Iron CapitalTrailer RentalsHow-to
How to Load and Strap a Skid Steer on an Equipment Trailer
Drive the skid steer up the ramps heavy end first (bucket empty and low), center it over the axles so roughly 10–15% of the load's weight lands on the tongue, drop the attachment to the deck, and secure it at four separate corner tie-down points with chains and binders. Our 22 ft, 14,000 lb GVWR equipment trailer rents for $125/day with ramps and winch included.
Will my skid steer fit on the rental trailer?
Run the math before you book. A typical mid-frame skid steer weighs 6,000–8,500 lb with a bucket; add attachments and you're often near 9,000 lb. Our 2026 Lamar 22 ft equipment trailer is rated at 14,000 lb GVWR — trailer weight plus payload — which leaves roughly 9,500–10,000 lb of usable capacity, enough for most compact track loaders and skid steers. The deck is 22 ft, so even a machine with a forks attachment fits with room to position it over the axles.
| Check | Details |
|---|---|
| Machine weight | Look up the operating weight plate; include the attachment |
| Trailer capacity | 14,000 lb GVWR on the 22 ft equipment trailer |
| Tow vehicle | 3/4-ton+ pickup with a rated hitch and brake controller |
| Tie-downs | 4 separate corner points, chains + ratchet binders |
| Tongue weight | 10–15% of total load on the coupler |
How do I drive it on without drama?
Set up on level ground, chock the truck, and line the ramps up with the machine's tracks or tires. Load heavy end first — for a skid steer with an empty bucket that means driving up forward, bucket a few inches off the ramps. Go slow and straight; the moment to correct your line is at the bottom of the ramps, not the top. Park the machine so its center of mass sits just ahead of the trailer's axle pair, then lower the bucket or attachment flat to the deck, curl it in, and shut the machine down in gear with the parking brake set.
What does a legal 4-point tie-down look like?
Federal cargo-securement rules (FMCSA §393.130) require heavy equipment over 10,000 lb to be secured at four separate points, and it's the standard we recommend for any machine. Chain each corner of the skid steer to a separate D-ring or stake pocket, angled outward at roughly 45 degrees, and tension each with a ratchet binder. Attachments get their own securement — a loose bucket on the deck is its own projectile. Give every chain a pry-bar tug before you pull out, then re-check at the first stop; new loads settle in the first ten miles.
What changes at Colorado Springs altitude and grades?
Grade and wind, mostly. Coming down Ute Pass or the hills on the west side, gear down early and let the engine hold the load instead of riding the trailer brakes. On gusty Front Range afternoons a tall machine acts like a sail — drop 5–10 mph and add following distance. Our Front Range towing checklist covers wind and winter in detail, and if you're unsure whether your truck needs a brake controller, read our trailer-brake guide — at these weights the answer is yes.
What we see go wrong at the yard
Two things, over and over: machines loaded light-end-first so the tongue floats and the trailer sways at 55, and two-point strapping "because it's only across town." We're family-owned and we haul our own equipment — every equipment trailer leaves our Colorado Springs yard with ramps, a winch, and straps included, and we'll gladly sanity-check your tie-down plan at pickup. It costs nothing and beats a load shift on I-25.
How do I book the equipment trailer?
Reserve the 22 ft equipment trailer ($125/day, $750/week) at bookings with a $50 booking fee that applies to your total, or call or text 719-661-3946. Hauling something lighter? Compare decks and GVWRs on the utility & equipment rental page.
Quick answers before you book
Do I need chains, or are straps enough for a skid steer?
For machines this heavy, chains with ratchet binders at four corner points are the standard — FMCSA rules require four-point securement above 10,000 lb, and insurers expect it on any skid steer. Use the included straps for attachments and light gear, not for the machine itself.
Can a half-ton pickup tow a skid steer on this trailer?
Usually not. Trailer plus machine commonly totals 10,000–13,000 lb, which exceeds most half-ton tow ratings. Plan on a properly equipped 3/4-ton or larger with a weight-distributing hitch and a brake controller, and verify your truck's rating on the door-jamb sticker.
Does the equipment trailer rental include ramps?
Yes. The 22 ft equipment trailer comes with ramps, a winch, and straps at no extra charge — the winch also helps load a dead machine. Daily rate is $125, weekly $750, with a $50 booking fee applied to your total.
Should the bucket be up or down while towing?
Down. Lower the bucket or attachment flat onto the deck and curl it in before you strap — it drops the center of gravity and removes the chance of a raised arm drifting. Never tow with the boom raised.