While back saw post on similar subject; but, no definitive answers: Just Don"t Do It. Was given new flip over hitch designed for my truck which is 4x4 with overload springs and large gas engine. Only expect to tow 16 foot GN stock trailer and 20 foot GN flatbed with tractor occasionally. Don"t expect weights to exceed the 8000lb travel trailer (bumper pull) that I"ve towed thousands of miles. Any solid reasons not to install and use the gooseneck? Truck is 96 Dodge with 5.9 engine; as side note, truck has just over 400K on it and runs great. Rebuilt tranny twice other than than; all original.
- Thread starter Mokicker
- Start date
Case Nutty 1660
Well-known Member
before I started buying my Dodges with the Cummins engines I always pulled my 26' GN trailer with my 1978 Dodge 150 4x4 with a 360 and auto, it wasn't the fastest but I pulled it thousands of miles with no trouble, I would have much perfered it to have a std tranny but I used what I had, longest single trip I made was 2700 mile round trip to Arizona and back, on the return trip I had over 9000 lbs loaded on the trailer,, it can be done, if i was going to use a auto trans again for that kind of pulling I would install a large aux trans cooler to help keep things cooler though cnt
cole in mo.
Well-known Member
Used to run a 65 ford 1/2 ton, worked over 352 & 4spd, three extra leaves in the rear springs. pulled a 34 ft, gooseneck with 4 horses all over the country, had a good elec brake controler, never had any problems. I liked the way the gooseneck pulled and handled better than the bumper hitch trailers. And I've found that you can get by with a lot more if you don't give the dot or other cops something to look at. if you're hauling a tractor, make sure its cross boomered on both ends. Have anything you haul tied or boomered good.
Mokicker, Since 1990 and the proliferation of everybody owning a 3/4 or 1 Ton pickup. You MUST remember that our world was basically built with the 1/2 ton pickup. There is No good reason Not to put that hitch in your truck unless there is a reason you might not keep it long. I have pulled a 25 ft Tandem Dually Goosneck withn a 4230 to a local shop 50 miles away a number of times with a 97 Ford S-cab 4.6, Auto, longbox 4x4 pickup. Additional springs, ans smart driving are required too. Ina ddition to too many other kinds of loads I have pulled. Get it installed!
Later,
John A
Later,
John A
I have a gooseneck on a '70 Ford F-100.It is 15'flat deck-2' beavertail,Two 5000 lb axles.Seldom haul anything bigger than a SM.The 302 sometimes struggles on some of the hills.No reason that a halfton cannot haul a gooseneck.I think that a goosneck is superior to a bumper pull.Just be mindful not to overload.Thatgoes with anything.The 1026 was a little heavy...but I only had to haul 20 miles,never exceded 20/25mph.Gave myself plent of room to stop,back roads with no hills.We all "push the envelope" once in a while!LOL Steve
edward will
Member
mokicker,
Stay within the law, imagine someone running into you and someone getting hurt. You can lose everything and then some. Good luck Ed Will
Stay within the law, imagine someone running into you and someone getting hurt. You can lose everything and then some. Good luck Ed Will
Ken Macfarlane
Well-known Member
I thought the Dodge 2500 was the smallest truck the Cummins came in?
johnwayne360
Member
If you look at the recommended towing for most half tons anymore, the books say 10k lbs. I have used half tons pulling gooseneck stock trailer for over 10 years now. Not every day pulling, more like twice a month. But the biggest load ive had on is 6k lbs plus the trailer. Keep the brakes working on the trailer and you will have no problems. Btw..the 5.9 in the half ton dodge is a 360 gas. I pulled with that up until last year, but i didnt have the same luck with transmissions you do..
Geo-TH,In
Well-known Member
David, Where I live in Indiana, I've never heard of the DOT busting the individual pulling a trailer. Have heard of the DOT stopping people with a sign on truck advertising a business.
I stay off the interstates. Only haul my stuff. Have the loads covered or strapped 8 ways. Stay within 20 miles of home. Actually half my miles are in town. Guess the police don't care.
I was recently at the BMV. Asked them what the rules were for towing. They didn't know. Called the DOT and asked them, same story.
If or when I get a ticket, I'll let everyone know. I'm 64 and went past many cops. I'm pulling more than my truck is rated for. I've never been in an accident either. Only pull what feels safe and not overloading trailers.
George
I stay off the interstates. Only haul my stuff. Have the loads covered or strapped 8 ways. Stay within 20 miles of home. Actually half my miles are in town. Guess the police don't care.
I was recently at the BMV. Asked them what the rules were for towing. They didn't know. Called the DOT and asked them, same story.
If or when I get a ticket, I'll let everyone know. I'm 64 and went past many cops. I'm pulling more than my truck is rated for. I've never been in an accident either. Only pull what feels safe and not overloading trailers.
George
BushogPapa
Well-known Member
A good 352 was an amazing engine..!!!
I still have the Merc 3 spd over-drive that was the 1st transmission I that held up to my 352..
It would POP Ford 3 speed transmissions every couple of days..!!
Set an Economy record with if (in a 55 Ford) of 47 TON-Miles and 24.11 MPG..1/2 City, 1/2Country miles..
Beat-out a New injected VW with those numbers..!
Man, would that car FLY on the Interstate..!!
Ron..
Anonymous-0
Well-known Member
I farm, in addition to owning a business that uses several 3/4-ton and 1-ton trucks towing gooseneck trailers. All the trucks combined logged over 225,000 miles on state and interstate highways last year. With that number of miles, percentages catch up with you. There were 5 instances where my trucks were checked in roadside inspections. Let me assure you, if there's ANY infringment of laws, even borderline, you'll get to stand in front of a judge and explain your side.
Then they explain THEIR side. The guy with the gavel holds the nnalert card.
You MIGHT get away with hauling heavy loads behind a 1/2-ton truck. You might not.
Then there's the fact that you might just "push the envelope" and end up regretting that for worse reasons than just getting fined heavily, vehicles impounded, and lost time while vehicle inspection takes place. If you have ANYTHING to lose, why risk what you've worked your entire life for just to save the cost of a better, heavier truck? Think risk vs reward.
And for the record, DOT, etc, are on a bit of a fund raising drive in recent years. They couldn't care any less how YOU feel, or a few friends on an internet website feel about "getting by". They have a badge and a gun and a thick citation book. You are on their home court. You don't want to lose this game, let me tell ya. Fines are unbelievably high.
Then they explain THEIR side. The guy with the gavel holds the nnalert card.
You MIGHT get away with hauling heavy loads behind a 1/2-ton truck. You might not.
Then there's the fact that you might just "push the envelope" and end up regretting that for worse reasons than just getting fined heavily, vehicles impounded, and lost time while vehicle inspection takes place. If you have ANYTHING to lose, why risk what you've worked your entire life for just to save the cost of a better, heavier truck? Think risk vs reward.
And for the record, DOT, etc, are on a bit of a fund raising drive in recent years. They couldn't care any less how YOU feel, or a few friends on an internet website feel about "getting by". They have a badge and a gun and a thick citation book. You are on their home court. You don't want to lose this game, let me tell ya. Fines are unbelievably high.
MF Poor is right. Towing ability of your truck is way more than axle load ratings. You also have to stop that load. That too is part of the rating. Here in MN they have been checking farm plated pickups too. Plus any cop can pull you over and wait till DOT gets there.
You really don't want to get in an accident if you are over the weight. You can be held at fault in most cases and if there is a fatality they will nail you to a cross. Plus on the liability end someone can sue the pants off of you. People are very sue happy today.
You should also read your insurance policy. It may have exclusions if you do something like knowingly over load.
Rick
You really don't want to get in an accident if you are over the weight. You can be held at fault in most cases and if there is a fatality they will nail you to a cross. Plus on the liability end someone can sue the pants off of you. People are very sue happy today.
You should also read your insurance policy. It may have exclusions if you do something like knowingly over load.
Rick
farmer boy
Well-known Member
I don"t really understand people telling you that you can"t tow an 8k gooseneck, but you can tow an 8k bumper hitch trailer. Gooseneck/fifthwheel is superior in everyway to bumper hitch. If the truck can tow a given trailer as a bumper pull, it can tow a gooseneck better.Keep the trailer brakes in good condition and take your time.
It's not so much of a problem in getting it going- it's more of a problem in getting it stopped later. If you're in flat country, it isn't too bad. But the braking ability of a 1/2 ton is a whole different ball of wax than a 3/4 or 1 ton. So don't be dumb- it can kill you or worse, someone else.
No one is saying he can't. We are saying it may not be a good idea that could really turn around and bite him in the butt, real hard.
Max towing the 96 Dodge is rated for [b:22db4333b8]with[/b:22db4333b8] optional towing package is 7600 LBS. So it's over the legal limit with an 8K camper. Now I haven't heard of anyone getting in trouble with a camper but lots of folks have been in trouble with livestock and flat bed trailers.
As far as overload spring like he mentioned. Trucks axle are not rated by the springs. It's rated at the safe load on the axle itself and braking power. Anytime you exceed the max GCVW you are subject to fines plus any criminal charges/liability that could result from a wreck. In fact you can have a one ton and buy a rust free cab with the VIN from a 1/2 ton and until you go through your state and get the state to confirm it's GVW you just built a 1/2 ton dually. Dot is going to go by the door sticker and VIN unless you have paper work from DMV that supersedes that little sticker.
IMO in todays sue happy world it just isn't smart to do something like that (5th Wheel on a 1/2 ton) if you want to stay out of a court room. Heck a good lawyer could most likely paint you as someone with intent to violate the law if you were to be sued over a wreck by just having a 5th wheel hookup in a 1/2 ton truck or for that matter a prosecuting attorney that hates "red necks" with pickups.
Rick
sideconsole4020guy
Member
I have never thought that pulling goose neck trailers with the loads you can get on a gooseneck with a 1/2 ton is a good idea. For one, one of my biggest pet peeves is getting behind someone with there 1/2 ton and either a gooseneck trailer or a 5th wheel camper on the interstate. They always are driving slower because they cant keep speed up on hills. I have passed many a half ton with my F250 with a 460 pulling a 25ft stock trailer fully loaded with cattle or a 25ft flat bed with machinery ect on the interstate doing the speed limit when they cant keep 65mph or less. To me a person becomes danger when they think they can tow a trailer with a pickup that is not big enough or does not have enough power. And dont get me started on those individuals who can pull a 5th wheel camper and a boat but when I want to pull 2 empty gravity wagons to the field or 2 empty hay racks to the field I am illegal with more than 1 farm wagon but some one who pulls his combination recreational bs 4 times a year and couldnt back one trailer up straight in a empty parking lot is out there ready to assult the world with his shiny pickup and camper
LOL just cause you did it don't mean that you could not have gotten in trouble over it, just that you got away with it. Got a local farmer here with a day cab and grain trailer who bragged for years how he got away with it.....till 2 years ago when DOT nailed him, over weight, multipal safety violations to include bad rubber, brakes and lights. He ain't bragging now! Old guy too who drove OTR many years and knew better but for many years MNDOT wasn't really looking too hard at farm plated trucks. Last few years in my area they have been a terror. It's a cash cow for the state.
Rick
Rick
4020deereboy
Member
Pic
Chester5731
Member
In my neighborhood the saying is "if the hitch fits the ball it will pull it". Doesn't mean it is safe. What moves must also be stopped.
So the keyboard Safety Police are at it again. You better buy a new 1ton for that bag of salt that didn't fit in your car so you are Safe.
What a joke. I doubt many of you safety guys even leave your computer due to all the unsafe things that can be done or happen out there.
OP, pull your trailer with your GN hitch or 5th wheel, the cops can't tell if you have a 3/4 or 1/2 ton as you drive by, they are too busy playing games on their computers or talking on their phones as they drive down the highway. I would just stay off the interstate when loaded to avoid the weigh stations. Or run on Sunday or Holidays.
What a joke. I doubt many of you safety guys even leave your computer due to all the unsafe things that can be done or happen out there.
OP, pull your trailer with your GN hitch or 5th wheel, the cops can't tell if you have a 3/4 or 1/2 ton as you drive by, they are too busy playing games on their computers or talking on their phones as they drive down the highway. I would just stay off the interstate when loaded to avoid the weigh stations. Or run on Sunday or Holidays.
So you guys must be ------ at me because I am not running the speed limit on the interstate? I usually am running about 60 or 62 mph in the 70 zone. I thought all had to do to be legal is go stay between the minimum and maximum speed. I guess not in this crowd.
BTW, My truck can go faster, but I can't afford the fuel. I can save $100 or more in fuel driving that speed over a 1000 miles. Maybe you guys should try it instead of bitching about how I am holding you up.
BTW, My truck can go faster, but I can't afford the fuel. I can save $100 or more in fuel driving that speed over a 1000 miles. Maybe you guys should try it instead of bitching about how I am holding you up.
OH I go out and do things. But I try not to do stupid things.
I, like you and every other American have the right to "LIFE, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness". By what right do you endanger everyone on the road around you when you are driving a POS truck that's overloaded?
I just stated some of the consequences that can await you if you do and something happens.
Rick
I, like you and every other American have the right to "LIFE, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness". By what right do you endanger everyone on the road around you when you are driving a POS truck that's overloaded?
I just stated some of the consequences that can await you if you do and something happens.
Rick
Similar threads
We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today.
Copyright © 1997-2024 Yesterday's Tractor Co.
All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of any part of this website, including design and content, without written permission is strictly prohibited. Trade Marks and Trade Names contained and used in this Website are those of others, and are used in this Website in a descriptive sense to refer to the products of others. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy TRADEMARK DISCLAIMER: Tradenames and Trademarks referred to within Yesterday's Tractor Co. products and within the Yesterday's Tractor Co. websites are the property of their respective trademark holders. None of these trademark holders are affiliated with Yesterday's Tractor Co., our products, or our website nor are we sponsored by them. John Deere and its logos are the registered trademarks of the John Deere Corporation. Agco, Agco Allis, White, Massey Ferguson and their logos are the registered trademarks of AGCO Corporation. Case, Case-IH, Farmall, International Harvester, New Holland and their logos are registered trademarks of CNH Global N.V.
Yesterday's Tractors - Antique Tractor Headquarters
Website Accessibility Policy