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.
 
/ BP to Goose Neck? #11  
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.

I would let him do it as he sounds like he has done that stuff enough to know what he gets into.
 
/ BP to Goose Neck? #12  
If he is a reputable trailer builder, I would be setting there with it when he opened on Monday morning, to me there is no comparison between a bumper pull and a gooseneck.
 
/ BP to Goose Neck? #13  
I converted a 20’ equipment trailer from BP to GN myself about 15 years ago. Took a couple days if I recall working by myself. It turned out well. Used the trailer for years then sold it. The buyer hasn’t called yet saying it fell apart.
 
/ BP to Goose Neck?
  • Thread Starter
#14  
Well, it's time to put an end to the wish to convert my BP dump to GN. Heard back from the trailer guy today and his price took a big jump after I questioned about exactly what was included for $700. Now it will cost $1525 to convert. I'm not willing to do that. After looking at my trailer, I believe it would make the battery and pump really hard to access. I'm going to leave it as is. There's nothing wrong with it, and it works very well. I am interested in his goose neck equipment trailers and will give him a chance when I get serious.
 
/ BP to Goose Neck? #15  
$1525 is still reasonable for the amount of work involved. I certainly understand your decision to not do it but that is a fair price.
 
/ BP to Goose Neck? #17  
I think it’s best to buy a trailer built the way it is, not trying to be that guy. Sell you current trailer outright and purchase a gooseneck. Reminds me of when guys buy a 3500 SRW truck and try to convert it to a DRW, never pays off. I think you’d be far better off selling it as is and picking up a goose. JMO, best of luck
 
/ BP to Goose Neck?
  • Thread Starter
#18  
I think it’s best to buy a trailer built the way it is, not trying to be that guy. Sell you current trailer outright and purchase a gooseneck. Reminds me of when guys buy a 3500 SRW truck and try to convert it to a DRW, never pays off. I think you’d be far better off selling it as is and picking up a goose. JMO, best of luck

I have no need to sell the trailer. It does all I need it to do quite well. If I had bought my truck first, I would have bought a 16 ft. GN, but all is good the way it is. I know the new price is reasonable, but I have other things with a higher priority. I appreciate all the responses and thoughts.
 
/ BP to Goose Neck? #19  
I think it’s best to buy a trailer built the way it is, not trying to be that guy. Sell you current trailer outright and purchase a gooseneck. Reminds me of when guys buy a 3500 SRW truck and try to convert it to a DRW, never pays off. I think you’d be far better off selling it as is and picking up a goose. JMO, best of luck

Assuming this is being done by a professional shop it would be as good if it were a GN from the beginning - after all trailers are just steel welded together. I doubt OP could sell his BP and buy a comparable GN for $1525 once everything is figured in. It seems like he is content with his current trailer and was just exploring this idea so it is a moot point but I think the conversion is a very viable option vs trading.
 
/ BP to Goose Neck? #20  
I was just voicing my opinion, of course the op couldn’t buy a gooseneck trailer for $1500 but he could take that $1500 and add it to what he sells his bumper pull for and purchase a gooseneck. Again my opinion only, I’m not a fan of trying to make something it’s not. Since a goose is longer and can carry far more pin weight the axle geometry/position should not be the same as a bumper pull.
For these reasons I would sell the trailer and buy a built goose, the OP has spoken and stated that’s not his desire. I’m good with that and I wish him the best whatever he decides.

Have a great weekend gents.
 
 
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