Replacement Trailer Type & Sizing

[dieselscout80]

All, I currently have a 18' trailer (16' flat & 2' dovetail) that has a 7K GVW (2x 3,500k axles).

I need a higher weight capacity trailer at least 10k with 5,200 LB or higher axles and a longer trailer.

The attached pictures is my current trailer and the typical load of my tractor and flail mower.

I'm trying to decide on the length I need. I think 22' (20' flat & 2' dovetail) is about right to allow for positioning to balance the load and maybe carry a second implement.

However, if I switched to a gooseneck would a 20' trailer be long enough as the loader bucket could set on top of the gooseneck hitch? I found a 20' gooseneck (18' flat & 2' dovetail) for sale somewhat local to me.

I understand the benefits of gooseneck vs bumper pull trailers.

 

[bmaverick]

All, I currently have a 18' trailer (16' flat & 2' dovetail) that has a 7K GVW (2x 3,500k axles).

I need a higher weight capacity trailer at least 10k with 5,200 LB or higher axles and a longer trailer.

The attached pictures is my current trailer and the typical load of my tractor and flail mower.

I'm trying to decide on the length I need. I think 22' (20' flat & 2' dovetail) is about right to allow for positioning to balance the load and maybe carry a second implement.

However, if I switched to a gooseneck would a 20' trailer be long enough as the loader bucket could set on top of the gooseneck hitch? I found a 20' gooseneck (18' flat & 2' dovetail) for sale somewhat local to me.

I understand the benefits of gooseneck vs bumper pull trailers.

So states are higher insurance on the truck with goose neck capability as the truck plate rating jumps upwards. Our Ram 2500 had a goose neck. We changed up to ball hitch and a trailer with the axles in the middle vs. rearward. This took so much load off of the trucks suspension. Our HaulMark trailer is a 20ft with 14,000 capacity 2x axles.

Oh, one bad thing we noticed for the short time having the goose neck was, the truck axle would sink into soil and we got stuck twice.

 

[bigtiller]

I wouldn't buy another trailer that is to small. Keep looking for a 22 or even better, a 24 ft.

 

[bmaverick]

I wouldn't buy another trailer that is to small. Keep looking for a 22 or even better, a 24 ft.

We went with 20Ft as the tags and such were going to be to expensive on the road for our use. Some states require an upgrade to your license too.

 

[George2615]

I upgraded from a 20' 7K tilt bed to a 22' 14K tilt bed trailer 9 years ago. I went with a PJ model TF (full tilt). Its listed as a 22' but actual deck length incl. tail is 23'9". Gives me plenty of room to adjust a load. Mainly use for hauling vehicles, implements, and tractors. I like that the axles are farther back than most tilt beds. Check out their trailers.

 

[dieselscout80]

I upgraded from a 20' 7K tilt bed to a 22' 14K tilt bed trailer 9 years ago. I went with a PJ model TF (full tilt). Its listed as a 22' but actual deck length incl. tail is 23'9". Gives me plenty of room to adjust a load. Mainly use for hauling vehicles, implements, and tractors. I like that the axles are farther back than most tilt beds. Check out their trailers.

I really like your trailer, just not sure on the $$,$$$.

The other thing is with my Ram 2500 I only have 2820lbs to cover tongue weight.

 

[George2615]

Yes, the tilt beds do add a premium to the cost. But, I don't have to lift or raise heavy ramps anymore. My back appreciates that.

The extra length lets me adjust the load for more or less tongue weight. Its not usually a problem as the rear of my 2500 barely drops an inch or two with loaded trailer. I assume your Ram has rear coils instead of leafs. You may be better off with a 10-12K

14K is the max trailer for my truck and its all I need.

Prices have sure gone up since I bought mine. I also had a 14K dump trailer which after 9 years I sold it for more than I paid for it new. I could do the same for my PJ but have no plans to sell right now.

Just checked a few places online and a new PJ like mine is selling for over 10k. Probably out of your price range.

 

[Too many Kubotas]

I would definitely go gooseneck, and most likely more than 5,200-lb. axles, just in case.

Unlike a bumper pull, you can get away with a lower tongue weight and still not have sway.
But you probably already knew that.

 

[Hay Dude]

I would definitely go gooseneck, and most likely more than 5,200-lb. axles, just in case.

Unlike a bumper pull, you can get away with a lower tongue weight and still not have sway.
But you probably already knew that.

You can also put the loader bucket on the GN neck so a shorter trailer may be possible. I have a GN with a deck on the neck to store equipment. You just have to be careful how heavy of a GN trailer you end up with.

 

[dieselscout80]

Yes, the tilt beds do add a premium to the cost. But, I don't have to lift or raise heavy ramps anymore. My back appreciates that.

The extra length lets me adjust the load for more or less tongue weight. Its not usually a problem as the rear of my 2500 barely drops an inch or two with loaded trailer. I assume your Ram has rear coils instead of leafs. You may be better off with a 10-12K

14K is the max trailer for my truck and its all I need.

Prices have sure gone up since I bought mine. I also had a 14K dump trailer which after 9 years I sold it for more than I paid for it new. I could do the same for my PJ but have no plans to sell right now.

Just checked a few places online and a new PJ like mine is selling for over 10k. Probably out of your price range.

My truck is rated to pull a 16,620 lbs, but I’d be over my payload likely with a trailer that heavy.

 

[Too many Kubotas]

You just have to be careful how heavy of a GN trailer you end up with.

A Ram 2500 is basically identical to a 3500, except for the rear suspension and the mandated 10K max GVWR, so I wouldn't worry too much about the weight.

There are always air springs in case the rear sag is a problem.

 

[Hay Dude]

A Ram 2500 is basically identical to a 3500, except for the rear suspension and the mandated 10K max GVWR, so I wouldn't worry too much about the weight.

There are always air springs in case the rear sag is a problem.

Sure, but I always felt like if you are spending 75K on a 2500, just spend 76K on a 3500 and get the extra pin weight all legal & ready to go.

 

[Hay Dude]

My truck is rated to pull a 16,620 lbs, but I’d be over my payload likely with a trailer that heavy.

Mostly depends on the positioning of your trailer axles.

 

[Too many Kubotas]

Sure, but I always felt like if you are spending 75K on a 2500, just spend 76K on a 3500 and get the extra pin weight all legal & ready to go.

I completely agree. I don't really understand 2500s.

Then again, I understand 1500s much less, unless all you want is a car with a bed in the back.
And I've learned to really dislike bumper pull trailers.

Yes, I'm opinionated, but it's almost all based on experience.

 

[Hay Dude]

I completely agree. I don't really understand 2500s.

Then again, I understand 1500s much less, unless all you want is a car with a bed in the back.
And I've learned to really dislike bumper pull trailers.

Yes, I'm opinionated, but it's almost all based on experience.

This ^^^^^
You and I see the world in very similar ways, my friend.

 

[4570Man]

I completely agree. I don't really understand 2500s.

Then again, I understand 1500s much less, unless all you want is a car with a bed in the back.
And I've learned to really dislike bumper pull trailers.

Yes, I'm opinionated, but it's almost all based on experience.

I really like a bumper pull trailer for local trips. I can leave the bed clear to haul additional cargo and the bumper pull is easier to hookup. My truck is a flatbed which gives me 9 more feet to load additional implements on or as long as it’s lighter stuff I can put a bundle of building materials up there. My 14k trailer isn’t enough weight behind my 1 ton dually to cause swaying problems or loss of steering assuming you loaded it half way right. If you were going across the country maybe a slightly smoother ride of a 14k GN would appeal to me but not for 10 mile trips. If you’re stepping up to a 20k trailer then I would agree that you need a GN.

 

[Too many Kubotas]

Mostly depends on the positioning of your trailer axles.

Stupidly sold a very nice and light aluminum trailer, instead of adding a 3rd axle to it.

About two months ago my girlfriend bought a Diamond C...for almost twice ($11K) what I bought the aluminum one for in '10.

Anyway, not much choice when it comes to where the weight goes on the new one.

 

[Hay Dude]

I really like a bumper pull trailer for local trips. I can leave the bed clear to haul additional cargo and the bumper pull is easier to hookup.

To be honest, you don’t lose all the bed space with a GN. I have a 9’ flatbed and there’s 4 feet of space between the GN hitch and the cab where I have a 80G fuel cell and 2 large areas for chain saws, long tools, chains or other cargo. The is also space between the back of the GN hitch and the rear edge or tailgate of the bed.

A GN is only slightly harder for me to hook up.

My truck is a flatbed which gives me 9 more feet to load additional implements on or as long as it’s lighter stuff I can put a bundle of building materials up there. My 14k trailer isn’t enough weight behind my 1 ton dually to cause swaying problems or loss of steering assuming you loaded it half way right.

But the OP has a 2500 SRW

If you were going across the country maybe a slightly smoother ride of a 14k GN would appeal to me but not for 10 mile trips. If you’re stepping up to a 20k trailer then I would agree that you need a GN.

Somewhat agree. I’d probably be into a GN for anything over 14K on a 2500 SRW.

 

[Too many Kubotas]

This ^^^^^
You and I see the world in very similar ways, my friend.

Well, many will surely disagree, but I tend to go by logic, physics, and such. My logic may not always be correct, but it's impossible to cheat physics.

By the way, my Ram also have a 9-foot flatbed and has since shortly after I bought it '17, but I have yet to put anything but a couple of spare tires on the bed. Yes, I installed a TorkLift 30K receiver on it, just in case, but have yet to use it.

Another thing I don't understand (much) is pickup beds. On my girlfriend's 3500 it does make sense, as she pretty much fills it when going to Costco.

 

[Hay Dude]

Well, many will surely disagree, but I tend to go by logic, physics, and such. My logic may not always be correct, but it's impossible to cheat physics.

By the way, my Ram also have a 9-foot flatbed and has since shortly after I bought it '17, but I have yet to put anything but a couple of spare tires on the bed. Yes, I installed a TorkLift 30K receiver on it, just in case, but have yet to use it.

Another thing I don't understand (much) is pickup beds.

Dealers seem to like to fill their lots with 10 times the amount of 2500’s as 3500’s.
Probably due to the fact that 3500’s are into CDL territory now.