Posted 2012-02-23 7:46 AM (#141345) Subject: Trailer weight?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 681
Location: Corpus Christi, Texas
Hi All,I just have a quick question this time..I'm thinking about a Cimarron trailer on this site; GN, 3 horse, escape door mangers x 2. In talking with the salesman, he says that the empty weight on this trailer is 4540 lbs. Does this sound right to you? In looking at multiple other 2 H Goosenecks, their quoted weight ranges from 3900 lbs to 4800 lbs..... In light of those quotes, the 3H sounds (maybe incorrectly) light? The salesman told me the weight came off of the title. I looked on the Cimarron website, but got no info there. I'm really torn, because there is another 2H (weighing in at 4180 lbs) on this site that also has good "bones", but the Cimarron has better "bones" for what I'm looking for.. I just wasn't really in the market for a 3-horse. Having NEVER pulled a GN, I am very leery about length (18' box) and am always watching the weight...
Posted 2012-02-23 9:00 AM (#141349 - in reply to #141345) Subject: RE: Trailer weight?
Expert
Posts: 5870
Location: western PA
I can't answer your direct question about the Cimarron. However a GN 3H Exiss Event with an 18' box weighs ~4900#, a two horse version is ~300# lighter. The weights you quoted were pretty much in the ball park.
The big differences in towing the different trailers will be based on your traveled terrain, and the axle placements on the trailers. Three hundred additional pounds being pulled down the road is unnoticeable, unless you're pulling the Million Dollar road. If the axles are placed under the center stall area instead the extreme rear of the trailer, less tongue weight will be carried on the truck, and it will pull better. A different axle placement of a foot or so, can make a difference in the pin weight.
An 18' box GN is very easy to pull, my wife and daughter tow one most of the summer unassisted. I would highly recommend the 3H over a 2H for the additional storage and saleability. The additional weight and towing length are nominal, and not noticeable once you are used to a GN.
When you first pull a GN, your initial impression is how smoothly the trailer tows. Cross winds and truck wakes have almost no effect. Your truck will corner better, and the steering is more secure. Most people are more relaxed drivers whilst towing a GN, it's an easy progression once you have some experience towing a BP.
If your Cimarron is a wide trailer, you may have to get aux mirrors and its additional width may take a while to get use to. Don't fear the change to a GN. You will welcome and enjoy the differences.
Posted 2012-02-23 10:01 AM (#141353 - in reply to #141345) Subject: RE: Trailer weight?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 681
Location: Corpus Christi, Texas
Thanks Gard for making me feel better! I always agonize over a big purchase and I have looked for a GN for quite awhile, wavering between getting a new truck first or a trailer first.. One purchase will knock the other one back several years... i am cautiously excited about finding a trailer that has everything already set for a later small LQ add-on. I'm hoping my BP sells this week
Posted 2012-02-23 12:09 PM (#141358 - in reply to #141345) Subject: RE: Trailer weight?
Regular
Posts: 87
Location: Williamsburg VA
We have a 2006 Cimarron and have been extremely pleased with it. Some trailers from 2004 and 2005 have had some problems with the fiberglass roof. Ours has not had any issues. The weight is about right for a bare dressing room.
We went from a bumper pull to a gooseneck. I would never go back as the gooseneck is much more stable than the bumper pull in the wind or when around tractor trailers. The only drawback is that a gooseneck turns shorter whereas the bumper pull tends to follow the tow vehicle.
Regardless of what you purchase, make sure that you have more than enough truck to pull the trailer and that the trailer will set level with your truck. With our 4X4 F350 we had our trailer built with the axels 2 blocked inches and 2 inches removed from the gooseneck so that the trailer would set level.
Posted 2012-02-23 3:38 PM (#141365 - in reply to #141345) Subject: RE: Trailer weight?
Expert
Posts: 5870
Location: western PA
Here are some various axle placements located on 3H GN trailers. Notice that the Merhow and Shadow trailers have the center of the axles supporting the last stall and the butt end of the middle stall.
Posted 2012-02-23 6:14 PM (#141369 - in reply to #141345) Subject: RE: Trailer weight?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 681
Location: Corpus Christi, Texas
So, the Keifer Built and Exiss have better supported stalls, and a lighter pin weight, therefore, should haul more smoothly with less stress on the truck?
Posted 2012-02-23 8:38 PM (#141377 - in reply to #141345) Subject: RE: Trailer weight?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 402
Location: Valentine, NE
Sure agree to axle placement. Very important with a marginal tow vehicle, but less so with a tow vehicle that has a lot of extra capacity.
Also remember that horse and cargo placement can be equally important. If just hauling 1 or 2 in a 3/4 horse can sure make a difference. You will have to play around with all that a few times to see what works best for your conditions.
Posted 2012-02-23 9:16 PM (#141378 - in reply to #141345) Subject: RE: Trailer weight?
Veteran
Posts: 188
Location: Ingalls, Ks
I can tell you a 16' Kiefer Advantage with lined rubber walls and mats on the wood floor weighs in at exactly 4440#. As opposed to the 3500# I was told it weighed when purchased. Has 16" wheels and slat sides. I would guess his weight to be close, but unless they weighed it as it sits I wouldn't take their word for it. His number, I believe, comes from a bare bones, no spare tire or mats or misc other things. The Kiefer pulls great and I love it, but most sales guys are just guessing about weight from what I've gathered in the past few years.
Posted 2012-02-23 10:11 PM (#141379 - in reply to #141345) Subject: RE: Trailer weight?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 681
Location: Corpus Christi, Texas
Duster, that is what worries me....... some of you may remember from my earlier posts; I plan to pull with a heavy half-ton Toyota. It is made to pull, with a heavier transmission, a better trans cooling system, better brakes and I think a heavier overall build. It's max tow weight is 10,100 lbs. The 3 horse trailer, loaded as I would for camping, should run at the VERY most @ 6200 lbs, which is a generous guess... That is more than enough margin for safety, I think. Now you see the reason for my wavering back and forth between getting a new truck or a light trailer. i can't afford both. I plan to install air springs to help with the extra weight, I of course, have a brake controller. I won't be going crazy loading it.. i just want a good quality trailer that will last me for as long as i will continue to camp and give me a place to sleep safe and dry. I have been looking for a 2H but can't find one I can afford with all of the features that i want...... the 3 horse has them..
Posted 2012-02-23 11:04 PM (#141383 - in reply to #141345) Subject: RE: Trailer weight?
Expert
Posts: 5870
Location: western PA
My neighbour has a Tundra, which tows an old steel 2H BP with no problem. IMHO I would think that any number of 18' 3H trailers that weigh in the mid 4Ks, can be carried and pulled with your present truck. I don't remember reading how many horses you will routinely haul, but one or two can be loaded into the rear most stalls and not affect the pin weight very much. Carrying three horses may over load your Toy's rear axle. With two horses and some gear, you'll be grossing out at about 7500#, less than your truck's max towing capacity.
If the truck settles, additional suspension components can be added; IE air bags, air shocks or Timbrens. I don't know all the particular OEM specs, but you may need to upgrade the tires.
I would think that this type of trailer would work with your present truck, if you don't overload the tack area and carry a max of two horses.
Posted 2012-02-24 12:18 AM (#141385 - in reply to #141345) Subject: RE: Trailer weight?
Veteran
Posts: 155
Location: North Salem, IN
One thing to keep in mind with a Tundra and a GN trailer is the hitch placement/axle placement. Certain models of the Tundra have the rear axle fairly far forward compared to other models of trucks. Weight wise you should be fine as Gard said. You may have to use a gooseneck extension so you will have proper clearance when turning. Depending on your specific model of Tundra, you may or may not need an extension. If you rear axle is forward of the center line of the bed, you will more than likely need an extension. Keep in mind a typical GN hitch will be approx. 4" forward of the centerline of the rear axle for proper wight transfer.
Posted 2012-02-24 7:53 AM (#141387 - in reply to #141345) Subject: RE: Trailer weight?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 681
Location: Corpus Christi, Texas
I have two horses. My Rocky mare weighs maybe 900 lbs roly poly fat. My TWH mare will go about mid 900's fat as well. i only take one camping, since I am the only one who enjoys horses or camping. The only time I'd haul two would be to the vet. I typically load my Rocky in the rear stall when camping. I had planned on getting a hitch extender. The website that I found (which helped me decide to keep my current truck) says that they used an extended hitch as well as an off-set ball ( 4"). Two trailer salesmen to whom I've talked to about this say they wouldn't do both. I also talked extensively to the Toyota service mgr about my thoughts about using my truck to pull a GN and he doesn't forsee any problems except, of course the obvious one of overloading, and needed to have the trailer set back.http://www.gooseneckpopuphitch.com/page/popuphitchtoyotatrucksBTW, both trailer salesmen recommended as B&W hitch