2002 Ram 2500 5.9L 5speed, 3:55 rear, 157k miles, all stock
Pulled a 26ft fifth wheel with this truck for several years. UVW of 5th wheel was 5200 lbs.
We sold the 5th wheel and are shopping for a gooseneck horse trailer.
GNs we are looking at are max 30ft with living quarters and UVW of 4500 to 5000 lbs.
After adding 2 horses, tack, propane, and personal items, the trailer should be no more than 9000 lbs.
I know this thruck will handle 9000 lbs, but are there any different considerations to be looked at for a GN vs 5th wheel?

 

Other than cab clearance, I can't think of anything.

 

I do not know why on horse trailers that the axles are placed so far to the rear. I imagine the pin weight will be pretty heavy. But I imagine it will be within range.

 

Other than you being a short wheel I would watch your cab in tight turns but other than brakes go for it. I haul several 1000lbs of cattle with a goose stock trailer on my 2500 never felt like it was squirrelly with the sway bar on the rear and the one ton springs. One reason for the axels being so far back is that they will not drag the rear ends off these longer trailers when going in to steep grades or at least on my trailer.

 

It shouldn't be a problem at all, I hauled the trailer shown for a couple of years, truck didn't even know it was back there even when loaded with 34 miniature donkeys.

I am not sure they even put 5th wheel hitches on horse trailers. Gooseneck will give you lot's of travel when pulling in thru ditches and uneven ground as most riding areas seem to be.

Jeff

 

Just watch your cab and turning radius.