Bumper Pull vs GN 5er Debate

BigSouth

BigSouth

Doesn't play well with others!
Joined
Jun 8, 2011
Location
Shelby, NC
Loganwayne said:
So how do you like pulling a trailer that big with a bumper pull and how do you think the three axles vs two compares to turning radius


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

I went with 3 axles for carrying capacity with load range E tires. I didn’t want 17.5” tires because I’ve searched for tires, after hours, on a Sunday. 16” tires are available in a pinch. As for how it pulls, I think it pulls great. I use a weight distribution hitch and it allows me to transfer weight to the front axle and keep the whole setup sitting level.
 
Loganwayne said:
So how do you like pulling a trailer that big with a bumper pull
Click to expand...

Either tows fine, but the tag trailer will get out of hand faster and pushes the truck around a lot easier than a gooseneck of the same length.
 
And a gooseneck doesn’t offer any weight distribution or sway control. Pros and cons to both I suppose. Nothings better than a good head on your shoulders and you can be successful no matter which route you choose.
 
Wouldn't a gooseneck distribute weight a little better since your point of contact is usually 3-4 inches forward of the rear axle center line instead of 2 or 3 feet behind it?
 
BigSouth said:
And a gooseneck doesn’t offer any weight distribution or sway control. Pros and cons to both I suppose. Nothings better than a good head on your shoulders and you can be successful no matter which route you choose.
Click to expand...

I’ll probably end up going gooseneck for the tight turning. I used my bosses when I went to get my buggy pulled in for a stake and when we came out we were jammed in, took a minute but got out there was no way we could have done it with a bumper pull


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Croatan_Kid said:
Wouldn't a gooseneck distribute weight a little better since your point of contact is usually 3-4 inches forward of the rear axle center line instead of 2 or 3 feet behind it?
Click to expand...

By no means am I an expert, but I’ll offer my perspective. My weight distribution hitch is adjustable to control my tongue weight. The head on the shank is adjustable as well as the amount of tension I put on the torsion bars. They also sell different spring rates in torsion bars. It’s just another level of control beyond just hooking up a gooseneck. Not saying it’s better, but I do believe there’s more fine tuning available for varying loads. Just my $.02
 
Loganwayne said:
I’ll probably end up going gooseneck for the tight turning. I used my bosses when I went to get my buggy pulled in for a stake and when we came out we were jammed in, took a minute but got out there was no way we could have done it with a bumper pull


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

Can’t argue with that logic. Goosenecks are, hands down, much more maneuverable.
 
Gooseneck has better inherent weight distribution and sway control, since the loaded point is between the 4 tires, not hanging out back 4ft. However, like @BigSouth said, a weight distributing hitch can give you the ability to adjust the weight distribution to where it is better than a gooseneck. Obviously sway control devices can be purchased, but a majority of the newer trucks have built in sway control using sensors and rear brake modulation. A properly loaded trailer is the best sway control anyway.
 
shawn said:
Either tows fine, but the tag trailer will get out of hand faster and pushes the truck around a lot easier than a gooseneck of the same length.
Click to expand...

And likewise, threading a gooseneck thru sharp turns in parking lot entrances will have you driving over the curbs/etc. a lot more than a bumper pull...
 
Gooseneck trailers don't need sway control or weight distribution. It's inherent in the system.
 
shawn said:
Gooseneck trailers don't need sway control or weight distribution. It's inherent in the system.
Click to expand...

That’s crap! All trailers, regardless of coupler, can experience sway and end up in the ditch. Goosenecks just have to use a different style of sway control.
 
Just asking here....

But even with a weight distribution hitch, isn't it all still tongue weight? I know it helps and works, but all the weight is still on the receiver and hitch, right?
 
BigSouth said:
That’s crap! All trailers, regardless of coupler, can experience sway and end up in the ditch. Goosenecks just have to use a different style of sway control.
Click to expand...

Yes, it's called "loading your trailer properly".
 
shawn said:
Yes, it's called "loading your trailer properly".
Click to expand...

And shit like 18 wheelers and wind don’t exist in magical “gooseneck fairy land”.
 
BigSouth said:
And shit like 18 wheelers and wind don’t exist in magical “gooseneck fairy land”.
Click to expand...

I've never seen goofy little sway controller shocks on 18-wheelers.
 
BigSouth said:
That’s fifth wheel, not gooseneck.
Click to expand...

Oh, sure. Because the physics completely change when you allow the trailer to roll independent of the tow vehicle.
 
Doesn’t change the fact that ALL trailers can experience sway. Tag, gooseneck, or fifth wheel. I’ve owned all 3 and felt it on all 3. If you think you can’t experience sway just because you own a gooseneck, you’re just not educating yourself on the subject.
 
BigSouth said:
Doesn’t change the fact that ALL trailers can experience sway. Tag, gooseneck, or fifth wheel. I’ve owned all 3 and felt it on all 3. If you think you can’t experience sway just because you own a gooseneck, you’re just not educating yourself on the subject.
Click to expand...

Cool story, bro
 
I'm still waiting for the pictures of the 18-wheelers with little sway shocks on the rear deck.
 
jeepinmatt said:
Gooseneck has better inherent weight distribution and sway control, since the loaded point is between the 4 tires, not hanging out back 4ft. ... A properly loaded trailer is the best sway control anyway.
Click to expand...

shawn said:
Gooseneck trailers don't need sway control or weight distribution. It's inherent in the system.
Click to expand...

shawn said:
Yes, it's called "loading your trailer properly".
Click to expand...
So when did @shawn put me on ignore? Probably offended him with a Cummings remark :p
 
jeepinmatt said:
So when did @shawn put me on ignore? Probably offended him with a Cummings remark :p
Click to expand...

I wasn't ignoring you, I agree with you.

Want to fight about something? Hey- you should pick up a CTD and take that gift certificate off my hands.
 
Back
Top