Ok guys, I need some input from others please. Ive researched on here for days and gotten some answers but still need opinions. Here is my situation.

I currently have an 01 excursion diesel, which runs excellent, but obviously its a bumper pull.

I want to get a trailer built around 30' which includes the front 14' being enclosed and the back 16' being open like a regular car hauler. The reason for this trailer is I currently have a 14' enclosed trailer totally packed with our camping gear, and a 16' car hauler for the jeep. When we go camping its a PITA to bring 3 vehicles, 1 to tow camp trailer, 1 to tow jeep, and the tow rig. Obviously the new trailer will combine all 3 and solve my issues.

My original thoughts were to get the 30' trailer bumper pull, triple axle, 2 brake axles, fully built etc etc and add an anti sway bar and possibly airbags. I have already upgraded to F350 springs all around in the excursion.

Total weight loaded for this trailer would be 9k-10k, which would still be in the limits for the excursion.

After doing more research, I thought about going to a gooseneck. Same length and trailer design, only gooseneck. Obviosly going this direction I would need to get a pickup.

Which scenerio does everyone think would be the safest way to go? Is 30' a bit long for a bumper pull, even with all the precautions and safety features? Would a gooseneck be safer and/or easier to pull? Which way would yall go?

Thanks!

30 feet is long for a bumper pull but not exceptionally so. A good load distribution hitch and call it good.

Unless money is no object, then go F350 and gooseneck. It will be a little more maneuverable. It also gives you some extra room as you can build over the tongue. To me it wouldn't justify the cost if I already had a truck I was happy with. That however is a personal decision.

30 feet is long for a bumper pull but not exceptionally so. A good load distribution hitch and call it good.

Unless money is no object, then go F350 and gooseneck. It will be a little more maneuverable. It also gives you some extra room as you can build over the tongue. To me it wouldn't justify the cost if I already had a truck I was happy with. That however is a personal decision.


i am extremely happy with the excursion, so if I can, I would love to keep the truck. Im just concerned more over the safety of this trailer with the bumper vs. goose. The whole family will in this vehicle while towing so safety is important. I dont mind spending the money to get a good load distribution hitch and sway control if thats what itll take to make it safe.

I would also consider whatever utility you get from the rear cargo area of the excursion. If you like the excursion and sell it remember you won't be able to buy another new one. With all the dough you would be spending on a new trailer I would like the safety of having brakes on all the trailer axles. I was at a trailer supply place the other day, and saw the new cam style anti sway systems for the weight distribution hitches. I would probably pop for one of them also and maybe upgrade your hitch to a 2.5" receiver.

I would also consider whatever utility you get from the rear cargo area of the excursion. If you like the excursion and sell it remember you won't be able to buy another new one. With all the dough you would be spending on a new trailer I would like the safety of having brakes on all the trailer axles. I was at a trailer supply place the other day, and saw the new cam style anti sway systems for the weight distribution hitches. I would probably pop for one of them also and maybe upgrade your hitch to a 2.5" receiver.

i was thinking this for my anti sway:

http://www.etrailer.com/p-66074.htm

truck already has a 2" receiver and obviously going to a 2 5/16" ball

will brakes on all 3 axles be ok? ive heard on a tri axle you get 2 brake axles the front and rear ones and the middle is the idler axle. If nothing is wrong I would definately get all 3 brake axles then!

I'd just get helwig or equal front and rear sway bars. Good load Range e tires, and rear air srings/bags.

I would probably go to a 2.5" receiver just for the extra safety. That truck will pull that load all day long.

I'd just get helwig or equal front and rear sway bars. Good load Range e tires, and rear air srings/bags.

I would probably go to a 2.5" receiver just for the extra safety. That truck will pull that load all day long.

already got the hellwig rear sway bar, plannin on the bags also - any opinions on which ones are the best?

ill go with a 2.5" receiver :)

I'd just get helwig or equal front and rear sway bars. Good load Range e tires, and rear air srings/bags.

I would probably go to a 2.5" receiver just for the extra safety. That truck will pull that load all day long.

after looking at the reese website, ill think ill go with the Class 5 Super Titan 3" hitch receiver, cant get any bigger than that!

http://redheep.net/images/Moab%202008/tn_fins%20n%20things%201008%20013.JPG

this wasn't so bad, pulled from NC all the way to Moab.
WD hitch makes all the difference.

Here is about 14k IIRC behind an '02
http://www.trailseeker.com/4x4/mods/trailer/trailer1.jpg

It was ok, just Timbrens, Heliwig sway bar and Reflex shocks, so if you have F-350 springs you will be ahead.

We used a 2" reciever with an Equalizer WD/Sway control hitch.

Towed Denver to St.Louis no problem. 7.3 PSD blew up in Illinois, but I don't think that was related to the weight.

Anyway, make sure your tongue weight is good, add some air bags or Timbrens.

Also upgrade your brakes, we ran Powerslots and they were very good for the money.

Here is about 14k IIRC behind an '02
http://www.trailseeker.com/4x4/mods/trailer/trailer1.jpg

It was ok, just Timbrens, Heliwig sway bar and Reflex shocks, so if you have F-350 springs you will be ahead.

We used a 2" reciever with an Equalizer WD/Sway control hitch.

Towed Denver to St.Louis no problem. 7.3 PSD blew up in Illinois, but I don't think that was related to the weight.

Anyway, make sure your tongue weight is good, add some air bags or Timbrens.

Also upgrade your brakes, we ran Powerslots and they were very good for the money.

Just ordered the Reese Strait Line WD hitch and Timbrens front and rear :D

already got the rear hellwig sway bar, and brand new rancho shocks about a year ago

defiately look into powerslots, but we did a complete brake job a year ago, so ill take a look to see what they look like right now...powerslots look like the next upgrade tho! thanks!

Why not keep your current truck and do a gooseneck at the same time?

:lmao:

Cool, souns like you are in good shape for a tow rig. :D

Sweet rigs, I considered one when I bought my Avy, but I really wanted a truck bed for hauling stuff like my street bike.

Why not keep your current truck and do a gooseneck at the same time?

:lmao:

Ooops ¡¡¡ ... that's crazy ... ¡¡¡ :smokin:

AA