I just bought a 40' flatbed gooseneck to do some hauling with. I'll be using the truck in my signature a 1997 2500 Cummins. I am new to goosenecks and need to get the trailer brakes and connectors squared away.

It seems to me if I have a factory tow package there are alot of 'plug and play' harnesses and brake controllers. But buying this truck used I dont know if it has one. So how can I check? If I dont have a factory tow package what do I need to buy to hook all this stuff correctly?

A few things I can tell you is that I have a factory reese hitch with a 4 pin connector. I also have the extra factory overload leaf springs.

Can any of you guys give me a hand?

Anything else I need to know about hauling this thing around the country other than it's huge?

-Dustin-

 

I'm no towing expert, but I'll throw in my .02.

There should be a blue plug up under the dash above the pedals to hook up the brake controller, and a 7 pin connector on the back of the truck if it has the factory tow package.

If it doesn't, there are aftermarket kits with the wires, relays, fuses and whatever pre-done. They save enough time to be worth it. Might look at trailerpart.com or etrailer.com.

As far as brake controllers go, if I were to buy another one now, I'd probably get the Maxbrake. The ones activated by fluid pressure (maxbrake, brakesmart) seem to be much smoother than the deceleration proportional ones (Prodegy is one of the best of this kind), and the deceleration ones are much better than the timer based ones, IMHO.

Lastly both Al-ko and Dexter have good free downloadable service manuals that cover adjustment and so on...

 

If you're not mechanically inclined, you can take your truck to just about any RV dealer and they can install the necessary wiring and plug for you. If you want to do it yourself, they can supply you with the parts.

 

not to start a big problem but in order to save you any headaches. i'm sure your not commercial but check with your state as far as d l requirements since the trailer will put you above the 26k mark which is a class a catagory. some states have a non cdl class a for that weight. like i said not trying to start a huge argument just trying to keep you out of any trouble. once you get used to it that trailer wont seem that huge, just watch your turns and the idiots who try to pass you when you are making a wide turn.they like to sneak up beside you and if ya clip them its your fault even tho they are the idiot who got in the way

 

Hey, no argument from me. You made a very valid point.

 

It wont take long to get used to it. I been pulling one for about a year now. The other day I pull a 16ft bumper pull, I had more trouble backing that darn thing.

I don't know what it is but, big trailers seem to attract idiots. At least mine does.
One other thing. In close quarters, be careful shading to far to one side when turning. I have about 10ft of trailer aft of my aft axle. That 10ft swings out pretty far when you turn real sharp.

 

I found a place locally that sells trailer parts. Parts and labor for a hidden gooseneck ball is $500. Parts & install for a Prodigy and all wiring for the 7 pin, since I dont have a tow package is $200. Do those seem like good prices? I cant do the work myself since I am 2500 miles away from my truck, I'll probably just have it dropped off at the local place.

I'm not worried about the manuevering the trailer, but I do need to check my local laws on weight and such. I can register it in a few different states, TX, OH, NM, or NH. I wonder if I should put it under the farm in OH...?

-Dustin-

 

What kind of hitch are you getting?

I'm really happy with the B&W turnover ball. If that's what they are installing, you can price it on the internet. As a plus, their Companion 5th wheel hitch attaches to the same socket, if you ever get a 5th wheel camper...

$200 for wiring and labor doesn't sound too bad for the work involved...

 

spent 400 for the b&w for my 07. 200 does seem a little steep to me unless your geting the top of the line brake controller. i would do farm if possible mite be a little less headaches

 

I dont know the brand hitch they install, I just asked for general pricing. I'll try to get more details. The brake controller is the Prodigy which from my understanding is supposedly pretty good.

I am trying to get pictures of the trailer for you guys to comment on, but for now I can at least give you some details. I am always worried about the guy flat out lying to me and them being mobile home axles, which is why I am going to get some pictures on here. It's an older model 40-0 flatdeck gooseneck. It's a triple axle, single wheel setup. The axles are 8 lug with 6 pack leafs u-bolt mounted under the axles. The spring packs are interlinked to each other [slipper spring, I think?]. It has brakes on all three axles and the wiring is housed in conduit.

Like I said, this being my first gooseneck buy, I'd like some opinions before all the final paper work goes through next week.

Thanks for the help guys.

-Dustin-

 

You never said what you intended to haul with this trailer . Vehicle enforcement officers in OH are pretty strict . If you leave the state you are under FMCSA regulations and will need a DOT inspection on the truck and trailer . Some states require a DOT physical whether you leave the state or not . I couldn't find the tow capacity for your truck but I guarantee the trailer itself will be at least half the capacity . If you really need the 40' deck space you'll be way overloaded for your truck . A shorter trailer would weigh less and give you more load capacity .

 

Well the initial load should just be a 3000-3500lb car and personal items. I am basically moving everything I own 2500 miles away, aka a one way trip for now. I'll be trying to call Ohio DMV today.

-Dustin-

 

Pics should be here: http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/inde...lbumId=1881221

Guys, take a look at those and let me know what you think

-Dustin-

 

Well, I'd suspect it needs the brakes need at least cleaned up, a bearing repack and new seals, and probably new tires...

 

So for a couple grand am I getting a good deal?

I figured the tires might need replaced, the previous owner said he has 4 new ones he'll give me with the trailer. I always check and grease bearings. I had a bearing sieze and shear a hub and tire on RT 80 in PA. I felt a jerk and when I stopped the wheel, tire, bearing and hub were all gone. That's also why I dont borrow trailers anymore either.

-Dustin-