So, using some of the advice received here, I am looking at a 2004 Trail-et Westwind (private party, original owner, pristine condition, but having an appraiser look it over just in case). Going with an older, but higher end trailer, rather than a newer, cheaper one. This is Aluminum skin over galvanized steel frame. GVW is 3500#, not sure of the tongue weight, but I have talked to my mechanic as well as a guy at a trailer dealership, and they both agree that my truck will not have any trouble hauling this trailer with two horses loaded.

I have a half-ton 2007 Chevy (classic body style) with the heavy duty rear end, factory equipped bumper pull package. I will be hauling no more than 20 times in 12 months (and that's a generous estimate, probably less). Most of the time my hauls are less than 50 miles round trip, maybe the occasional 300 mile round trip and maybe one or two longer trips.

So, now it's on to the proper hitch. I asked my mechanic if he preferred to purchase it, or did he want me to supply the hitch. He chose the latter.

I want the kind that flips over and allows me the use of my truck bed when not hauling the trailer. A quick search of such things shows prices ranging from under $200 to over $500 for these hitches. I don't want to cheap out when it comes to this, but I also don't want to over pay. Suggestions?

Here's one I came up with using the website's "search by vehicle" option - http://www.reese-hitches.com/products/BW-1059

I did speak to my mechanic about installing the air bags if the tongue weight proves to much, but he does not think that's going to be an issue.

Is this somethong simular to what you are looking at?  GVWR  is 7000#, thats 3500# per axle x 2.

Trail-et West Wind (no longer available)

2-horse straight load gooseneck with walk-thru doors and rear ramp
Click for diagram

The Westwind Model is the "gooseneck" version of our popular New Yorker Model. Ample sized stalls and head room, with accessibility to your horses from the rear of the trailer and at the head from the walk-thru doors on both sides. A window at in the walk-thru doors and another at the horse's sides creates the wide-open feeling that horses love. As with all Trail-et Models, features padded sidewalls and center divider, which is completely removable if you prefer a boxstall style stall. The 4' dress area has saddle racks and bridle hooks, and a built-in roof support for an air conditioning unit.

POPULAR OPTIONS AVAILABLE FOR THE WESTWIND MODEL:

• Windows in the rear storm doors and the bulkhead wall will create an even more open environment for your horse's comfort.
• Tubed head divider will increase ventilation and visibility, and will allow "insecure" horses to see each other while in transit.
• Lower and upper stud dividers are also available.

As for a hitch, my vote is for B&W... http://www.turnoverball.com/products/gooseneck-hitch/turnoverball-gooseneck-hitch

  "what the axles can withstand"  3500# each axle for a total of 7000#. That trailer will probably weigh 3500 to 4000# empty, maybe 20% of that on the truck pin, just guessing.

Some of these Hawk/Trail-et dealers should know. Both makes are built nearly alike so the weights should be close.

Keep in mind that in the northern climates (land of ice & snow), the turnover balls can sometimes become iced in or out.

If you get one where the ball is actually removed, be sure to keep the hole covered.

Good Luck. Nice trailer. Have the brakes checked and adjusted and be sure to install a good brake controller in the truck.

I have ordered my B & W hitch - it's on the way. Thanks to everyone for the advice and recommendations! I will let you know how I make out with the trailer.

Agree to B & W. No other comes close.

One more thing to worry about--make sure the frame on the nose clears the box/tailgate. I like at least 6" but if you can get by with less if careful. Might do search for this on this site as there has been a lot of discussions.

Barstow. Regarding pickup bed and GN clearance.

If your PU truck is NOT 4-wheel drive, you may not have any trouble. If, however, your PU is 4-wheel drive, it may be an issue. MY driveway is at a slight uphill grade so the combination of turning, plus grade, meant I HAD to go to a new GN trailer rather than a used one, back in 2004. The older ones were not tall enough. I also removed the rails for my tonneau cover.
I also do a the majority of my riding from trail camps, where ground is uneven.

Measure at the center of your truck's rear wheels from ground to the top edge of your pickup box. Add 6". That is the MINIMUM height to the bottom of the Gooseneck area that you will want. Remember too that the coupler can be adjusted, but you do NOT want to run your trailer at a slant because that puts more weight on the rear axle and tires. Rear axle is typically the brake axle.
When trailer is empty, it will obviously, be slightly slanted.

I have never seen the unagoose.  The information states "The chain plate shown above severs two purposes. First, the spring loaded retainers lock around the ball and secure the locking ring to prevent the ball from releasing. The chain plate also provides a secure place to lock your trailer's safety chains without drilling extra holes in the bed of the truck."  If for some reason the chain plate is not locked around the ball, the ball and safety chains can become disconnected from the truck.  With my B&W, if I forget to lock the ball down, the safety chains remain connected to the truck.  My horses are just not worth the risk to save additional holes in the bed.

The towing capacity of either hitch is well above the weight of my 3 horse.

It would be extreamly unlikly that the chain plate could come loose. This is a well engeneered and manufactured hitch..   I posted a link to thier page and a accident photo of one of the hitches..        http://www.una-goose.com/testimonial.asp

look into the pop up hitches.pull a lever hitch pops up push in the lever hitch goes down into the bed great hitch I have no problems with it...