Looking for a trailer...

michaelmoten · 11-02-2009, 06:49 AM

I am looking to buy a gooseneck trailer. Never had one before. I just have a few questions before I really start shopping. I found a "Gator" brand and so far I have been very impressed with the quality and price. What are the big things to look for? My neighbor has a Featherlite and swears it is the only way to go, are they really worth the extra $$$? Thanks for any information you all can give me. I am wanting to haul farm tractor's and hay with the trailer. I currently have a 16ft bumper pull that is never enough to do what I want with it. Thinking about 25-30 ft range.

tshideler · 11-02-2009, 06:59 AM

if you use it everyday then the lighter featherlight is worth it, if you use it every so often the heavier one would sufice. i have a heavier one i use once or twice a month for short runs, if i had long runs i would want the lighter one

John-Boy 331 · 11-02-2009, 03:50 PM

featherlight for everyday, if not trail and load max's are very good to, but you definetly need to get one with slipper style springs, slipper springs make a world of differnce in pastures and rough roads

ankersen557 · 11-02-2009, 03:57 PM

Make sure you check on your state laws and your local DOT boys for CDL. If you get a big enough goose neck CDL requirements come into affect. Anything over 26001 GVWR usally requires a cdl in most states.

Texas Rocket · 11-02-2009, 08:13 PM

26,001= CDL in all states. US DOT.

SDP-1 · 11-02-2009, 08:18 PM

i personally dont think the featherlites are worth it as they get older the aluminum seems to have a tendancy to crack.just my 02 tho.any of the bigger brands are decent tho always buy a little heavier than you need.

tate07lbz · 11-02-2009, 08:24 PM

a CDL shouldnt apply if it is for farm use you wont have to worry about that. with a 2500 make sure you dont over load you truck a 24 or 25 footer will bea about right you can pull alot more than your truck will hold up or stop. ive got a load max with a hydralic dove tail it works great to load tractors and wont drag when hauling hay like a dove tail will

duramaxchris06 · 11-02-2009, 08:42 PM

CDL is not required for farm/personal use. only when hauling commercially.

I have a 25 foot CornPro dual tandem axel gooseneck. The CornPro is a heavier trailer. I wish we would have went with a 30 foot, but the 25 is okay. I definately recommend dual tandem axels!

michaelmoten · 11-03-2009, 09:50 AM

Thanks for the information guys. I have not seen a hydraulic dovetail before. How does that work exactly? I was thinking of something along the lines of 25-30 ft. As far as CDL and DOT numbers, any vehicle that does "interstate commerce" is supposed to have a DOT number, but that does not mean CDL. It is wierd and there are several catches to it all.

**Hook'em_Horns!** · 11-03-2009, 11:51 AM

Not sure how big you’re going, but…..With your 2500HD (GVWR = 9,200 lbs), if you hook onto a trailer with a GVWR of 16,801 lbs or more, you WILL need a CDL, regardless of if it’s used commercially or NOT. There are AG exemptions, yes. However, you still need the AG licensing and permits to operate that rig legally. In addition, under this AG exemption you are limited in driving distance from the Ranch/Farm.

If it looks AG related, the LEOs do usually ignore you as long as everything else is working and the load(s) is/are secure.
Except in Houston.