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For those that tow ...buying a new trailer...bumper pull or goose??

jt512

jt512

1/2 ton status
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A little background, I run a small construction company, we specialize in selective demolition. We use Brokk equipment ( think mini excavator, that is electric and remote control :D) and do concrete demo, kiln clean outs, interior excavation etc., I travel a lot and tow approx 15-20k miles a year.

So I'm in the market for a new trailer, we have always had 2 and recently retired one. I currently have a bumper pull 10k Hudson steel deck tilt, that has been great, but is a little light for our big machine, and a new machine we are looking at is even heavier. I have been looking at goosenecks this time, I've read a lot of positive on other forums about how much nicer they tow, maneuverability etc. I honestly value the feedback of many of you more then that of some of the BS found on other forums.

I will be using this for hauling the K30 around as well as business uses.

So my question, are goosenecks really that much better ? Any brands or setups to stay away from or look for? I know they are more expensive and the added cost of the hitch, I would go with a B&W turnover ball, but is there anything else I'm not factoring in ?


Oh, the tow rig will be my 11 Ram 2500 Cummins 6spd, and I'm looking at 12 or 14k trailers, oh and mainly looking at deck overs (lowest deck height possible) or even a semi deck over (short fender with full width deck)

Thanks :waytogo:
 
Goose neck is far superior to bumper. Tow straighter, back easier, stop straighter. But they are heavier from the start. But most trucks are rated to tow more on goose neck over bumper also.

No info on brands or styles though.
 
After switching to a goose neck, I would never go back. Getting the tongue weight in front of the rear axle makes it handle so much better and, as noted by ktmoutfront, typically the towing capacity is higher when using a goose.

I run a Cam Superline that I got used and I have no complaints.
 
cybrfire said:
Gooseneck FTW.
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I was actually looking at the pic you posted before the dyno event, and thinking I needed to ask you about yours. What are the specs on the one you have pictured?






Here's a question, does the tailgate need to be removed when using it? It looks like there would not be enough room to have it down when backing under it to hook up? Or is there a procedure for hooking up a goose other then just backing under it and lowering it onto the hitch ? I've never used one so bear with me :D
 
I just drop the tail gate till I get back far enough to close, stop and close then jump back in and finish backing under. Ya just don't want to forget what it is you are doing or let something interupt you. Good way to either back into the neck with the tailgate up or pull away without dropping it down. Either one, equally hard on tailgates.

Mine is a 14k trailer. Leaves you about 10k load capacity. I looked at alot of trailers before I got this one.

Seems you go up much more in size and the load capacity also increases but at a much slower rate due to beef of the trailer going up so fast. This size will haul as much as I would really want to put behind a pickup. I would really rather have a lower deck though. Blazer on the trailer catches alot of air. Driving a brick, towing a brick up in the air.:D
 
What's the deck height on yours ?


This > http://www.hudsontrailers.com/docs/details/htmg7t.php. Is one I have been looking at, I've got nothing but great things to say about the Hudson tilt I have, and it seems to be one of the lower deck overs I've found so far.






:doah: just realized what time it is, I've got to get up in 4 1/2 hours :doah::doah: I'll continue questions tomorrow

Thanks :waytogo:
 
jt512 said:
What's the deck height on yours ?
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Don't know for sure but its really as low as it can be and still be above the tires with suspension travel clearance.
 
Ya just don't want to forget what it is you are doing or let something interupt you.
Click to expand...

I have told the story about my cousin Baitfish2 pulling into his work place late one night with a gooseneck loaded with equipment.
Worn out from an all day drive, he got out, released the hitch, and it would not unlock.
So, he climbed in the back of the truck and started jumping up and down to release it.
When it popped loose, is when he suddenly realized that the reason it was giving him trouble was because the truck was still in gear.........

Truck started across the yard headed towards a big closed roll up door. Somehow, he managed to dive out of the back and in through the driver's side window and get the truck stopped.

Said he wasn't sleepy any more.........
 
I love mine, but I kind of want to find a low deck model that is a little lighter duty about the same length. I doubt the trailer would be much lighter doing that though

Mine is 5100# empty, don't really notice the empty trailer behind my truck though.

That hudson looks alright, I'd probably get dual jacks if you get that one. I really like PJ and load trail trailers, they seem to be a bit beefier than everything else and very well built. I believe one of the two factory powdercoats all the trailers also

P1000080.jpg
 
This is my old trailer I got for $600 and rebuilt. Worked good but was heavy (6,000 lbs) and the triple axles scrubbed bad when maneuvering. I sold it in favor of a 18' bumper pull but it is mostly for my offroad rig and taking that big trailer up the mountains and such wasn't the funnest. I sold it and made a decent profit.

DSC03170.jpg
 
jt512 said:
Ooooo...... :D this > http://www.pjtrailers.com/detail.cfm?ID=B6. But with the gooseneck option and maybe even the steel deck option would be :pimp:
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ryoken said:
I want this... but with no hydro deck...





http://www.nationwide-trailers.com/inventorydetail/60
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I want one bad

I think I'd like a 28, 25 is just short of fitting two trucks

http://www.loadtrail.com/detail.cfm?model=GB14&desc=GN%20Carhauler%2014%2C000%20Lb%20w%2FDrop%20Axles%20%26%206%22%20Channel%20Frame
 
The one thing about a gooseneck that no one has mentioned and might be an advantage for you is the ability to maneuver them. They are super easy to put in a space just bigger than the trailer.

Gooseneck is just better for you overall.

Any type of heavy construction use I would go gooseneck unless I found a screaming deal on a bumper pull.

Bumper pulls have their places for sure. Towing one rig I would prefer a bumper pull most of the time.

I can also tow a bumper pull with an SUV.

At that weight though gooseneck is it.
 
My mind is made up, it will be a goose :D , I'm really liking the PJ extra wide I posted the link to :pimp:

I would love to go with a long one, but, just can't do it. I have to be able to pull this thing through Baltimore, DC and other areas that suck to just drive a crew cab long bed through let alone with a trailer behind it :doah:.

Thanks for the input guys :bow: I have come to trust the advice here more then anything I find just about anywhere else.

Any more pics or tips keep em coming :waytogo:
 
You've already made up your mind, but I was going to chime in and say there is no comparison for what you are doing. The gooseneck is hands down the better choice.

Martin
 
You should be real happy with a PJ, they are super beefy
 
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