Gooseneck trailer tips

[GregWeld]

I'm working on ordering a new trailer. This time around I'm going to finally actually order a trailer that will make use of my F-350 Dually.

I'd really like to get this RIGHT - the first time... so I'm looking for your help on pluses and minuses -- things you'd never do - and things you wish (unlimited check book items) that you had.

Trailer is ATC 40' - with 14' living qtrs... triple axles (spread axles) - all black - .050 rivetless skin... gooseneck.

I'm looking for ANY ideas - brakes - landing gear dos and don't - interior ideas - bigger liv qtrs - smaller? Built ins?
if you hate having a bigger trailer because it became a PITA - or do you wish you'd have gone a bit bigger?

Totally open discussion.

[fletcherscustoms]

I've owned 4 different trailers over the years here are some tips!!

-Electric landing gear
-In floor mounted winch for retrieving non running cars
-add 6" raised interior height
-Torsion axles
-do not get vynl flooring
-LED lights were possible
-exterior mounted work lights
-pre wired for electrical, generator, ac, etc

[96z28ss]

Stop playing!
Renegage motor coach with Garage.

[GregWeld]

Originally Posted by fletcherscustoms

I've owned 4 different trailers over the years here are some tips!!

-Electric landing gear
-In floor mounted winch for retrieving non running cars
-add 6" raised interior height
-Torsion axles
-do not get vynl flooring
-LED lights were possible
-exterior mounted work lights
-pre wired for electrical, generator, ac, etc

Got all of that --- not prewired - got A/C, Heat, genset included. And LED/low voltage hi intensity lights. Also have Prosine 2000w INVERTER so I can make coffee -- run microwave without starting genset. (Old boater... so those things I totally get!)

Torsion axles -- doing triples. Spread axles - think that's more for looks??

Why not vinyl?? Was doing "coin floor". I don't have leakers.

Has infloor winch system.

Maybe I should post up the 'quote'?

[GregWeld]

Trailer Type: 2011 ATC Quest Gooseneck Car Hauler
Color: black
Cabinet Color: black
Axles: (2) 7000# Torsion Axles
Width: 8.5 ft
Length: 40 ft
Height: 7 ft
Model #: ATCGQST8540TA5

Standard Features:
FRAME
FULL PERIMETER ALUMINUM FRAME
ALL-TUBE CONSTRUCTION
TORSION AXLES
EZ LUBE HUBS
ELECTRIC BRAKES - ALL AXLES
GEL CELL BATTERY BREAKAWAY KIT
2-5/16" ADJUSTABLE COUPLER
SAFETY CHAINS & HOOKS
SINGLE SPEED MANUAL JACK
16" O/C FLOOR CROSSMEMBERS
16" O/C ROOF CROSSMEMBERS - 1" x 3"
16" O/C WALL SUPPORTS
48" BEAVERTAIL
SMOOTH ALUM. RADIUS WHEEL BOXES
FLAT FRONT DESIGN

INTERIOR
ADVANTECH SUB FLOOR
FLOOR COVER IS OPTIONAL
ADVANTECH RAMP
ADVANTECH TRANSITION FLAP
OPEN STUD WALLS
OPEN STUD CEILING
(4) 5000# D-RINGS
WIRE GROMMETS
(1) ROOF VENT
(3) RECESSED DOME LIGHTS

EXTERIOR
3" UPPER RUB RAIL TRIM
3" LOWER RUB RAIL TRIM
.030 ALUMINUM
COLOR COORDINATED RIVETS ON SEAMS
POLISHED FRONT VERTICALS
ONE-PIECE ALUMINUM ROOF
GRAY MOD WHEELS W/ CHROME CAP
36" SIDE DOOR - 405 SERIES
STANDARD FLUSH LOCK
REAR RAMP DOOR
GAPLESS CONTINUOUS HINGE
ALUMINUM BAR LOCKS
STAINLESS STEEL HASPS
7-WAY PLUG
ATP ENCLOSED FRONT W/ ACCESS PANEL
L.E.D. CLEARANCE LIGHTS
LT235/85R16LRG RADIAL TIRES
L.E.D. SLIM LINE BRAKE LIGHTS


Selected Options:
1 FASTLANE GOOSENECK PACKAGE
Approval #:
UPGRADE FROM 3" UPPER RUB RAIL TO 4"
UPGRADE FROM 3" LOWER RUB RAIL TO 7"
SCREWLESS EXTERIOR
POLISHED CAST CORNERS
POLSISHED VERTICALS
POLISHED TOP RADIUS
POLISHED REAR HEADER
FMVSS SIDE DOOR LOCK
BLACK COIN RUBBER FLOOR
BLACK COIN RUBBER RAMP
BLACK COIN TRANSITION FLAP
SCREWLESS ALUMINUM WALLS AND CEILING
ALUMINUM WHEELS
8' UPPER CABINET
STRAIGHT BASE CABINET
UPGRADE TO DUAL SLIMLINE LED BRAKE LIGHTS
30 AMP BREAKER BOX W/ MOTORBASE PLUG
25' SHORE CORD
(1) EXTERIOR GFI PROTECTED RECEPT
(3) INTERIOR GFI PROTECTED RECEPTS
(3) 48" RECESSED FLUORESCENT LIGHTS
(2) RECESSED EXTERIOR HALOGEN LIGHTS
BRACE AND WIRE FOR FUTURE A/C
ALUMINUM SKID PLATES
8' GRAY CARPET IN RISER
1 14' LIVING QUARTERS MODULE
Approval #:
MUST UPGRADE TO MIN 7.5' INTERIOR HEIGHT
CHOICE OF DINETTE OR SLEEPER SOFA
SLEEPER SOFA INCLUDES REMOVABLE TABLE
RSX FULL PERIMETER UPGRADE INCLUDED
RVIA SEAL INCLUDED
GENERAL
32" SIDE RV DOOR
(2) 20# LP TANKS W/REGULATOR
35,000 BTU DUCTED LP FURNACE
(2) 12V DEEP CYCLE BATTERIES
EXTERIOR BATTERY RACK
CITY WATER HOOK-UP
A/C PREP - BRACE & WIRE
36" X 24" BAGGAGE DOOR
36" X 24" VENTED DOOR
SEWER HOSE STORAGE
LP MANIFOLD W/QUICK DISCONNECT
12V LIGHTED HANDRAIL @ SIDE DOOR
12V EXTERIOR PORCH LIGHT
12V WATER PUMP W/WINTERIZING TAP - 2.8 GPM
55 AMP CONVERTER W/BATTERY CHARGER
6 GALLON WATER HEATER - DSI
(1) EXTERIOR GFI RECEPT
INTERIOR 120V RECEPTS
R66 ALUMINUM FLIP DOWN STEP @ SIDE DOOR
TRUSSED ROOF FOR DUCTED A/C
SOLID OAK CABINETRY
INSULATED WALLS & CEILING
COLOR COORDINATED EXTERIOR VENTS / DOORS
VINYL WALLBOARD & CEILING - LQ AREA ONLY
LAMINATE COUNTERS W/OAK EDGE
3/4" ADVANTECH FLOORING W/BLACK BACKER
50 AMP RV STYLE BREAKER BOX
50 AMP 50' SHORE CORD

KITCHEN
OAK BASE CABINET
2 BURNER LP STOVE W/LID
DUCTED RANGE HOOD W/MONITOR PANEL
12V FLUORESCENT LIGHTS
MICROWAVE OVEN
STAINLESS STEEL SINK
KITCHEN FAUCET
VINYL FLOORING
6 CUBIC FT. 3-WAY REFRIGERATOR - OAK PANEL
(1) 22" X 15" SLIDER WINDOW W/SCREEN
(1) DAY/NIGHT SHADE
(1) WINDOW VALANCE (FABRIC)
OAK OVERHEAD CABINET
12V FLUORESCENT LIGHT UNDER OH CABINET
LAMINATE COUNTERTOPS - W/OAK EDGE

BATHROOM
OAK BASE CABINET
STAINLESS STEEL SINK
BATHROOM FAUCET
RV TOILET
OAK LINEN CLOSET
12V FLUORESCENT LIGHTS
OAK MEDICINE CABINET W/VANITY MIRROR
ANGLED FIBERGLASS SHOWER / GLASS DOOR
OAK DOOR
12V SCONCE LIGHTS
12V POWER ROOF VENT
LAMINATE COUNTERTOPS W/OAK EDGE
VINYL FLOORING
BATHROOM HARDWARE
FRAMED MIRROR @ SHOWER PLUMBING ACCESS PANEL

LIVING ROOM
LAMINATE TABLE W/OAK EDGE
VINYL FLOORING
OAK WARDROBE CLOSET
(1) 48" X 24" EGRESS SLIDER WINDOW W/SCREEN
(2) 18" x 24" SLIDER WINDOWS
(3) WINDOW VALANCE (FABRIC)
(3) DAY/NIGHT SHADE
OAK OVERHEAD CABINETS ABOVE DINETTE OR SOFA
12V FLUORESCENT LIGHTS
TELEVISION CABINET
HYDRAULIC SLIDE OUT

BEDROOM
QUEEN MATTRESS
MATTRESS COMFORTER
OAK HEADBOARD W/STORAGE
LADDER FOR BUNK
(2) OAK SHIRT CLOSETS
12V FLUORESCENT LIGHTS
CARPET IN BUNK
(1) 48" X 24" SLIDER WINDOW W/SCREEN
(1) 48" X 24" EGRESS SLIDER WINDOW W/SCREEN
(2) DAY/NIGHT SHADES
(2) WINDOW VALANCES (FABRIC)

HOLDING TANKS
FRESH WATER HOLDING TANK - 94 GALLON
GRAY WATER HOLDING TANK - 45 GALLON
BLACK HOLDING TANK - 45 GALLON
HOLDING TANK MONITOR PANEL

SAFETY FEATURES
SMOKE DETECTOR
CO DETECTOR
FIRE EXTINGUISHER
BATTERY DISCONNECT SWITCH
LP DETECTOR
GFI PROTECTED OUTLETS WHERE REQUIRED

1 UPGRADE TO 35K BTU FURNACE WITH FURNACE DOOR
Approval #:
1 ADD SKYLIGHT TO SHOWER - 18.5" x 18.5"
Approval #:
1 ADD BEDROOM PARTITION WALL WITH OAK POCKET DOOR
Approval #:
1 ADD 28" BATHROOM DOOR TO CARGO AREA
Approval #:
405-SERIES DOOR WITH FLUSHLOCK
BATHROOM SIDE MATCHES BATHROOM CABINETS
CARGO SIDE MATCHES CARGO AREA WALLS
1 UPGRADE TO BLACK STAINED MAPLE WOODWORK
Approval #:
1 UPGRADE FROM (2) 20# LP TANKS TO (2) 30# LP TANKS
Approval #:
1 UPGRADE TO CONVECTION MICROWAVE
Approval #:
1 UPGRADE TO RAISED PANEL DOORS
Approval #:
INCLUDES ALL LQ DOORS
1 UPGRADE TO PORCELAIN TOILET WITH 12V FLUSH
Approval #:
1 UPGRADE TO THREE SEASON PLUMBING
Approval #:
HOLDING TANK HEATER
WATER LINE HEATER
1 UPGRADE FROM 2.8 TO 5.7 GPM WATER PUMP
Approval #:
1 UPGRADE FROM 6-GALLON TO 10-GALLON DSI/ELECTRIC WATER HEATER
Approval #:
1 FIRE EXTINGUISHER - 10# BC
Approval #:
Includes Wall Mount
1 RVIA CERTIFICATION SEAL
Approval #:
40 ft WALK ON ROOF / FT
Approval #:
3/8" Plywood Decking
1 UPGRADE FROM MANUAL LANDING GEAR TO DUAL POST HYDRAULIC JACK FOR GOOSENECK
Approval #:
INCLUDES 12V BATTERY & BATTERY BOX (WIRED)
INCLUDES MANUAL OVERRIDE
*** DELETES MANUAL LANDING GEAR ***
1 UPGRADE TO ELECTRIC OVER HYDRAULIC DISC BRAKES - TANDEM 6K, 7K, OR 8K AXLES
Approval #:
1 UPGRADE TO 10" SPREAD AXLE DESIGN W/ FENDERETTES - TANDEM AXLE
Approval #:
Polished Aluminum Fenderettes
Single Fenderette Over Each Tire
Custom Wheelwell Skirt
Full Perimeter Skirt
Integrated Reverse Beavertail
*** Recommend Upgrade to LT Tires ***
*** Lowers Ground Clearance ***
1 UPGRADE TO CUSTOM AXLE DEGREE
Approval #:
1 UPGRADE TO FMVSS LOCK
Approval #:
1 ESCAPE DOOR 54" x 48" - SIDE HINGED (405 SERIES)
Approval #:
** APPROXIMATE FINISHED OPENING 52" x 46" **
1 ADD (2) 36" x 24" BAGGAGE DOORS TO ENCLOSED RISER - TOP HINGED (405 SERIES)
Approval #:
SPECIFY IF VENTED
1 ADD SINGLE GAS SHOCK TO ENTRANCE DOOR
Approval #:
1 GRAB HANDLE - 12V LIGHTED
Approval #:
1 pair 6' LONG X 14" WIDE ALUMINUM RAMP EXTENSIONS (PAIR)
Approval #:
INCLUDES (4) 3" RAMP DOOR BUMPERS
4 ALUMINUM ADJUSTABLE RAMP DOOR BUMPERS - 4 EACH
Approval #:
*** RANGE: 6.5", 7.5", 8.5" ***
2 ALUMINUM SLIDE-IN/OUT STEP
Approval #:
STEP WIDTH MATCHES DOOR SIZE
1 STAINLESS STEEL FRONT PANEL - GOOSENECK
Approval #:
40 ft FENDER HEIGHT STAINLESS STEEL SIDE TRIM / FT
Approval #:
Includes Rear Door(s)
1 STAINLESS STEEL REAR RAMP DOOR
Approval #:
40 ft .050 EXTERIOR ALUMINUM / FT (STANDARD HEIGHT THRU 18" EXTRA HEIGHT)
Approval #:
1 21' 12V POWER AWNING WITH ALUMINUM WEATHERSHIELD
Approval #:
Standard color & fabric is pewter on vinyl.
*** Does not include battery ***
1 POWER CUT-OFF SWITCH - 12V
***DISABLES MAIN BATTERY POWER***
4 DOME LIGHT - 12V - RECESSED IF APPLICABLE
Approval #:
12 BULLET HALOGEN LIGHT - 12V
space evenly thru out the living quarters ***delete the flourescent lights***
*** Does Not Include Wall Switch ***
*** Maximum of 9 Lights Per Switch ***
20 CLEARANCE LIGHT - LED
add 10 led lights to each side of the trailer top and bottom space evenly
Approval #:
1 pair FENDER LIGHTS - LED (PAIR)
Approval #:
1 pair BACK-UP LIGHTS - LED (PAIR)
1 pair DOCKING LIGHTS - STAINLESS STEEL (PAIR)
these are back up lights also.
Approval #:
1 SOLAR PANEL - 30 WATT - ROOF MOUNTED
Approval #:
1 5.5 KW ONAN GENERATOR PKG. - GAS (120V ONLY)
Approval #:
FUEL COMPARTMENT
13 GAL ABOVE FRAME FUEL TANK
20" x 36" 405 SERIES LOCKING FUEL DOOR
GENERATOR WIRING & PREP
REMOTE START
INSULATED GENERATOR COMPARTMENT WITH GALVANIZED LINER
36" x 36" 405 SERIES VENTED TOP HINGED GEN DOOR
30 AMP AUTO TRANSFER SWITCH
12V BATTERY & BOX, WIRED
1 UPGRADE FROM 13-GALLON FUEL TANK TO 24-GALLON IN-FRAME FUEL TANK
Approval #:
LOCKABLE CAST FUEL DOOR
FUEL GAUGE
INCLUDES AUXILIARY ELECTRIC FUEL PUMP
1 4000# SUPER WINCH, REMOTE, & BATTERY
Approval #:
12V BATTERY & BOX, WIRED
1 WIRELESS REMOTE CONTROL FOR SUPER WINCH W/ 2 REMOTES
Approval #:
1 IN-FLOOR WINCH BOX
Approval #:
Pulley & Hardware are Shipped Loose
Mount Plate Angled to 30 Degrees
Reduced Stress on Cable & Pulley
1 15,000 BTU A/C (12" OVERALL HEIGHT) - DOMETIC
Approval #:
THERMOSTAT IS OPTIONAL (THERMOSTAT IS REQUIRED ON DUCTED UNITS)
DUCTING IS OPTIONAL
HEAT STRIP IS OPTIONAL
1 HEAT STRIP FOR A/C - DOMETIC
Approval #:
*** Not Available on 15.0BTU Low-Profile A/C ***
*** Cannot Be Used With Heat Pump ***
*** 13.5 and 15.0 Brisk Air Do Not Require Thermostat ***
1 A/C THERMOSTAT (MOUNTED TO WALL) - DOMETIC
Approval #:
1 solid surface counter tops
Pending manufacturer approval
Approval #:
1 CRAFTSMAN 8-DRAWER TOOL CABINET INSERTED INTO BASE ALUMINUM CABINET
26.5" WIDE
BALL BEARING GUIDES
40 ft E-TRACK RECESSED IN FLOOR / FT - SINGLE ROW
2 rows in garage
Approval #:
8 E-TRACK HEAVY DUTY TIE DOWN CLIP WITH 2" O-RING - 6000# CAPACITY
Approval #:
1 Prosine 2000 watt invertor

[Stuart Adams]

Sounds like a great trailer. Your going to hook that up to a Ford, JK.

Congrats.

[GregWeld]

Stuart ---

I'm actually looking for some ideas there -- like -- It's too big for that truck ---
or whatever.

My current trailer is only 24' TAG....

Never had a trailer like this -- so I'm a bit nervous about the "commitment" to such a big azz (for me) rig... and whether or not it's worth the effort and hassle.


My thinking -- (I don't do that so well sometimes) is that I can haul this and when I want to just pull over and stop for the night etc - I can stay comfortably. NOW when it's getting dark - I need to duck in and find a motel and a place that I can park etc. It becomes a real hassle and can really shorten your day in the winter - with it dark and raining etc. So I am thinking that a rig like this - you could just pull over almost anywhere - any time. I want to do more "long distance" events.... and part of the hassle is the whole hotel/motel thing on trips like that.

[Stuart Adams]

Originally Posted by GregWeld

Stuart ---

I'm actually looking for some ideas there -- like -- It's too big for that truck ---
or whatever.

My current trailer is only 24' TAG....

Never had a trailer like this -- so I'm a bit nervous about the "commitment" to such a big azz (for me) rig... and whether or not it's worth the effort and hassle.


My thinking -- (I don't do that so well sometimes) is that I can haul this and when I want to just pull over and stop for the night etc - I can stay comfortably. NOW when it's getting dark - I need to duck in and find a motel and a place that I can park etc. It becomes a real hassle and can really shorten your day in the winter - with it dark and raining etc. So I am thinking that a rig like this - you could just pull over almost anywhere - any time. I want to do more "long distance" events.... and part of the hassle is the whole hotel/motel thing on trips like that.

Sounds great.

Maybe check a SportChassis Truck. Look em up online. Sportchassis.com Pretty cool.

[rwhite692]

Accommodations for an onboard genset (slide-out setup) is nice. You could get a Miller welder/genset...That would be a rockin' setup! LOL

Also, depending on your fully loaded weight, you may also want a brake upgrade on your truck. (Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to be the GCWR police)

I tow a 36' fifth wheel travel trailer with mine, trailer weighs just north of 12K loaded with crap and with the tanks "wet", and though the braking capability of my combined "system" (trailer's brakes, and truck's total braking contribution (engine/trans braking effect and truck's brakes) is certainly adequate, I want them to be "more than adequate", "inspire confidence" LOL.

So I am considering the addition of an exhaust brake and possibly an upgrade to the truck's brakes.

It may not apply, (probably doesn't!) but one other thing to consider is the used market, there are so many virtually new trailers on the market with upgrades out the gills, that haven't gone hardly anywhere...and can be had for 60 cents on the dollar or less, vs. new.

[youthpastor]

Probably the only thing I can add is...donate that old trailer to a good cause..like me! It will go good next to my plain jane Wells Cargo 24Foot