Buying a new GN trailer: tilt or deckover?

[econometrics]

Now that tires were mentioned; be sure to check the load rating of the tires. My 14K trailer came with tires rated 3054Lbs each. So unless I change tires I am limited to 12.2K, not 14K.

Yes good point. The trailers I've looked at have 10-ply tires. Not sure the load rating but I am going to upgrade them to a 14 ply.

 

[ovrszd]

My Super Duty tires are Load Rate E (10 ply) with 3625 lb capacity.

4 of my trailer tires are 10ply rated at 3620.

4 are 14 ply rated at 3330.

Go figure.

 

[RedNeckRacin]

I see your point and agree. However, the entire weight of the trailer wouldn't be on the axles. Which is why PJ sets the GVWR at 15680 on this trailer.

I know there are a lot of ways to skin that cat.

I'm going to be over my manufacturer's GCWR on my truck no matter which trailer I buy, so I'm not going to make this decision based fully on what's legal or not, haha!

Regarding the trailer strength, PJ makes one of the toughest and beefiest trailer out there. For sure.

Skinning the cat is just the start! You can just about driveyourself nuts with the numbers if you really want to. There are certainly some cheaper trailers that are trying to compete and why I caution you to make sure you read a little deeper than the surface value. A 14k Quality or Appalachian trailer is much lighter built than a 14k PJ or Moritz trailer.

When I get another gooseneck (If i don't go to a semi drop deck trailer) it will be a PJ. Their prices are higher for a reason. Everytime I go to PJ's website, they seem to add a few more options to the trailers. I think i just recently saw where they are going to start manufacturing drop deck trailers. This seems to be the next big thing for hotshot drivers trying to get more cargo out of these newer HD C&C trucks. Throw a fifth wheel on them and you have a tractor ready to go!


Either way, we love seeing pics of new toys! Videos are even better!

 

[econometrics]

Skinning the cat is just the start! You can just about driveyourself nuts with the numbers if you really want to. There are certainly some cheaper trailers that are trying to compete and why I caution you to make sure you read a little deeper than the surface value. A 14k Quality or Appalachian trailer is much lighter built than a 14k PJ or Moritz trailer. When I get another gooseneck (If i don't go to a semi drop deck trailer) it will be a PJ. Their prices are higher for a reason. Everytime I go to PJ's website, they seem to add a few more options to the trailers. I think i just recently saw where they are going to start manufacturing drop deck trailers. This seems to be the next big thing for hotshot drivers trying to get more cargo out of these newer HD C&C trucks. Throw a fifth wheel on them and you have a tractor ready to go! Either way, we love seeing pics of new toys! Videos are even better!

Haha, yeah... like I said a few posts back: the paralysis of analysis! I'm a numbers guy and sometimes the numbers just keep you spinning around the same problem with no clear answer.

I think I'm narrowed down to a 25+5 Big Tex dual tandem that is on "clearance" at a dealer close to me. They are paying interest on it now, so I could get a nice deal on that one. I like the 48" spread axles and the low profile deck.

But... I'm still drawn to PJ a lot. The quality of those trailers just stands out so clearly. I'm thinking about a 25+5 single tandem there. (Their dual tandem is just too much $$$ for me to justify per my intended uses)

You can count on me posting pics when I make a choice.

 

[7879fordman]

Haha, yeah... like I said a few posts back: the paralysis of analysis! I'm a numbers guy and sometimes the numbers just keep you spinning around the same problem with no clear answer.

I think I'm narrowed down to a 25+5 Big Tex dual tandem that is on "clearance" at a dealer close to me. They are paying interest on it now, so I could get a nice deal on that one. I like the 48" spread axles and the low profile deck.

But... I'm still drawn to PJ a lot. The quality of those trailers just stands out so clearly. I'm thinking about a 25+5 single tandem there. (Their dual tandem is just too much $$$ for me to justify per my intended uses)

You can count on me posting pics when I make a choice.

The low pro decks make it hard to change tires if loaded for sure .

I was thinking on one when I bought my 40' but everyone say stay away because its hard to change tires .

You probley wouldn't ever have a problem . But keep in mind its hard to get the tires off .

Sent from my iPhone 5 using TractorByNet

 

[econometrics]

The low pro decks make it hard to change tires if loaded for sure . I was thinking on when I bought my 40' but everyone say stay away because it hard to change tires . You probley wouldn't ever have a problem . But keep in mind its hard to get the tires off . Sent from my iPhone 5 using TractorByNet

Good tip to remember, thanks!

90% of the time, I will be carrying my tractor with the loader attached, so I could probably just back it off and use it to lift the trailer.

Or keep a cheap, used hand jack in the ole toolbox.

 

[7879fordman]

Ya you have to jack the deck up because the tires will hit the deck . The want just come strait off by jacking by the axle .


Just keep'n it real .

Sent from my iPhone 5 using TractorByNet

 

[ovrszd]

Throw a block down and move the opposing axle up on the block, which oscillates the equalizer and lowers the stance of the axle with the flat. Then bottle jack the flat tired axle and remove as normal.

 

[downslope]

They use Dexter.

I think Dexter is an extra cost option shown on the website. The brochure calls the standard axles Posi-lube axles. Anyone know if you have to special order Dexter at extra$$? I've seen something called E-Z-Lube with Dexters.

 

[downslope]

PJ offers a straight deck (no dovetail) with 8 ft. slide in ramps. What do you think it'd be like loading a tractor with something like that? Seems like it could be a high pucker factor scenario; 8 foot ramps could be kind of heavy also, I would think.