Gooseneck Flatbed Opinions

[TFucili]

So I am in the thinking stages of getting a gooseneck in the 24'-26' range, 102" wide. The primary tow vehicle will be my 2500 w/6.4 Hemi gasser. Super high GVW is not a high priority, as it would generally haul side-by-sides and ATVs. Not heavy, but a four seat Wildcat is over 12' and a two seater is 10'. It would be primarily personal use, but I am in the powersports business, so hauling multiple units for the store is inevitable. Just browsing specs online, I can see it is easy to end up with a trailer so heavy that it eats up available payload. I prefer a deckover for the ability to side load, but I also see the advantage of the lower deck with drive-over fenders. I also favor straight deck, as load angle is not a big factor with off-road stuff, and it helps avoid dragging the tail so easily on uneven terrain getting to a campsite, for instance. PJ seems to be pretty well made, but Big Tex and H&H also look pretty good. What are your thoughts?

 

[NIsaacs]

I think they are all good trailers. I would go with Big Tex, they have dealers everywhere. I recommend the low pro model in whatever brand you get. Make sure the jacks (2) are bolt on not welded and they have chain spools between the stake pockets and rub rail. Big Tex has all this but some don't.

Nick

 

[jhenderson]

They're all good. I've run PJ for years. The new ones come with Dexter axles rather than Alco which is a plus in my mind. The weak link in most trailers is paint. Due to EPA regs most MFGs use powder coat. It's tough but peels off in sheets after a few years. I'd be asking about warranty on paint. Look for a trailer with a real primer coat under the powder coat or true paint top coat. You'd be surprised at the cost of sand blast and paint on a trailer. Makes a couple hundred dollar difference in purchase price disappear quickly.

 

[TFucili]

Having been in the paint business before, it does appear that PJ has the best paint process.

 

[mwilson]

Step on over to Aluminum.....

http://www.alumline.com/products/trailers/heavy-equipment-trailers/flat-deck-hot-shot

 

[TFucili]

Step on over to Aluminum.....

http://www.alumline.com/products/trailers/heavy-equipment-trailers/flat-deck-hot-shot

I've considered it, Mike. I know there is good and bad in everything, but I have known several people that had cracking issues with aluminum trailers. I'm a little gun-shy, I guess. Lots of dirt roads here, and access roads to camps that can just pound the heck out of a trailer.

 

[jhenderson]

That means they've upgraded from 2012. Mines been peeling for a year now. But I still like my PJ.

 

[TFucili]

Any thoughts on upgrading from Dexter EZ Lube to Oil Bath hubs?

 

[NIsaacs]

I like grease it don't leak. The oil hubs only hold a small amount of oil so when you loose a seal they go dry quick.

Nick

 

[TFucili]

That means they've upgraded from 2012. Mines been peeling for a year now. But I still like my PJ.

I guess having the best process doesn't mean they follow it I did notice that most of the optional paint colors and upgrades were offered out of the TX plant only. Maybe OH has more restrictive rules.

 

[mfurrh55]

Hefty trailers in Tx makes good telescope and they primer and paint, owner is a Mennonite and a Christian, and will do a great deal on special orders,I have bought several axels off him at his price, Monte

 

[RVTRKN]

Step on over to Aluminum.....

http://www.alumline.com/products/trailers/heavy-equipment-trailers/flat-deck-hot-shot

I like the aluminum option, if your cargo is light, but takes up space. It will help your GCW, and less stress on the Hemi.

 

[jhenderson]

Any thoughts on upgrading from Dexter EZ Lube to Oil Bath hubs?

When I ordered my dump I upgraded to 8K oil bath. Best thing I did. Much bigger brakes and the oil bath is simple to maintain. Easy means you might check them once in a while. Haven't lost a drop of oil in 3 1/2 years of hard use. You might not need the 8K but I'd go with 7K oil bath at a minimum.

 

[Wayne M.]

Once again the EPA ruins it. Paint process suffers. We have a very strict paint spec- once Imron- in our fleet but it all stinks now. Prep is king in any event. I agree aluminum will help load cap. How much does a 4 seater weigh? IMHO oil bath is overkill.