Looking at gooseneck trailers
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4wd Low
Joined: Oct 2007
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Looking at gooseneck trailers
I'm looking to get a Gooseneck trailer, something as small as possible for maneuverability reasons. The biggest thing I will likely tow is a crew cab dually (Ford F-450 pickup, for example).
I've been looking at the Big Tex 14GN. Will a 20 + 5 work or should I go bigger?
I've been looking at the Big Tex 14GN. Will a 20 + 5 work or should I go bigger?
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 6,509
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From: Sioux Falls Area
My experience with trailers is that until you hit the physical limits of:
1- your tow vehicle
2- your intestinal fortitude
there will always be a time where you wish you had a bigger trailer or more weight carrying capacity.
1- your tow vehicle
2- your intestinal fortitude
there will always be a time where you wish you had a bigger trailer or more weight carrying capacity.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 837
Likes: 152
From: NE OK
I've hauled an '01 F350 SB on my 20+5 and it pulled great. The only problem was there was just enough room to fold the ramps up with the truck on it. I did have a Ranchhand bumper which pushed it back a bit. With the ramps folded, you can roll the truck back and forth if necessary to balance it out.
More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 700
Likes: 478
I've hauled an '01 F350 SB on my 20+5 and it pulled great. The only problem was there was just enough room to fold the ramps up with the truck on it. I did have a Ranchhand bumper which pushed it back a bit. With the ramps folded, you can roll the truck back and forth if necessary to balance it out.
Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 949
Likes: 330
From: Colorado Rockies
I am also looking for a GN. It seems you guys think a 20 + 5 is not enough. So, what length do you recommend for trailering a large pickup behind a F-450?
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 225
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There are a number of variables relating to the load.
How long will that truck be?
Diesel or gas?
Pickup bed, utility body, flatbed, nothing on back
Will it have anything in the bed?
What will be on the front? Plow, winch bumper, stock?
Will there be anything hanging off the back?
Will you need to carry anything on the deck with the truck.
Basically, you need to have room to balance the load on the trailer, so about 15% of the loaded trailer's weight is on the tow vehicle. This means you'll need room to move the load, to find the balance.
As mentioned above, it can be very useful having room to pull the vehicle onto the trailer and fold the ramps onto the deck, so you can then move the truck back, over the ramps, and get the right balance.
My recommendation is to determine your worst case scenario, and work from there. Most likely someone here has done it and can let you know how it went or whether they may have wished for a different trailer and why.
How long will that truck be?
Diesel or gas?
Pickup bed, utility body, flatbed, nothing on back
Will it have anything in the bed?
What will be on the front? Plow, winch bumper, stock?
Will there be anything hanging off the back?
Will you need to carry anything on the deck with the truck.
Basically, you need to have room to balance the load on the trailer, so about 15% of the loaded trailer's weight is on the tow vehicle. This means you'll need room to move the load, to find the balance.
As mentioned above, it can be very useful having room to pull the vehicle onto the trailer and fold the ramps onto the deck, so you can then move the truck back, over the ramps, and get the right balance.
My recommendation is to determine your worst case scenario, and work from there. Most likely someone here has done it and can let you know how it went or whether they may have wished for a different trailer and why.
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I'm looking to get a Gooseneck trailer, something as small as possible for maneuverability reasons. The biggest thing I will likely tow is a crew cab dually (Ford F-450 pickup, for example).
I've been looking at the Big Tex 14GN. Will a 20 + 5 work or should I go bigger?
I've been looking at the Big Tex 14GN. Will a 20 + 5 work or should I go bigger?
For example: Does your Explorer have a V-6 or a V-8? Makes a difference when we talk about towing.
But seriously: Are you towing with an F-250 or a F-550 or a Chevy 1500 or a Nisan Titan or . . . ?
If I guess that you are towing with an F-350 DRW, I'd also guess that something with a 25-foot deck and no folding ramps would be okay.
If I guess that you are towing with an F-250, I'd also guess that something with a 30-foot deck and no folding ramps would be okay, as this would allow you to adjust the tongue weight a little more since you'll probably need to with an F-250.
If I guess that you are towing with a Chevy 1500, I'd advise against trying this, and probably cause someone to lecture me on being the weight police while telling you to just send it. LOL
Also, is the F-450 a bare cab and chassis, or does it have a utility bed or motorhome box or some other thing on it?
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