Buying a new GN trailer: tilt or deckover?

[econometrics]

If you're ordering new PJ have you considered upgrade to 8000 lb axles (17.5 singles)? Could be a nice compromise instead of duals for use with your truck. PJ slso makes a SUPERWIDE lowboy model, full width with driveover fenders. If you envision ever loading wide stuff or tractor with rear tires set way out better to stay with deckover. I would forget abou tilt, heavier and more expense.

I didn't know that was an option, actually. Thanks for pointing that out.

But I have pretty well decided to go with a dual tandem trailer. I've found a couple that are only 700-1000 pounds more than the same lengths as single tandems, and I would rather give up a little GCWR to get more GAWR on the trailer.

 

[ENC]

I didn't know that was an option, actually. Thanks for pointing that out.

But I have pretty well decided to go with a dual tandem trailer. I've found a couple that are only 700-1000 pounds more than the same lengths as single tandems, and I would rather give up a little GCWR to get more GAWR on the trailer.

My experience had been that a tandem dual trailer is quite a bit heavier than that.

 

[econometrics]

My experience had been that a tandem dual trailer is quite a bit heavier than that.

The PJ single tandem deckover 20+5 I was looking at buying was 5340# empty. But it has a 15680# GVWR on 14K axles.

I'm now looking at a couple of 20+5 dual tandems that are both around 6K empty.

So I do think you're right that *typically* the single tandems are much lighter, but PJ makes a really strong trailer... hence the heavier curb weight.

The Big Tex 20+5 single tandem I was looking at was 4900 empty. And they have a dual tandem 25+5 that's 6500 empty. I've noticed they make them lighter because they don't use as much steel in them.

 

[downslope]

When you start comparing weights just be sure everything is the same, eg width 96 or 102, cross member spacing, locking chain area, type of ramps, jacks, etc, even the type of wood flooring.

 

[econometrics]

When you start comparing weights just be sure everything is the same, eg width 96 or 102, cross member spacing, locking chain area, type of ramps, jacks, etc, even the type of wood flooring.

Yeah, the trailers (of the same axle / GVWR set up) are not the same. E.g. the Big Tex 25+5 is lighter than a PJ 25+5 by about 700 pounds. Mostly because the Big Tex is a low profile and the cross members do not come all the way across the beams (like they do on the PJ). Instead, they are welded INTO the outer sides of the beams to save the 3" or so in deck height. Same center spacing, though.

For me, this is not a big deal as I will not even be using this trailer on a weekly basis. Maybe 1-2x per month, and nowhere near the max GVWR. I'm looking for the best built, lightest trailer I can find to save on my GCWR / total GVWR.

 

[Zebrafive]

All of my tows are less than 20 miles round trip, so I'm not overly concerned with being over the tow ratings a little.

So about 10 miles one way? I don't know how many times a year you move your tractor/equipment, but for a 10 mile trip, I would just drive it down the road. Takes about the same amount (or less) time by the time you add in loading, unloading, tiedown, etc.

 

[econometrics]

So about 10 miles one way? I don't know how many times a year you move your tractor/equipment, but for a 10 mile trip, I would just drive it down the road. Takes about the same amount (or less) time by the time you add in loading, unloading, tiedown, etc.

Yes, it's about 10 miles to get there. But the last 3 miles of it is on a 70MPH, curvy state highway with no shoulder at all.

I'll need a trailer more in the future for hauling other things as well, so this is not only for getting out to mow, etc. with the tractor. :thumbsup:

 

[econometrics]

Anyone have experience with a triple-axle deck over? I'm trying to consider ALL of my options here, and I'm evaluating at this trailer now: Wetaskiwin Used 2012 PJ 30Ft Gooseneck Triple Axle

(Not that specific one, but that model)

I like that I get the 20K+ GVWR, and I like that I have more ability to put load further forward on the trailer but still be putting the load on the axles, not the truck.

 

[Xfaxman]

Your first post

Howdy TBNers,

I'm in the market for a new gooseneck trailer to yank my 5075E+MX6 around.

My estimated weight:

5500 - Tractor
1500 - 553 FEL
1000 - Filled rear tires
1500 - MX6
9500 total, appx

I just picked up a 1999 F250 Supercab 4x4 V10 with the 4.30 gears, so I have around 14K to play with in regards to towing capacity.

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That's about the exact size of a trailer I am looking for there, Xfaxman. Nice set up!

Yeah, exactly. I really just like the way they pull over a conventional trailering set up.

9500 is the max load that I would put on the trailer with the equipment I have. 5500# tractor, 1500# MX6, 1500# 553 FEL, 1000# rear tires filled.

My next heaviest attachment that I would trailer would be my Wallenstein BX62 - which is 1000 pounds.

The trailer(s) I am looking at have a GVWR of 15000+. Both have two 7K axles, yes. But with a GN, I can transfer some of the weight (if needed) to my F250. (I have overload springs on her, so she can take it! )

The PJ deckover 20+5 I am looking at has a GVWR of 15,680 with a curb weight of 5,340. So I can slap 10,430 on that baby. With my maximum equipment weight of 9500#, I am at 14,840# towing. With a truck that is rated for 14500, ha!

All of my tows are less than 20 miles round trip, so I'm not overly concerned with being over the tow ratings a little.
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As you can see, the trailer isn't going to be the main limiting factor for me, the truck is. But that's okay because I think my math shows that I should be okay either way. Just a matter of how much weight flexibility I want.

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I'll need a trailer more in the future for hauling other things as well, so this is not only for getting out to mow, etc. with the tractor. :thumbsup:

This is the heaviest load that I have hauled with my 2006 GMC 2500HD 4x4 Duramax.

I went across the scales at 24,940 GCVW, with 12,640 on the deck, 14,200 on the axles, 3,440 on the ball, Just 3,640 over the 14K GVWR of the trailer.

The trailer has a metal deck and weighs 5,000 pounds empty on the scale at the co-op.

I think a tandem dually is way overkill for your needs

 

[econometrics]

Wow, so you put almost 4K more on that trailer than what "should have" been put on it. Interesting!

This is why I really appreciate this forum... real world experience from people!

I have again looked into the 20+5 single tandem from PJ. 15680 GVWR with a 5300# trailer = 10,380 available for payload. That's without transferring any to the truck at all, in theory.

At this point, who knows what I'm going to buy, ha! I see the pros and cons of all the different options right now.

I am reverting back to think that my CURRENT needs do not warrant a dual tandem right now. I think I could resell that PJ for close to what I paid for it, since I will take really good care of it, store it inside, etc. (The used trailer prices right now are just crazy, IMO!) Then upgrade to a dual tandem in the future if I needed it.

Bottom line, I think I need to take a drive up to the PJ dealer's lot and look at the options in person.

They have all of the different trailers that I would be interested in (a very nice 20+5 Lamar dual tandem, the PJ models, etc.), and I just need to look them all over in person.

Thanks, Xfaxman!

This is the heaviest load that I have hauled with my 2006 GMC 2500HD 4x4 Duramax.

I went across the scales at 24,940 GCVW, with 12,640 on the deck, 14,200 on the axles, 3,440 on the ball, Just 3,640 over the 14K GVWR of the trailer.

The trailer has a metal deck and weighs 5,000 pounds empty on the scale at the co-op.

I think a tandem dually is way overkill for your needs