Posted 2010-02-24 9:53 AM (#116955) Subject: GN trailers to accommodate tall (38.25") truck bed?
New User
Posts: 3
Location: Central Indiana
Hi, All. I am in the midst of purchasing my first rig, after many years of waiting, and I am SO excited. I will spare you all the long, tedious details but I bought a 2-horse Hawk GN that won't fit in my truck bed. The truck is too tall and I never saw this issue coming. My truck is a 2001 3/4-ton, 4WD Dodge Ram and I've learned that the Rams in that timeframe have super heavy duty suspensions and sit up higher. Dodge started changing them in 02/03. Go figure.
So here I sit, working with the trailer dealer to "no-go" my loan documents and find something that will work with my truck. I am not totally opposed to a BP trailer, and will be delighted to have my own wheels, but my first choice is a GN.
Does anyone know of any particular makes/models of GN's that will fit in a taller truck bed? Specifically 38.25" tall? Before I abandon my search for a GN and move onto BP's I just want to be sure.
Posted 2010-02-24 10:33 AM (#116959 - in reply to #116955) Subject: RE: GN trailers to accommodate tall (38.25") truck bed?
Veteran
Posts: 236 Location: Little town in Pa
Just my opinion, I would stay with a gooseneck. If you look at most trailer web sites they will have diagrams of their trailers which include the distance from the ground to the bottom of the gooseneck, you will want to add about 6 inches for clearance on uneven ground but this will get you started.
Posted 2010-02-24 10:37 AM (#116961 - in reply to #116955) Subject: RE: GN trailers to accommodate tall (38.25") truck bed?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 534 Location: Zionsville, Indiana
Most manufacturers will build a gooseneck trailer that will work. They can raise the floor of the gooseneck, which shortens the inside height (you could add height to the trailer). They can use axles that raise the entire trailer, in which case you might want to consider a ramp. They can do both. Find a dealer/manufacturer that will work with you.
Posted 2010-02-24 12:00 PM (#116964 - in reply to #116955) Subject: RE: GN trailers to accommodate tall (38.25") truck bed?
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
I too would recommend staying with a GN trailer. By purchasing a trailer from a dealer like Kay, she can ensure that it will fit and properly work with your specific truck. A knowledgeable dealer that is interested in promoting a loyal customer, is much more valuable, than one just trying to make a quick sale.
She knows what it takes to pull a trailer, and the mechanics to make it work safely. She has well known brands to work with, and is willing to order exactly what you need.
Posted 2010-02-24 2:21 PM (#116971 - in reply to #116964) Subject: RE: GN trailers to accommodate tall (38.25") truck bed?
Veteran
Posts: 188 Location: Kinston, NC
From my research, the new trucks are quite a bit higher than past years' models. We increased the GN height of our 2009 models to accomodate all newer trucks.
Posted 2010-02-25 11:04 AM (#116993 - in reply to #116955) Subject: RE: GN trailers to accommodate tall (38.25") truck bed?
New User
Posts: 3
Location: Central Indiana
Thanks for all the advice, folks. Update: I found a suspension/spring shop that is 99.9% sure they can safely lower my truck the 3" that's required. They suggest pulling the lift blocks and installing a Timbren System in their place: www.timbren.com. Any of you have experience with those systems?
I'm dropping my truck off at the shop in the morning for them to fuss with and will keep my fingers and toes crossed. I bought a 2005 Hawk GN and when I was told that I could not lower my truck I started the proceedings to "un-buy" the trailer. Now that I've dog deeper and have decided not to believe everything I hear, hopefully my truck will be lowered and I can "re-buy" the Hawk. Sheesh, what a headache this has been!
Posted 2010-02-25 1:19 PM (#117001 - in reply to #116955) Subject: RE: GN trailers to accommodate tall (38.25") truck bed?
Veteran
Posts: 123 Location: Indiana
There is always something that you forget. Don't beat yourself up. Now that you know, you can go ahead a make a different mistake on your next purchase
Posted 2010-02-25 1:32 PM (#117004 - in reply to #116955) Subject: RE: GN trailers to accommodate tall (38.25") truck bed?
New User
Posts: 3
Location: Central Indiana
Laurie, I should be fine (God willing and the "crick don't rise") b/c there's *plenty* of room between the tops of my back tires to the tops of the wheel wells. Thank you for pointing that out though.
GN trailers to accommodate tall (38.25") truck bed?
Don't beat yourself up. Now that you know, you can go ahead a make a different mistake on your next purchase