Are gooseneck trailers really more maneuverable?

[4570Man]

That’s a wagon not a trailer and probably has a custom hitch.

 

[ovrszd]

That’s a wagon not a trailer and probably has a custom hitch.

Good point. And one that a lot of people don't realize. Wagon versus trailer.

 

[two_bit_score]

"cab slap" is caused by an improper load. Balance is crucial. With my 11K lb tractor it is a matter of a couple inches.

My 28+4 20K trailer weighs 6800 lbs.

I admit to pulling a couple loads that put me over my GCVWR. But it's rare.

There is what I call collateral damage when using any heavy duty trailer. You gain net hauling capability. But it's not 100%. You have to deduct the added net weight of the rig.

Could you describe 'cab slap' in a little more detail please?

.

 

[ovrszd]

Could you describe 'cab slap' in a little more detail please?

.

It's created by what percentage of total vehicle/trailer weight is on each axle assembly. It's exaggerated by some long GN trailers that have frame sag under stress. Then add the flex of the tow vehicle springs under these conditions.

If the load isn't properly distributed and the vehicle hits a bump, or in extreme situations something so simple as the concrete cuts on the hiway, the vehicle spring movement, GN trailer frame sag and improper balance of the load cause the vehicle and especially the trailer to "bounce". This bounce is transmitted into the ball assembly on the tow vehicle. The forces there actually yank rearward and slam forward in rapid succession. Causes the "cab" including your driver's seat to slap you in the back. Very uncomfortable. A little unsafe. But primarily a Pain in the Back after only a few miles.

Moving the load a few inches can diminish or eliminate this absolutely undesirable characteristic.

Friend of mine has a 35+5 GN trailer that is horrible about this. Primarily due to frame flex in the trailer. To haul his Kubota CTL he has to park it centered on the trailer axles. In this particular case I totally blame the trailer. Poorly built!!!! Popular brand trailer.

 

[Xfaxman]

A gooseneck trailer should weigh about 500 lbs more than a bumper pull. It also puts the weight right over the axle.

Actually the hitch ball is slightly ahead of the rear axle, some of the weight goes on the front axle too.

 

[ovrszd]

Actually the hitch ball is slightly ahead of the rear axle, some of the weight goes on the front axle too.

Correct.

 

[two_bit_score]

It's created by what percentage of total vehicle/trailer weight is on each axle assembly. It's exaggerated by some long GN trailers that have frame sag under stress. Then add the flex of the tow vehicle springs under these conditions.

If the load isn't properly distributed and the vehicle hits a bump, or in extreme situations something so simple as the concrete cuts on the hiway, the vehicle spring movement, GN trailer frame sag and improper balance of the load cause the vehicle and especially the trailer to "bounce". This bounce is transmitted into the ball assembly on the tow vehicle. The forces there actually yank rearward and slam forward in rapid succession. Causes the "cab" including your driver's seat to slap you in the back. Very uncomfortable. A little unsafe. But primarily a Pain in the Back after only a few miles.

Moving the load a few inches can diminish or eliminate this absolutely undesirable characteristic.

Friend of mine has a 35+5 GN trailer that is horrible about this. Primarily due to frame flex in the trailer. To haul his Kubota CTL he has to park it centered on the trailer axles. In this particular case I totally blame the trailer. Poorly built!!!! Popular brand trailer.

Thank you for that explanation! I've heard about that type thing happening just didn't recall it being named "cab slap".

 

[ovrszd]

Thank you for that explanation! I've heard about that type thing happening just didn't recall it being named "cab slap".

I hadn't either. I know it as "back slap".

 

[AVIVIII]

Actually the hitch ball is slightly ahead of the rear axle, some of the weight goes on the front axle too.

Ideally.

A local guy bought a new 3500 Ram with a flatbed and when it was delivered, the hitch was BEHIND the rear axle! The upfitter told him it was because the tail-swing of the truck was too long and would hit the front of the trailer. The only solution was to cut about a 1-foot 45* wedge off of both rear corners and put the hitch back over the axle. Dodge said you can't change the frame length or you'll loose the warranty.

 

[pmsmechanic]

Ideally.

A local guy bought a new 3500 Ram with a flatbed and when it was delivered, the hitch was BEHIND the rear axle! The upfitter told him it was because the tail-swing of the truck was too long and would hit the front of the trailer. The only solution was to cut about a 1-foot 45* wedge off of both rear corners and put the hitch back over the axle. Dodge said you can't change the frame length or you'll loose the warranty.

This is why you see some fifth wheel holiday trailers with hitch extensions. The solution is to buy a flatbed with a longer hitch.