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Gooseneck and a 1/2 ton

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RSE965
Reg. Aug 2008
Posted 2008-08-02 1:47 PM (#88841)
Subject: Gooseneck and a 1/2 ton


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Posts: 2

   We are very close to purchasing our first trailer and are looking at a few options. We would prefer to stay with our 2005 F150 FX4 crew w/tow package/ 5 1/2 bed. Love my truck! Included will be some long hauling with two horses, MA to NC and want a trailer to last. Local trailer sales highly recommends new Eby V series 2h st gn stating this gooseneck is designed for short boxes due to its v shape and would be excellent for the highway. Weights all look good according to truck specs. Very impressed by trailer and while I do not doubt his expertise, I am being overcautious and would like to hear from anyone with a 1/2 ton and gooseneck setup. Other option we are looking at would be a 2h straight load bumper pull. Since we would like extra room in the trailer we are looking at either extended dress or a side ramp. Would go with a WDH for this setup. Anyone out there towing these setups and how about the EBY? Thanks for the help.
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mingiz
Reg. Jul 2004
Posted 2008-08-02 2:07 PM (#88842 - in reply to #88841)
Subject: RE: Gooseneck and a 1/2 ton



Elite Veteran


Posts: 662
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Location: Vanzant, Missouri
I started with a Ram 1500 5.2L(318) and a 2H straight load GN with 4ft DR 20ft steel. Never had a problem the only thing I did extra was add brakes to the 2nd axel  so I had 4 brakes instead of 2. It pulled easily even in the mountains of VA, PA.,MD.
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Sharon
Reg. Mar 2004
Posted 2008-08-04 9:35 AM (#88968 - in reply to #88841)
Subject: RE: Gooseneck and a 1/2 ton



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Posts: 235
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Location: Bucksport, Maine

As you can see in my signature, I pull a 2h GN with a GMC short-bed half-tonner.  The trailer is aluminum with a steel frame; the DR has a 4.5' shortwall.  I only ever haul one horse, and in the mountains I have to go a little slower up hills, but I would be comfortable hauling two horses if it were flat.  THAT SAID, I'm sure there are differences in towing capabilities between the GMC and the Ford.

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barntoys4mom
Reg. May 2007
Posted 2008-08-05 9:27 AM (#89045 - in reply to #88841)
Subject: RE: Gooseneck and a 1/2 ton


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Posts: 150
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Location: Farmville, VA
Like Sharon, for years (15 to be exact!) I pulled a 2 horse st.load with 5 foot dressing room Sundowner Sunlite and loved it! If your long hauling, don't even consider a bumper pull. Our Sundowner had a "V" noise and we had a six foot bed and never, ever had any turning problems. You could make a u turn just about any time! We've moved up to a 3/4 ton and a bigger Sundowner, but sure miss the game milage from the old set up! Sounds like your one the right track doing your homework! Good luck! 
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mrstacticalmedic
Reg. Dec 2005
Posted 2008-08-05 10:55 AM (#89054 - in reply to #88841)
Subject: RE: Gooseneck and a 1/2 ton



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Posts: 362
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Location: Allegan, Michigan

Just make sure you do your tow weight calculations correctly.  Just because a trailer says it weighs so many pounds on a title does not mean it is accurate, especially if it is a used model.  I learned that the hard way and messed up the tranny on my dodge halfer.  The title stated it was 3k, well I had it weighed and it actually was 4600 pounds.  It was a Valley 2 horse, straight load goose with 4ft shortwall dressing room.  you add saddles, bridles, hay, grain, spare tire, etc, you rack up the weight quickly in addition to your horses at 850-1200 pounds each.  Add more weight if it is a warmblood or drafty type. 

Make sure you also check your axle load capacity as well.    Also look at your Gross Combined Weight total, this is the weight of your truck for a 4x4 (as that adds weight), its contents, and the tow vehicle and its contents.   If I were you I would go as light as possible or move up to a 3/4 ton, so that you don't have the tail wagging the dog.

Yes you can haul with a halfer, but...is it wise and recommended, no.  Its better to have too much truck than not enough.



Edited by mrstacticalmedic 2008-08-05 10:58 AM
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walbern1
Reg. Jul 2008
Posted 2008-08-05 2:07 PM (#89066 - in reply to #88841)
Subject: RE: Gooseneck and a 1/2 ton


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Posts: 26
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Location: Saskatoon, Canada
I would check your owners manual, I'm pretty sure that the 5.5' bed is not supposed to haul a gooseneck or 5th wheel trailer only the 6.5' bed models. My Chevrolet has a 6' bed and it states in the owners manual that it is not designed or intended to haul a gooseneck or fifth wheel trailer, only the 8' box model Chevy's.
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Terri
Reg. Jan 2004
Posted 2008-08-05 2:12 PM (#89067 - in reply to #88841)
Subject: RE: Gooseneck and a 1/2 ton



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Posts: 2828
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Location: Southern New Mexico

I towed my 4 horse steel featherlite for 3 years with a dodge 1500.  The truck came with the tow package and I caled dodge with my vin and had them look up my truck specs.  My max trailer weight was 1000lbs.  The trailer weighs 6200lbs and we had 2 horses.  We got a bigger truck when we got more horses to fill the trailer with.

We never had a problem pulling and my trailer except up steep hills, it slowed us right down.   My trailer doesn't have a "v" nose,  it has a tapered nose.  Just a slight difference but you can still make a u turn.

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RSE965
Reg. Aug 2008
Posted 2008-08-05 10:43 PM (#89098 - in reply to #88841)
Subject: RE: Gooseneck and a 1/2 ton


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Posts: 2

    Thanks for the input. This forum, new to me, is a great tool. Right now we plan to sit back a little and look around for a 250/350 crew and a 2h gooseneck w/side ramp (for the grill,cooler,and chairs). One of the themes I am reading on the various posts is do it right and do it once, it's cheaper in the long run.
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gard
Reg. Aug 2007
Posted 2008-08-06 8:26 AM (#89113 - in reply to #89098)
Subject: RE: Gooseneck and a 1/2 ton


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Posts: 5870
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Location: western PA

Originally written by RSE965 on 2008-08-05 11:43 PM

     One of the themes I am reading on the various posts is do it right and do it once, it's cheaper in the long run.

Absolutely

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jakey1
Reg. Dec 2003
Posted 2008-08-07 7:12 AM (#89177 - in reply to #88841)
Subject: RE: Gooseneck and a 1/2 ton


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Posts: 350
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Location: Newton, NJ

Like Sharon, I haul a 2H GN with a GMC 1500 Sierra - extended cab, 6 1/2' bed.  The trailer has a 3 1/2' short wall and a DYI LQ set up that is comfortable and pretty, but very basic - no refrig or air conditioning, but I do have an 18 gal corner water tank. 

Putting 2 horses in the trailer with tack and camp gear pushes the envelope.  With one horse, I'm fine.  The trailer is all aluminum, LQ cabinets are solid pine (lighter weight than particle board).

Keep an eye on your truck brakes if you go with a 1/2 ton.  Even though you may stay within the tow capacity for the truck, the brakes on a 1/2 ton are not "heavy duty" and will not hold up as well as on a 3/4 ton.  I would also be concerned with the 5 1/2' bed on your Ford.  You need to keep the weight of the gooseneck as close to the truck rear axle as possible.  If you do upgrade to a larger truck, an F250 should be plenty of truck for most 2 H GN trailers.  If you can't find a 2H with a ramp in front, look for one with an escape door.  It comes in handy as a "back door" if you are camping - especially in bad weather.

If you have the funds, shop carefully and get everything you need in the trailer at the outset, then make sure your tow vehicle is up to snuff otherwise you'll always be second guessing!

 

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gabz
Reg. Oct 2003
Posted 2008-08-07 8:26 AM (#89180 - in reply to #88841)
Subject: RE: Gooseneck and a 1/2 ton



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Posts: 1391
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Location: North of Detroit, MI

The short bed would concern me too. I went with the extended cab. Still has the rear seat and doors but I get the 6.75' bed. Gives me enough room to put the GN hitch just in front of the rear axle.

As said. If you go with a 3H slant, you could get what's called a stallion divider - it goes to the floor on the front stall. And an emergency door on that front stall. This then can be used to store hay, camp chairs, water tank, etc. Ramps tend to add weight to the trailer - so adding the 3rd stall with divider and door would probably work out the same.

Look for a trailer that has the emergency escape and the DR door on the same side. Much easier.

here's the link to ford towing specs:  https://www.fleet.ford.com/showroom/rv_trailer_towing/default.asp

And trucks, especially big trucks, are going cheap here in SE Michigan (Detroit up into the thumb of Michigan). Economy absolutely sucks. If the F150 is not needed as a daily driver - then bump up to a 3/4 V10 or diesel. 

If you want the name of a truck salesperson over here, let me know (private message)

 

 

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HorseyHeidi
Reg. Jan 2008
Posted 2008-08-07 8:37 AM (#89184 - in reply to #88841)
Subject: RE: Gooseneck and a 1/2 ton



Member


Posts: 47
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Location: Findlay, OH

I drive an F-150 with a 2H GN...i agree that u should have it weighed before buying.  I didn't..went off the title said 4800...just took it over the scales and it's 6000! I now max out my weight without horses even in it...Looks like its time for more truck(don't tell

the hubby..LOL)

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