Gooseneck Question

**clownshoe** · #1 04-07-2011, 11:29 AM

I was wondering what some of yall think about the following. I am not looking for your opinion about what type of truck I need and this or that kinda garbage. I am asking about my current situation and is it wise or not.

2003 1500 HD Chevy
specs
http://www.carsdirect.com/2003/chevr...o-1500hd/specs
I am looking at buying a 24' gooseneck (3 single tire axles) and installing a hitch in my truck AND a brake controller. I am not looking at towing the maximum the possible of the trailer, I am looking to get in the 6K-8K payload range at a minimum and doing it safely. What are you thoughts? I do have a good amount of trailering experience including gooseneck operations.

Thanks,
CS

**the crusty barnacle** · #2 04-07-2011, 11:59 AM

I was looking at a 1500HD at one time. From the research I did, It seems that its a 3/4 ton chassis with a larger/ luxury cab similiar to an avalanche on it. It has a 10,000lb tow rating. If you are only towing 7-8K I would worry about it.

**Floatin Doc** · #3 04-07-2011, 12:11 PM

Consider the weight of the trailer. Some triple axle trailers can weigh up to 7K pounds. Then consider the weight of the cargo. You could easily exceed the weight limitations of your tow vehicle. With good brakes on the trailer, stopping should not be a problem. If you got enough horses and the weight limitation don't apply, go for it.

**catman6** · #4 04-07-2011, 12:22 PM

If I were you I would move up to a 3/4 or one ton truck. When a truck is loaded near the maximum tow rating it is a big load. Your truck may be rated to tow 10k but thats a lot for a 1/2 ton. Also the hitch weight for a 5th wheel is much more than the load rating of the truck. Like many 5th wheel travel trailers hitch weight is more than 2000 lbs which is the rating of a one ton truck. If you are stopped by the DPS and weighed, and your hitch load is more that the capacity of the truck, bingo, a ticket.

**DSL_PWR** · #5 04-07-2011, 01:42 PM

Well it's a gasser to begin with so expect horrible mileage. You will destroy the transmission in no time. The ride will be unbearable and you will go through front tires fairly regularly.

So based on that, I wouldn't do it unless you can get another truck. Something of the 3/4 ton or 1 ton variety.

**prarie dog** · #6 04-07-2011, 01:46 PM

Clownshoe, no way would I do what you're thinking about. Many years ago I hauled seven and eight thousand pound loads with a half ton and an 18' bumper pull trailer with good electric brakes. Scarey stuff, the problem you get into is what do you do when the trailer brakes malfunction, that half ton has just enough brakes to stop itself with appx a ton in the bed at the most. If you put that rig on it and have a trailer brake problem when you need to stop, you better be lucky.

**clownshoe** · #7 04-07-2011, 03:32 PM

thats basically what I wanted to hear. I do not like to max anything out/flirt with the safety line.
Thanks for your opinions.

CS