The sheer variety and specifications of gooseneck trailers available today are bound to confuse buyers. Many buyers tend to find choosing the right gooseneck trailer difficult since they need help distinguishing between the standard and specialized features. Since these trailers differ from buying an off-the-rack product (owing to the high cost), you must do your homework before purchasing them.
Gooseneck trailers are often flatbeds designed for considerably lower weights that can be carried by heavy-duty pickup trucks. However, gooseneck trailers may also be built as livestock transporters, automobile haulers for two or three vehicles, and enclosed utility trailers.
Imagine that you purchased a gooseneck trailer based on a hunch or just by imitating the purchase trend of your competitor. What if this high-priced trailer does not meet all your hauling needs? Wouldn’t it be frustrating?
Every business has a different requirement, so no one-size-fits-all gooseneck trailer is available in the market. We have curated this article to help people who need detailed guidance on buying Gooseneck trailers.
Tips to Buy Gooseneck Trailers
When you check the manufacturer brochure, you can check the various features of their gooseneck trailers. For instance, most Big Tex gooseneck trailers feature low-profile decks, LED lights, a treated floor, dual jacks, and an adjustable coupler. To help you find the right gooseneck trailer, we will discuss all the aspects necessary for you to consider while shopping for a gooseneck trailer.
#1. Check the frame and I-Beam
When shopping for a gooseneck flatbed, the frame, and more especially, the I-beam that is a part of the mainframe, should be the first item you investigate.
The I-beam size of 12 inches is generally accepted as the standard within the industry, and most manufacturers include it on their gooseneck versions. On the other hand, if you require a high-duty trailer to transport extraordinarily big items, investing in an I-beam that can support 19 pounds of pressure per inch will be money well spent.
#2. Durability should be preferred over looks
Purchasing a Gooseneck trailer is surely an investment for the long haul, which is why one has to be explicit about the requirements of the trailer before making a purchase decision.
Getting a risk-free trailer with high resistance to the elements is of the utmost importance. It is important to remember that first impressions are only sometimes accurate, and you should choose the one that will hold up better over time.
Gooseneck trailers that have been powder coated are a trend that has just recently emerged among trailer makers. The outside of the trailer may be given a protective and decorative treatment with powder coating. Even if the coat makes the trailer more durable, automotive-grade enamel coatings are the way to go if you want it to last as long as possible.
#3. Choose the gooseneck trailer that has been rust-proofed
It is essential to keep in mind that powder painting a trailer does not render it rustproof in any way. Investing in a trailer that has been treated to prevent rusting is a good idea if you live in an area that has a lot of precipitation or a humid environment near the coast. This will prevent the trailer from being destroyed by the weather over time.
#4. Check the braking system
You can find the Gooseneck trailers with either of these types of braking systems:
- A hydraulic surge brake
- An electronic brake, or
- An air brake
Because reliable brakes are among the most crucial components of gooseneck trailers, most states mandate that all trailers with a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 3,000 pounds be equipped with an auxiliary braking system.
Gooseneck trailers that weigh up to 5,500 pounds and are equipped with hydraulic surge brakes. If you require a gooseneck trailer to transport sensitive items, this braking system is the best choice since it is simple to install and helps avoid bumpy rides.
Electric brake systems need very little maintenance and on which you can always count. Air brakes are also quite common, and since there are no restrictions on air supply, the brake pressure will be maintained at the same level even if the system has some small leaks.
#5. Check the decking
Gooseneck trailers generally have oak, steel, aluminum, or Southern yellow pine decking.
If you want to transport the heavy machinery on your trailer, rough oak decking is the material you should choose for the floor. However, the oak does not absorb the chemical treatment, which makes it susceptible to decay.
On the other hand, Southern yellow pine is inexpensive and sturdy and absorbs treatment, decreasing the likelihood that it will rot. The material, however, has the propensity to twist and distort with time.
Since steel is a reliable and long-lasting material, gooseneck trailers made of steel are quite widespread. However, since steel rusts easily, these steel trailers need to have their decks examined regularly to ensure they are in excellent condition.
#6. Check axle and tongue
Trailers travel on a single axle when the weight being hauled is light, and the road surface is smooth. However, the number of axles required will increase proportion to the weight. When moving very big loads, it’s common for there to be a dozen or more axles involved.
You should also think about the arrangement of the axles since an improperly positioned axle might put excessive strain on the hitch. Most axles are stationary; however, a “moving axle” may be adjusted hydraulically to lower a bed so that it can be used for loading. Also, think about how long the tongue of the trailer is. Turning might be made more difficult by an abnormally short tongue.
Final Thoughts
Trailers are vital components of the equipment yard of every contractor. It is of the utmost importance for a potential trailer purchaser to have a solid understanding of the many purposes of the trailer before their purchase.
To what kind of connection mechanism will the trailer and the power unit be attached? How much weight do you anticipate the trailer to be able to support? Will a cargo be hand-loaded into the trailer, driven onto the trailer, or hoisted onto the trailer?
A trailer that is appealing to the eye might be enticing, but if it is not sturdy and does not have components that allow for effective loading and safe transport, the trailer will not be put to use.
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