000-lb tandem-dual-axle gooseneck trailer for stability and payload.
Join our heavy equipment trailer experts from Appalachian Trailers as we explore everything you need to know about picking the perfect hauler for your jobs that require skid steers and other heavy machinery.
How To Size Your Skid Steer Trailer Correctly
Choosing the right trailer starts with accurate numbers and an honest look at how you haul. The goal is a setup that tows your machinery and skid steer attachments confidently, leaves headroom for attachments, and stays within ratings for your truck, hitch, and trailer.
Calculate Real-World Operating Weight
Begin with the machine’s operating weight, not just its base weight, because operating weight includes fuel and fluids. Add the heaviest attachment you routinely carry—grapples, trenchers, cold planers, and augers can add hundreds of pounds. Don’t forget chains, binders, toolboxes, spare tires, and fuel cans, which all count toward payload. If you sometimes haul two attachments, total the worst-case combination so your numbers reflect everyday reality at your worksite.
Match GVWR and Payload With a Safety Margin
Compare your true load to the trailer’s payload (GVWR minus empty weight) and keep a 10–20% buffer so you’re not riding the limit. This headroom reduces stress on axles, hubs, and tires, and it improves braking performance on grades. Staying under ratings also helps your equipment last longer and protects warranties and insurance coverage. If your numbers hover near the limit, size up—exceeding capacity even occasionally isn’t worth the risk.
Pick The Right Deck Length and Width
Measure your overall length with the bucket or forks installed, then add 12–24 inches so you can shift for balance and clear tie-down angles. Between-the-fenders trailers keep deck height low and loading angles friendly; deckover designs offer extra width for wider stances and awkward attachments.
Specify Axles, Brakes, and Tires for Your Load
Tandem axles utility trailers cover many compact and mid-size machines. Electric brakes are standard—pair them with a quality brake controller and set gain with the trailer fully loaded for smooth, straight stops. Choose tires with a load range that matches your GVWR and check speed ratings for highway work. Upgrading to heavier axles and tires today often costs less than replacing worn components later.
Plan For Balance and Tongue Weight
Aim to place about 60% of the load forward of the trailer axles to maintain proper tongue weight and stable tracking. After loading, verify that your truck settles evenly and that the trailer sits level. Use your deck space to fine-tune the machine’s position, then recheck chain angles and attachment movement. Consistent placement builds muscle memory and makes every haul more predictable.
Think Ahead for Attachments and Upgrades
If you expect to add a heavier planer, mulcher, or high-capacity bucket, build that future weight into today’s spec. A slightly larger GVWR or gooseneck trailer upgrade can preserve stability as your work evolves. Extra stake pockets, D-rings, and a longer deck give you options when job requirements change.
Best Trailer Solutions for Skid Steers
Choosing the right configuration makes daily loading faster, safer, and easier on your work crew and essential equipment to get the job done.
Tilt Deck vs Ramps
Tilt deck trailers speed up solo loading and reduce approach angles, which helps with low-clearance attachments and wet or uneven ground. The hydraulic or gravity-tilt action cuts setup time and keeps the deck clear of loose ramps that can shift. Standard trailers with ramps cost less up front and are simple to repair or replace in the field. However, they take more yard space to deploy and can slow turnarounds on multi-stop days.
Deckover vs Between-the-Fenders
Deckover trailers give you full-width loading for wide stances, odd-shaped attachments, and pallets, with more tie-down flexibility at the edges. The trade-off is a higher deck height, which slightly increases approach angle and center of gravity. Between-the-fenders designs keep the deck low for easier loading, better stability, and improved visibility while driving up.
Gooseneck vs Bumper-Pull
Gooseneck trailers place weight over the rear axle of the truck, improving high-speed stability, turning radius, and payload headroom—ideal for long highway runs or heavier machines. They also reduce sway and offer better tongue weight control. Bumper pull trailers are easier to store, more maneuverable in tight residential sites, and pair well with properly equipped ¾-ton trucks.
Skid Steer Trailer Sizing FAQs
What size trailer fits most compact skid steers?
Many compact skid steers are well served by a 12,000-14,000-lb GVWR standard skid steer trailer. Confirm your operating weight plus attachments and choose a size up—like a 15,000–20,000-lb GVWR contractor grade equipment trailer—if you’re close to capacity.
Do I need a deckover for a skid steer?
Not always. Between-the-fenders keeps loading angles low and works for many machines. Choose deckover when your stance or attachments are too wide or when you want more tie-down flexibility for odd loads
Is a ¾-ton truck enough to tow a 14K equipment trailer?
Often yes—if it’s properly equipped and within the truck’s published tow rating and payload limits. Verify gross combined weight rating (GCWR), hitch ratings, and real-world tongue weight before deciding.
Tilt deck or ramps—which is better?
Tilt decks are faster and reduce the chance of slipping or ground strike. Ramps are budget-friendly and simple to service. Pick based on how often you load, surface conditions, and your crew’s preferences.
How much deck length do I need with forks or a grapple?
Measure the total length with the attachment installed and add space to shift for balance—typically 12–24 inches beyond overall length gives room to fine-tune tongue weight and clear tie-down angles.
When should I step up to a gooseneck?
If your combined machine and attachments push beyond 14K GVWR regularly, you haul long distances at highway speeds, or you want more stability and payload headroom, a 20K-25K tandem-dual gooseneck trailer is a smart investment.
Contact Our Team Today to Find the Perfect Skid Steer Trailer
At Appalachian Trailers, we build trailers that work as hard as you do. Whether you’re hauling a compact skid steer to a residential site or moving heavy equipment between commercial jobs, our team can help you choose the ideal size, weight rating, and configuration for your needs.
Contact us today by filling out our convenient online contact form to discuss your setup and get a quote on a skid steer trailer that’s ready for the job.