Posted 2011-09-25 9:00 AM (#137850) Subject: What brand GN trailers fit 2011 Chevy 3500
Member
Posts: 9
Location: SC
Hi All, After a year of reading the forum and looking for used trucks & trailers, I went for a new Chevy 3500 diesel 4x4 long bed ext cab dually last month and had ta BW turnover ball installed. (Formerly had a 96 Dodge 2500 diesel) I planned to keep my 1994 Sundowner GN until I was ready to purchase a used LQ, but it looks like the old trailer won't clear the 2011 Chevy bed-rails enough. I don't want to put any more money into the trailer. The archives have suggestions for modifying trailer or truck, but does anyone have suggestions for GN trailer brands and years that may work without modifications, so that I have a starting point in my new search? Thanks to everyone for the information and opinions given here. I have learned so much! Paulette
Posted 2011-09-25 9:46 AM (#137852 - in reply to #137850) Subject: RE: What brand GN trailers fit 2011 Chevy 3500
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 350 Location: Penrose, Colorado
we have the same set up except in a new Dodge, the truck bed looks high but once our Bison LQ is setting on the ball it has about the same clearance as on the older trucks and it works fine. You can also extend the hitch on the trailer down a bit but you still need the trailer to be somewhat level when it is loaded.
Posted 2011-09-26 9:54 AM (#137862 - in reply to #137850) Subject: RE: What brand GN trailers fit 2011 Chevy 3500
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 447 Location: cedar rapids iowa
I was at an expo and looked at trailer clearance for this same issue. Featherlite has changed the design but not sure what year. I have found that different brands, years and models have shorter goosenecks allowing more height at bedail. Some have made the trailer taller to compensate for the lost headroom inside. So I would just look at the brands you are considering and check each one as from year to year they may vary.
Posted 2011-09-26 10:27 PM (#137874 - in reply to #137850) Subject: RE: What brand GN trailers fit 2011 Chevy 3500
Location: Canada
We have a 2005 Gooseneck Jamco and have no problems with our 2011 K3500. It has a slight upward tilt but still acceptable. I would need to cut off a couple of inches off the main support to lower the trailer. Not planning on doing it any time soon.
Posted 2011-09-27 12:42 PM (#137881 - in reply to #137850) Subject: RE: What brand GN trailers fit 2011 Chevy 3500
Elite Veteran
Posts: 781 Location: La Cygne, KS
Paulette, I don't think you will be able to get a definite answer on trailer brands since years and even custom trailers will vary. You can easily and quite inexpensively block the trailer axles to allow for bed rail clearance. We have a 2005 Elite that we blocked two inches. Bed Rail Clearence is sufficient now with a dropped nose, 7 foot tall trailer and a 2011 Dodge Dually. Our 2006 Cherokee trailer 7 foot tall required no modification.
I wouldn't even hesitate to ask to hook the trailer up to the truck to see what modifications if any needed to be made when you are ready to purchase a new or used trailer.
You might just have to block your current trailer if you want to continue using it until you are ready. We had our aluminum trailer done for $350. I was concerned about the extra 2 inches for loading/unloading, but the horses didn't act like they even noticed. Other people with newer trucks are going to have the same issue as you with your current set-up, so you might as well block your axles so you can sell it easier when you are ready.
What brand GN trailers fit 2011 Chevy 3500
