Gooseneck trailer tips

[GregWeld]

So after a couple years (3?) and a major move to our new digs in Sun Valley Idaho.... where it's super cold a lot of the year (requiring indoor storage of the big rig) - I made a couple of changes in "life style". While the trips to and from the tracks in Calif are 1400 mile round trips. The big hassle of finding hotel rooms and places to park etc are gone. I can drive to RENO easily (560 miles). Once there - they have HUGE parking lots with acres of space, AND it's not raining! Why does this matter? Because it got me thinking that I really don't have the same reasons I used to have for the big rig and all it's hassle (they are a LOT of work!).

Rodger Lee (Ironworks) was discussing big rigs with Zane Cullen (Cotati Speed Shop) and I get a phone call... Zane doesn't even say hello when I answer the phone - he just says "I'll take it". LOL.... Well that changed me from "thinking about selling it" to a "I guess I'm selling it". Done.

This kicks off a series of events. I now need a new trailer and something to haul it with. I've done the big ass dually one ton diesels.... they're great when trailering - but basically 99.9% of the time I'm just driving 2 miles in to town for groceries or a latte. I decide this time I'll try a new Chevy 1500 with the 6.2 gas motor and the 8 speed tranny.... Without writing a review --- this thing drives so nice and it's so f'n quiet inside! Just WOW! And the fit and finish is up there with Gwen's Porsche! Not kidding here!

Okay -- now I need a trailer and since we chose the smaller pickup, I'm going to need a lighter trailer. ATC and InTech (all aluminum trailers) are the brands in my sights. I need a 24'r - WHITE to match the P/U.... and I need it in stock so I can get to Thunderhill at the end of April. I find a decked out Intech in Indiana thru RPM Motorsports in Georgia. What a great dealer!! DONE. Delivered. Bought on Monday via email - trailer in my shop on Saturday. It came with the awning - has a generator compartment with slide out with an automatic transfer switch - The thicker .040 skin - has cabinets - ALL LED lighting - A/C - carpet part way up the wall - finished out inside - airline track in the aluminum floor... It's NICE!

[DOOM]

You didn't get the Duramax?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!? WTF!!!

[DBasher]

Lunch is back on!! I've got a customer that has a new crew cab Denali that just sits in the parking garage. White with black leather...such a great looking truck.

Trailer looks nice, what's it weigh?

[raustinss]

Same boat as Mario..... No dirty D max, Greg you are aware you could have gotten a 3/4 single rear axle with Denali package

[GregWeld]

Originally Posted by DOOM

You didn't get the Duramax?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!? WTF!!!

Originally Posted by raustinss

Same boat as Mario..... No dirty D max, Greg you are aware you could have gotten a 3/4 single rear axle with Denali package

Yeah because I need a diesel to drive the whopping 2 miles in to town..... Uh - just F no! Been there and done that.

[pokey64]

Nice setup Greg! Last June I bought a 2015 LTZ 1500 with the 6.2/8 speed and love it. It’s smoother and quitter than my wife’s 2013 LTZ Tahoe and definitely has more power. She’s used it a few times to run errands and really liked having the extra pssing power. Now we’re looking at a new Yukon Denali since Chevy doesn’t do the 6.2 in a Tahoe/Suburban. The interiors of these trucks have taken a nice leap forward as well.

I can’t comment much on the towing. I’ve used it with a 22’ enclosed but the load was lighter than a car plus race gear. It pulled ok but when the wind picked up I kind of missed my ¾ ton. I have the standard mirrors and they just don’t work with an 8.5’ wide trailer. You’ve got enough experience with this stuff. I’m sure your setup will be more dialed in.

[Tom.A]

Originally Posted by GregWeld

Yeah because I need a diesel to drive the whopping 2 miles in to town..... Uh - just F no! Been there and done that.

That is a nice trailer

I just bought a 2016 GMC SLT 1500 All terrain 4x4 5.3/8 Speed and was thinking same thing on diesel. The DEF requirement sucks. I have a Diesel car and that UREA system and Calif emmisions have been problems.

It is amazing how quiet these trucks are. The truck rides better than my wives 2015 Yukon Xl Denali with 6.2/8 speed we bought last year. It might be the 22" OE wheels that don't help

[carbuff]

Originally Posted by GregWeld

Yeah because I need a diesel to drive the whopping 2 miles in to town..... Uh - just F no! Been there and done that.

Wait, I thought you were BUILDING a truck to do that???

[71RS/SS396]

You're to wish you bought the 2500 after the first trip where there's any kind of wind.

[Che70velle]

I pulled a 24' enclosed Haulmark with my 94' 1/2 ton gas burner all over the southeast following a show car circuit in the late 90's. My friends with their diesels could out pull me, but I still made it there with no problems, except a ring and pinion replacement after a year or so. Greg your new 6.2 will pull fine, and with a good load distributing hitch, the wind won't bother you either.
My 12' silverado 1/2 ton I just picked up with 48k miles rides SO MUCH BETTER than my friends 3/4 tons. It's night and day better ride quality. Nice trailer also!
Most folks today buy diesels because they want one...not because they need one.