BP to Goose Neck?

   / BP to Goose Neck? #1  

Ken Mac

Bronze Member
Joined
Mar 23, 2016
Messages
63
Location
Pell City, Al.
Tractor
Kubota B26 and New Holland TN75
I made a quick search and didn't find anything pertaining to my question. Anyone have any experience in converting a bumper pull trailer to goose neck? Specifically, I'd like to convert my Kauffman 14' dump to goose neck. A trailer manufacturer quoted $700 to do it for me. Sounds too cheap to me. I'm wondering if there are inherent problems with strength and how it would affect title, etc. Any ideas?
 
   / BP to Goose Neck? #2  
I built a 20' flatbed GN trailer for my father. The only difference in the plans between the two was related to the hitch itself; the frame was the same on both. Make sure the axles are where you'd want them to be before converting it, otherwise you'll be moving those too. This is going to make the trailer more nose heavy due to all the additional steel up front; make sure your truck is rated to handle the load at the pin. The trailer itself will be heavier overall so keep in mind it will reduce the amount of weight you can haul now by however much weight you add.

If I recall correctly, getting it inspected, titled, and registered was simple, but I imagine that also varies by state. I've modified a few trailers but never bothered updating anything to do with the title because it didn't affect the weight or design significantly. If I were to do so, it just needs to be updated by submitting the same form I use to register a new/used trailer but checking the "corrected title" box instead of the new registration box.

Also check that this project will be worth it compared to just buying/trading for what you're wanting. If your state is anything like Texas, it'll now be titled as a home build instead of a factory trailer so resale will be reduced. Take that into account as well.

Finally, $700 sounds cheap for material and labor. Have them show you the design and proof that it is sufficient for the load rating of the frame.
 
   / BP to Goose Neck?
  • Thread Starter
#3  
Exactly what I was thinking. I saw their trailers and they look good. I have to know that my conversion is equal to their builds. I have a Dodge 3500 with GN hitch to handle the load. I'll make them guarantee before allowing the work.
 
   / BP to Goose Neck? #4  
Exactly what I was thinking. I saw their trailers and they look good. I have to know that my conversion is equal to their builds. I have a Dodge 3500 with GN hitch to handle the load. I'll make them guarantee before allowing the work.

Post up if you go through with it. Heck, post if you don't and why. It may help others facing the same decision in the future.
 
   / BP to Goose Neck? #5  
I have plans/dreams of converting my 20' deckover with dovetail to 24' gooseneck by building a bolt on frame adaptor. I've seen pictures of others done this way, and want to be able to go back to bumper pull if I need to. The toung of the current trailer will be hidden under the GN adaptor, and give an additional 4' of deck.

I agree, $700 sounds too cheap, I'd expect that much in materials alone, with labor of a skilled welder being at least as much if not more. I wouldn't touch a job like that for any less, and that's not counting the liability issues.
 
   / BP to Goose Neck? #6  
I made a quick search and didn't find anything pertaining to my question. Anyone have any experience in converting a bumper pull trailer to goose neck? Specifically, I'd like to convert my Kauffman 14' dump to goose neck. A trailer manufacturer quoted $700 to do it for me. Sounds too cheap to me. I'm wondering if there are inherent problems with strength and how it would affect title, etc. Any ideas?

Pretty sure Shield Arc converted 1 and posted it in the welding section ? some time back.

It was a really cool conversion from what I can remember of the pictures, since the trailer was Truly convertible and could be used in either configuration iirc
 
   / BP to Goose Neck? #9  
If the $700 guy is a trailer manufacturer, I'd have have the trailer there by Monday for sure! Prolly a day's work welding, then painting.
 
   / BP to Goose Neck?
  • Thread Starter
#10  
If the $700 guy is a trailer manufacturer, I'd have have the trailer there by Monday for sure! Prolly a day's work welding, then painting.

The guy does build trailers big time- about 150 a month. I still have to decide if it's worth the trouble. There is NOTHING wrong with my trailer as it is. I just wish I had my truck before I bought the dump. It would be a 16 foot GN, for sure.
 

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