Gooseneck - What's it worth?

[PAB_OH]

I recently purchased a GN from my neighbor for a very, very reasonable price. I have very little money in it. Problem is my tow rig is a 3/4 ton Suburban. I was going to convert the gooseneck to a bumper pull but I likely won't have time. The trailer is in very good structural condition both top side and bottom with only surface rust. It was built in the late 70's or early 80's by a coal company in southern Ohio according to my neighbor who bought it from them in the mid 80's.

Here's what I know about it.


Triaxle (was told 15K rating)
2 axles w/ brakes
96" wide
74" between drive over fenders
20' length (including 2' beavertail)
5' adjustable width, HEAVY, HEAVY duty fold up ramps
6' L x 7' W upper steel deck (built in ladder to climb up)
All steel deck (1/8" or 3/16")
1/4" plate drive over fenders w/ expanded metal welded to top for traction
8" channel main structure
4" channel cross members
8 x 14.5 wheels (will need new rubber)
Single dropleg jack
Manual winch
Rear facing worklight


I'm sure the brakes need attention or even replaced. The wiring and lights will need replaced as well. The winch cable is rough and would need replaced.

This thing is built like a tank and my best guess is that it weighs around 3000 lbs - conservative.

I think I'm going to blast it and paint it and then put it up for sale. I've seen much lighter weight NEW GN going for between $3500 and $6000 depending on manufacturer and quality. I haven't seen too many built like this up for sale used or new. Curious as to what you guys think this would bring if I sand blasted, painted, and rewired it (including making brakes functional or replacing them).

Thanks

[Diamondpilot]

Not sure what its worth but from the looks of it you will need to get all new axles. They look to be mobile home axles which are in most states illegal to reuse and for that reason getting brake, bearings, seals, ect are hard to find and expensive. You will probably have to upgrade the springs at the same time to accept the new axles, they are about $100 each or more depending on the rating. You will probably be looking at $250 per axle and this will mean new wheels and tires all around at about $125 each. Figure another $200 for lights, wiring, and a brake away kit. This is adding up to be a expensive repair. Sorry to say I am not sure you will get what you need to make it right.


In Ohio where you are located you will have to make all these things right since trailers of that GVWR require a yearly inspection.

Chris

[radman1]

If fixed up in good working condition, then I would guess $3000-3500. The top deck is a nice bonus that most trailers won't have. Sandblasting and repainting is not too expensive. The ? for me is how good are the axles and can they be used again. Most people don't like trailer house axles. I have one trailer with them. About 10 years old and haven't had any issues with it. I can buy used 10 ply, trailer house tires, mounted on rims, that look like new for $30 apeice. (Please, no lectures on the hazards of trailer house tires). IF you can reutilize the axles, then it is probably a good return. IF you can't reuse the axles, then probably pass unless you can located used axles.
I would leave it as a gooseneck. My state doesn't require any titles or inspections.

[PAB_OH]

MH axles aren't illegal in Ohio and I have a hard time believeing someone would put all the money into this trailer and then slap MH axles on there. I've seen plenty of Fruehauf and Econoline equipment trailers form the same era with this style axles (I just scrapped one, it had Dexter axles on it that looked identical to the axles on this one).

I'm not saying these aren't MH axles but again I have a hard time believeing they are. What's the best way to find out? Remove the hubs and measure the spindle diameters? I don't know any better way to tell. Supposedly the spindles aren't ground as well as service axles and I've heard the bearings are smaller but a lot of people say that isn't true either. I also know plenty of people that run MH axles and I personally don't know of any that have failed, at least not catastrophically. Are there data available to suggest otherwise? I know it's in the best interest of trailer manufacturers to discredit these rigs every chance they get (buy new!).

If they're MH axles I will look at replacing them but since they aren't illegal in Ohio I may consider selling it with them on and making sure the buyer knows. As for GVWR, it will have to be registered as home built not manufactured so that will limit the allowed capacity and since it is probably under 4000 lbs it won't need a title, etc...

As for lights/wiring I've got that covered. I'm looking more for a general idea as to what it would be worth with the assumption it is legal. I already have a real good idea what I'll have to spend to get it operational. I'll be doing all the work myself.

If you've got any ideas about ballpark selling price I'd be interested to know that. I noticed in another thread you mentioned you deal in boat trailers in Ohio as well as Indiana so your opinion would be valued.

Thanks again.

[aczlan]

Originally Posted by Diamondpilot

Not sure what its worth but from the looks of it you will need to get all new axles. They look to be mobile home axles which are in most states illegal to reuse and for that reason getting brake, bearings, seals, ect are hard to find and expensive.

look and see of the tires/axles say "for mobile home use only", there are rims that look like mobile home rims but are not,

on the axles, if the brake assemblies are welded directly to the axle instead of being bolted to a backing plate (which is then welded to the axle) they are probably mobile home axles.

if they are actually mobile home axles/tires, you may have problems with the DOT, otherwise it shouldn't be a problem.

Aaron Z

[Diamondpilot]

I believe that you do see a lot of MH axles on trailers of that era. The problem is liability. Dexter and the other manufactures have made it so its hard to reuse them for that reason. This was common practice 20 years ago but is now not allowed in most states but it depends on the inspector. You may get lucky. You will need a inspection because of the GVWR and it will require working brakes and a brake away kit.

We had a trailer fail inspection in Ohio for the reason of MH axles on a unit I sold in my marine business.

Here is a good site for all. It is my starting point if I have questions on trailers and state laws. Just click on your state and scroll down. It even gives the number to the DOT officer who sets the standards for trailers.

BoatUS.com: Trailering Club

Chris

[PAB_OH]

The tires are lowboy tires, I know they are legal (though in pretty rough shape). I didn't find any markings on the wheels yet and the hubs are all marked "Motor Wheel".

Unfortunatley the brake backing plates are welded to the axles so there is a decent chance they are MH axles. I don't know how to tell for sure though. I wishe there was away to know. I'm going to have to do a little more research.