Gooseneck Flatbed Fever

[Alan Reagan]

I've started the cumbersome task of looking for a gooseneck flatbed. Now that I'm coming down from the initial sticker shock, I'm ready if I can find what I want. I've looked at the PJs, Big Tex, Texas Pride and a few others and still can't really find what I would consider to be a really well made trailer. The manufacters are taking shortcuts with wiring, welding, painting, and other things that are turning me off. I want to look at a Red Rhino, but they are built to order. At least those guys seem to understand metal fatigue, proper welding techniques, and the advantages of square tube steel versus channel iron. But I haven't seen any on the road anywhere.

So so if you have any input here, let me hear it. I'm wanting a 25 + 5 with mega ramps so that I can back and drop equipment on the trailer. Will probably go with a 22 ton unit. I have burned out looking at trailers on the Internet.

 

[TFucili]

My gooseneck fever is currently in remission, but I am subject to a relapse at any time I have known several people with PJs and they were satisfied. I think they at least offer a wiring upgrade.

 

[NIsaacs]

Have you looked at Load Trail/Load Max? Like all of them, they have some small manufacturing short cuts but overall I would buy again.

These guys have some good prices....http://www.thetrailerguys.com/

Nick

 

[Slow Six]

I have had a PJ and The company where I am driving now have PJ trailers. They are cheap to buy because they are cheap. Wiring is terrible and generally not a quality trailer. I did not keep my PJ very long.

 

[NIsaacs]

They cost more but I would go with a low pro deck like this one...http://www.thetrailerguys.com/2016_Load Trail_32 210k Low Pro King Ramps_Trenton_TX_5675471.veh

This outfit is where I bought my last trailer (this summer) they are in the hot shot country so they have a large selection of heavy trailers in stock.

I would not buy a Texas Pride or Kaufman...

Nick

 

[TFucili]

Have you looked at Load Trail/Load Max? Like all of them, they have some small manufacturing short cuts but overall I would buy again.

These guys have some good prices....http://www.thetrailerguys.com/

Nick

I figured you'd pop up, Nick. I couldn't remember, for the life of me, the brand you had bought. CRS is setting in...

 

[Alan Reagan]

Been looking at Load Max. Really liking the Ted Rhino. A buddy down here has a Big Tex and cracked a weld with the trailer flexing hauling truck mats for his logging operation. That's the stuff I don't want to happen.

 

[CBari]

I have had numerous kinds. I have bought and sold new and used alike. Most hold up well if used as intended and at the within the specs it was built for. I like the Big Tex's for the money they are pretty good buy. The PJ's I have been around are also pretty good. If I was going to be using one off road in a logging operation I would trade often and they are all designed for road use and will fail quickly in an off road environment when they are loaded heavy.

 

[Gonzo 1066]

I have been very happy with my Hilsboro 700 tandem dually. Bought it in 2001

 

[JR]

I've been looking to Upgrade mine as well. I've got a 22 ft 14k tilt trailer made by Branson who is no longer in business. The problem for me is I'm hooked on the tilt feature and there's not as much of a selection in a GN with a tilt. A friend of mine has an Appalachian trailer which has held up well for him and would be a good one to look at for anyone in this area. Im not aware of any dealers out west though.

 

[NIsaacs]

Any updates yet? I am looking at an 83"x16' gooseneck dump, my 83"x14' bumper pull is too small, lol

Nick

 

[jhenderson]

Any updates yet? I am looking at an 83"x16' gooseneck dump, my 83"x14' bumper pull is too small, lol

Nick

I've had good luck with my PJ so far. It's a 14 ft GN that I had PJ put 8K axles, oil bath hubs, and 17.5 rubber on. 18,500 gvw. It's 4 years old without any real problems other than the fact that the powder coat is peeling. That seems to be an industry wide situation. No primer so the powder coat doesn't stick. My 1st PJ did the same as did the no name brand before that.

 

[NIsaacs]

I've had good luck with my PJ so far. It's a 14 ft GN that I had PJ put 8K axles, oil bath hubs, and 17.5 rubber on. 18,500 gvw. It's 4 years old without any real problems other than the fact that the powder coat is peeling. That seems to be an industry wide situation. No primer so the powder coat doesn't stick. My 1st PJ did the same as did the no name brand before that.

The 8k axles would make an awesome dump but I just can't swing them right now. They have 37 dumps in stock but none with 8k axles and I was afraid to ask the price on a special order. They do carry a bunch of tri axles and tandem dually axles, but I don't want to haul that heavy.

Nick

 

[jhenderson]

I honestly believe the maint savings have already paid for the axles. 4 years of heavy service with no brake work, original tires and no flats save a lot of money.

 

[NIsaacs]

Been looking at Load Max. Really liking the Ted Rhino. A buddy down here has a Big Tex and cracked a weld with the trailer flexing hauling truck mats for his logging operation. That's the stuff I don't want to happen.

Here is a Red Rhino, 2015 102" x 40', air ride with 15K axles, the price is right.

http://www.thetrailerguyswest.com/2...r Ride 15k W Elect_Big Springs_TX_6943561.veh

Nick

 

[Alan Reagan]

Thanks, Nick. That is a good price on the Red Rhino. I had found a Load Max in Atlanta for a good price but the guy didn't give me the two days to get up there like he said he would. Still looking.

 

[NIsaacs]

Here is a 2015 Red Rhino, 102"x31' in Tennessee, price is a little high but they are rare.

http://www.equipmenttraderonline.com/listing/2015-Other-Red-Rhino-Gooseneck-Flatbed--120071092

Nick

 

[CToney]

If I was going to get a flatbed gooseneck trailer there would be a couple must haves. Low pro deck, 4-5" lower deck height means less wind to fight and lower Center of gravity for the load you're hauling. I would also run 17.5" single tires. 235/75R 17.5 rated for 6005 lbs each and 75 mph. I would get either the hutch adjustable suspension or the dexter adjustable suspension. Lifetime equalizer bushing on those suspensions. Big Tex uses this suspension. I can sell Red Rhino trailers up here in Canada. I'd like to order a 32ft one to my spec but they are not cheap. Often you get what you pay for.

I have pulled my boss' 36ft Red Rhino with 16,000lbs of netwrap on it. It pulled really well. A big load for my '03 2500 but it handled it well. It has the regular Dexter suspension that is worn and needs new equalizers and some bushings I'd imagine.

 

[RVTRKN]

Pricy, but I'd buy again, try B&W to see if they have a short bed.

 

[Okie-Go]

I have a 2017 Load-Max. 40ft air ride with monster ramps and deck over the neck. Of course it is just 6 months old but so far I like it.