Posted 2006-02-12 7:56 PM (#37037) Subject: differences in BP vs GN
Member
Posts: 8
Location: Gilbert Az
Have pulled a BP 2 horse before (years ago)but never a GN. What are the differences I would notice in a smaller trailer (2 horse) between the BP & GN in regards to pulling, turning, backing up ? Easier to haul or no difference ?
Posted 2006-02-12 8:44 PM (#37042 - in reply to #37037) Subject: RE: differences in BP vs GN
Veteran
Posts: 202 Location: North Texas
"Easier" is a word that can mean many different things to many people. I won't go there. I will tell you that I feel much more comfortable pulling my GN. I don't feel it as much behind the truck. The "geometry" of turning and parking is VERY different from a BP. . . not really a big deal to learn.
Posted 2006-02-12 10:59 PM (#37048 - in reply to #37037) Subject: RE: differences in BP vs GN
Expert
Posts: 2689
Originally written by aznovice on 2006-02-12 8:56 PM
Have pulled a BP 2 horse before (years ago)but never a GN. What are the differences I would notice in a smaller trailer (2 horse) between the BP & GN in regards to pulling, turning, backing up ? Easier to haul or no difference ?
Hi and welcome to the fun forum.
Biggest dfference you'll notice at first will probably be that the G/N "Clips" corners a lot tighter on turns - since it follows the center of your truck's rear axle instead of a point behind the bumper. Watch out for mailboxes, gateposts, etc that the truck has already passed - the trailer may still be sweeping through that area (-:
I like to think of having to take turns "late", vs the way some folk describe it as having to take them "wide". Backing is easier, especially if the trailer is LONG, - assuming you're not an "over the shoulder neck craner" and can use your door mirrors (-:
Then you'll notice that it's just more stable - kinda holds the truck down vs bobbing along behind you and tugging on the back of the truck.
I still DO like a B/P for getting in and out of some tight places, they each have their role.
Posted 2006-02-12 11:56 PM (#37050 - in reply to #37037) Subject: RE: differences in BP vs GN
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 362 Location: Allegan, Michigan
I will not go back to hauling a bumper pull. I have a ram 1500 and pull a gn trailer with no problem. As long as you haul what it is rated, you won't have a problem. I have found it is easier to hook up as you can eyeball it better, and also as stated earlier, the backing is easier. When I drive down the road I can hardly tell it is there and there is not the "swaying" side to side. I think there are far more Pro's vs Cons.
Posted 2006-02-13 7:20 AM (#37058 - in reply to #37037) Subject: RE: differences in BP vs GN
Veteran
Posts: 168 Location: Stem NC
I have both a 23 ft 8 ft wide goose and a 2 horse tag with a dressing room. I have trouble backing both of them. My place is set up so I never have to back. I just go through my trailer port when I leave. I have spoiled myself by not backing.
A bumper pull is harder to hook up by yourself.
Of course I don't even think I have a trailer behind when I pull the tag. It is a "shoe skate" compared to the LQ trailer. I have to remember they both pull differently. I like them both. I think I would rather have the 2 horse bumper for my knock around trailer than a 2 horse goose.
What bothers me with backing is I wear bifocals and it is hard to see depth or distance when backing either trailer. The gooseneck is easier to back, but I back it more than the tag because I camp with it and have to back into parking places.
Posted 2006-02-13 7:36 AM (#37059 - in reply to #37058) Subject: RE: differences in BP vs GN
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 379 Location: Columbia, TN
I have both and use both. The thing that gives a BP a bad name is that a lot of them are short and when you get some horses in them they kind of porpuse or hump the truck. If you get one that has a little lenth to it, say a small dressing room(4 ft) 14 ft. total floor lenth they pull as good as a GN. But they will not turn as sharp. I'm pulling with a dually and I don't know how much difference that makes. Maybe if I was pulling with 1/2 ton f150 the GN might feel more stable. The BP is easier to hook up.
Posted 2006-02-13 7:42 AM (#37060 - in reply to #37058) Subject: RE: differences in BP vs GN
Expert
Posts: 1719 Location: PA
Sable, you really should become proficent at backing both of your trailers. Take them to an empty parking lot and "play" with them for a couple of hours. You can do it!
Posted 2006-02-13 7:56 AM (#37062 - in reply to #37060) Subject: RE: differences in BP vs GN
Expert
Posts: 2689
Originally written by hav2ride on 2006-02-13 8:42 AM
Sable, you really should become proficent at backing both of your trailers. Take them to an empty parking lot and "play" with them for a couple of hours. You can do it!
I'll 2'nd that (-:
If you have cones (who DOESN'T ?) take them to an empty workplace parking lot on a week-end, set them out and make a fool of yourself in front of nobody that matters. I carry a set of cones anyway, to put out in case I have to load/unload on the road, to put around my side ramps at events so the next trailer in leaves me more than 2ft. of space, etc.
The "magic thought" (as described by my son) is to "drive the trailer's wheels that are on the inside of the curve". If you get those where you want them to go (just missing what is on the corner) then everything else will follow. They're the only part of the trailer that you can see well enough anyway and you can't see what is behind the trailer.
Posted 2006-02-13 8:06 AM (#37064 - in reply to #37037) Subject: RE: differences in BP vs GN
Veteran
Posts: 168 Location: Stem NC
I have had a bumper pull for a long time and don't need to back it often. I do good enough to not have to go practice. Seldom do I have to back. When I do it might take 3 or 4 tries or it might take one.
I would rather practice when I need to back it than practice at home.
I do wish I could always back up to the correct place when I hook it up but that too is not very often. I leave it hooked up.
I pull with a super cab dually which as one other poster stated is probably the best thing to pull with even a little 2 horse tag. I would hate to go back to a smaller truck now.
Well, my truck is hooked to the trailer and off I go to ride in 35 degree weather. That is cold for here in Charlotte NC.
Posted 2006-02-13 8:16 AM (#37066 - in reply to #37037) Subject: RE: differences in BP vs GN
Veteran
Posts: 246 Location: Northern IN.
aznovice,
You are just considering a 2hrs. goose-neck over a 2hrs. bumper pull, right? With that small of a trailer you won't have to worry much about swingin' wide on turns. Don't get scared off by that. You will notice a much smoother, "sturdier" ride out of your truck, however. Not as much jerking and bouncing.(specially on those ol' secondary ranch roads). And it will be easier on the suspension of your pick-up as the weight of the wagon is directly over your rear axle and not 3-4 ft. behind it. Think of it this way...if you had to pick up a bucket of water, would you rather pick it up by the bucket handle(directly over the weight) or pick it up using a 3 ft. piece of wood to put under the handle.(thus putting the weight 3-4 ft. away from your body).?!? The principal of leverage. Granted this is actually "reverse leverage" with the weight coming down instead of being picked up, but same rules apply.
Posted 2006-02-13 8:56 AM (#37070 - in reply to #37037) Subject: RE: differences in BP vs GN
Elite Veteran
Posts: 648 Location: Coconut Creek, FL
I park my 2H BP on rubber mats in the pasture and have to back it each time I park. It gives me a lot of practice and I've become quite proficient as a result. What a difference from when I first started hauling.... Now it's a breeze.
Posted 2006-02-13 9:05 AM (#37071 - in reply to #37062) Subject: RE: differences in BP vs GN
Expert
Posts: 2958 Location: North Carolina
Originally written by Reg on 2006-02-13 6:56 AM
Helpers usually aren't. USE MIRRORS, use ONLY MIRRORS (-:
Been there... Our rule for helpers is they can only say "Stop" if the driver is about to hit something. Otherwise the directions and other helpful advice isn't helpful.
Posted 2006-02-13 9:46 AM (#37074 - in reply to #37071) Subject: RE: differences in BP vs GN
Expert
Posts: 1719 Location: PA
I do believe in only using mirrors. It is way to wasy to cheat with a BP and just turn your head. I do, however like to have someone to let me know how close I am to something on the blind side when backing into tight spots. But they HAVE to use the CORRECT signals! I like when they just point in the direction that I need to make the tail go. None of the hand circle thing for me!!!!
Posted 2006-02-13 1:19 PM (#37095 - in reply to #37037) Subject: RE: differences in BP vs GN
Veteran
Posts: 225 Location: Kansas City
What to do when someone thinks that they should DIRECT you into a spot. Hand them a sheet with all the different hand signals you expect them to use to help you. Make sure you include circles, different degrees on eblow turns, and of course, a halt sign. Then while they are studying the sheet -- take the opportunity to back in on your own.
Two things. 1) Only someone who doesn't know how to back a trailer will seriously look at the instructions, 2) generally people who know how to back won't ever come over and offer help unless it appears that you really need it (like after 20 minutes).
Posted 2006-02-13 2:21 PM (#37105 - in reply to #37037) Subject: RE: differences in BP vs GN
Elite Veteran
Posts: 648 Location: Coconut Creek, FL
yeah, but what if they back into something they shouldn't????? I got help the first couple times and then a wise cowboy explained to me how to back up, took the time to teach me right, and I've been fine ever since. Course, I don't have a huge trailer.....
Posted 2006-02-13 2:27 PM (#37107 - in reply to #37100) Subject: RE: differences in BP vs GN
Regular
Posts: 93 Location: Northwest Indiana
Originally written by farmbabe on 2006-02-13 1:46 PM
Mirrors? Oh yeck no- I need to crane my head around in order to back up my rig.
If you're really not wanting to back up a rig, just play the damsel in distress- men love to save the day and back it for you.
The damsel in distress also works for filling up the water bucket, lift the heavy saddle, combing out the tail, clean up the droppings and or stall, repair the fence, the horse needs a bigger stall and the list goes on. Yeap us men our suckers.
Posted 2006-02-13 2:44 PM (#37110 - in reply to #37037) Subject: RE: differences in BP vs GN
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 362 Location: Allegan, Michigan
I guess I have an advantage! I am both an EMT and married to a Paramedic so we both back with our mirrors. I think that should be taught in drivers training instead of relying onyour rearview mirror or cranking your neck. After backing $250,000 ambulances you learn to be very very careful backing!!! Especially when idiots don't pay attention to the flashing red lights..hello..
So backing a gooseneck was no biggee for me. The bumper pulls on the other hand are very very cantankerous. That is why I went and found my dream trailer..actually Jason from Leonard Trailer found it for me..lol..
Posted 2006-02-13 3:46 PM (#37119 - in reply to #37110) Subject: RE: differences in BP vs GN
Expert
Posts: 2689
I have to do the damsel rescue thang from time to time.
Its some sort of a conditioned reflex thing, plus if my trailer is already IN I'd rather back their's in beside it than have them back through it, knock over my buckets, ride over my side ramp, or park with 9 inches of clearance.
There was an event we went to "in convoy" a couple of years ago. We got lost, every time we had to turn around I had to turn my rig around and park it, then do the same for the one behind me, then the one behind that.
There is always the "cemetary detour" strategy for avoiding backing to turn around, most are open 24x7 so you can just cruise through, nod politely at any ceremonies in progress and drive out facing the other way.
Posted 2006-02-13 6:15 PM (#37131 - in reply to #37121) Subject: RE: differences in BP vs GN
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 379 Location: Columbia, TN
To me the shorter the trailer the harder it is to back. The hardest trailer I ever had to back was a motorcycle trailer with a short tongue. Into your bumper before you know it. Lawnmower trailer just as bad. The longer the easier. But the shorter the truck the easier it is also. Reg. cab truck much easier to back a trailer with than crewcab.
Posted 2006-02-13 6:21 PM (#37132 - in reply to #37037) Subject: RE: differences in BP vs GN
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 565 Location: Michigan
Well one advantage I can think of with a bumper pull is being able to pull through a drive-thru at a fast food restaraunt whereas a gooseneck is just a bit more difficult, trying to manuever around the turn without taking down the order window. At least one of my horsey friends can master that with a gooseneck and it is the funniest thing. I think she was a truck driver in her past life!
Posted 2006-02-13 8:15 PM (#37138 - in reply to #37132) Subject: RE: differences in BP vs GN
Expert
Posts: 2689
Originally written by MIfarmbabe on 2006-02-13 7:21 PM
Well one advantage I can think of with a bumper pull is being able to pull through a drive-thru at a fast food restaraunt whereas a gooseneck is just a bit more difficult, trying to manuever around the turn without taking down the order window. At least one of my horsey friends can master that with a gooseneck and it is the funniest thing. I think she was a truck driver in her past life!
Errr, "fast food restaurant" ?
Isn't that an oxy_whatsit ?
(-:
I'd rather park, walk, sit down and eat at a table - REALLY !
Why they have McGarbage drive throughs on the NY freeway is a mystery to me. Not really, its because people WANT them. The idea that people would WANT to not get out of their car every few hours ..... Oh, nevermind - just another tangent.
If you HAVE TO use a drive through window (maybe at a bank) watch the overhead clearance. My B/P is about the same height as my Goosie, rule of thumb - you want 2ft more than your interior height, e.g. with a 7' 6" interior height don't try to squeeze under anything less than 9' 6".
Hotel/Motel check-ins are often only 9ft - to discourage "Truckers" !
differences in BP vs GN
I got help the first couple times and then a wise cowboy explained to me how to back up, took the time to teach me right, and I've been fine ever since. Course, I don't have a huge trailer.....