Can you save money making your own gooseneck?? - Pirate4x4.Com : 4x4 and Off-Road Forum

gotmuddy · 06-05-2007, 08:29 PM

I want a gooseneck but my wife isnt gonna lemme pay $4000 for the one I want

. Could I save any money building one myself or would it be worth the hassle?

TRD · 06-05-2007, 08:32 PM

not worth the hassel

4k is cheap.

Travis Waldher · 06-05-2007, 09:00 PM

cheaper than a major trailer manufacturer? - I doubt it. It's hard to compete when you are buying a small amount of steel and they are buying massive amounts per month.

hy_desert_4wheeler · 06-05-2007, 09:48 PM

I thought about going that route a couple months ago but after pricing the material needed to build one it was cheaper to just buy a new one..

Travis Waldher · 06-05-2007, 10:48 PM

That said, I'll probably end up building my own trailer next time around.

Ken Carter / BRUISER · 06-06-2007, 05:27 AM

only way to do it would be if you got all the steel for FREE

Trailer Guy · 06-06-2007, 06:43 AM

4k, that's cheap. No way that I could build one for that, not is a million years. Hell, with inflation, in a million years that would cost about 125k.

Really, 4k is cheap though. Got a Snake River, 24', 14k gvwr gooseneck with floating beavertail, dual jacks, lockable chain box, and spare tire and it's running $5,800 plus tax and lic. 4k is super cheap.

gotmuddy · 06-06-2007, 06:49 AM

the one I am looking at is a 32ft low boy with no sides. lemme look for the link.

gotmuddy · 06-06-2007, 06:58 AM

found it:

http://www.kaufmantrailersales.com/lowboy.htm

I dont want the pipe sides and want brakes on both axles.

rpm4x4 · 06-06-2007, 07:39 AM

I know a guy that went down to texas and bought one. There were some add ons that he wasnt expecting like $for extra brakes and something else also but he is pretty happy with it. Its pretty light duty but for haulin wheelers its just fine.

I would never build one myself. The small amount of profit margin vs amount of time invested would be laughable. I have built 2 car trailers in the past so I do have past experience. I paid $6000 for my gooseneck (with a used camper mounted on the front) and I still feel like I got a bargain. For someone without experiance to build one would take most of your free time, throughout most of a summer. Ive got better things to do, like get a second job to pay for the new trailer I just bought!

Talk your wife into just buying one.
Mike

DRM · 06-06-2007, 07:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trailer Guy

4k, that's cheap. No way that I could build one for that, not is a million years. Hell, with inflation, in a million years that would cost about 125k.

Really, 4k is cheap though. Got a Snake River, 24', 14k gvwr gooseneck with floating beavertail, dual jacks, lockable chain box, and spare tire and it's running $5,800 plus tax and lic. 4k is super cheap.

I find *good* used 24-25' GN's around here all the time for under $4k. I have no clue why someone would pay $6k for one.

m016324 · 06-06-2007, 08:48 AM

location mainly. On the west coast trailers cost more.

-ben

rpm4x4 · 06-06-2007, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DRM

I find *good* used 24-25' GN's around here all the time for under $4k. I have no clue why someone would pay $6k for one.

If its exactly what your looking for, and its new, its worth it to me.

Mike

welndmn · 06-06-2007, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DRM

I find *good* used 24-25' GN's around here all the time for under $4k. I have no clue why someone would pay $6k for one.

I am pretty sure he was quoting new trailers

Trailer Guy · 06-06-2007, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by welndmn

I am pretty sure he was quoting new trailers

You nailed it. I only sell new trailers. And I didn't think he was looking at used. Plus, those prices are straight from a manufacture that is in an area where material cost less, labor cost less, and living there cost less, so of course the product cost less. Add in the shipping, not just the fuel, but food, motels, etc. etc., then see how well that trailer is priced. Sure, if you live close it is a deal. But if you live where I do, that is going to cost the customer about the same price, and ours already come with brakes on both axles, lockable chain box, dual jacks, 7k axles, etc. etc.

reeser · 06-06-2007, 12:49 PM

not to hijack....i have a 3 axle equipment trailer that i'm thinking about converting to g/n. would it be worth it or should i sell it and buy the correct trailer?

i'll start a new thread if this is too off subject

gotmuddy · 06-06-2007, 01:55 PM

I personally hate tri-axle trailers so I would say no. The middle tires are constantly blowing out.

I live 5-7hrs from where those trailers are so its worth the drive to get what I want. I have way too much free time, I only work about 4-5 hours a day.

I may price steel for the hell of it. There is a place near me that sells it cheap. Would 8" I beam work??

rpm4x4 · 06-06-2007, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gotmuddy

I personally hate tri-axle trailers so I would say no. The middle tires are constantly blowing out.

I own a tri + I tow heavy (24K fully loaded) and Ive never had a middle tire blow out.

Why would a middle be more prone to blowing out?

Mike

89breaker · 06-06-2007, 03:42 PM

I got mine for 3K and then promptly broke my ankle. So I had to pay someone else to install new brakes, turn the drums, bought a drum, bearings, breakaway w/ battery backup, new tires, fix wiring, etc. and I STILL came in way below new.

Now had I done the work myself like I originially planned, I would have been under 4K easy.

I would look for a structually sound trailer with good axles and if you know how to run wire, brakes, etc. You should be fine. I actually found my trailer online out of TN. The deals are out there you just have to be patient.

gotmuddy · 06-06-2007, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rpm4x4

I own a tri + I tow heavy (24K fully loaded) and Ive never had a middle tire blow out.

Why would a middle be more prone to blowing out?

Mike

I have seen many equipment trailers do that, I think it may be because of tire scrub.

nightcrawlers · 06-07-2007, 05:59 AM

i prolly would not build one from scratch using new steel. with steel prices these days,i can easily see how any thing you saved would not be worth the time it takes you.i can also easily see it costing more $$ than to buy a good used one.

modifying something else may be a different story,however

im in the process of building a 36 foot triaxle GN from a free 10" I beam mobile home frame. i used left over I beam and the old tongue to build the GN. ive got steel from old shelving i took from work for the cross bracing,long with some channel i bought a couple years ago for a good price from the local used metal recycler. so far the only $$ ive got in it is for the channel,the lights,some bracing plate,and the coupler. even buying some new wood for an open center deck and buying 6 new tires im hoping to have about $1000 in a useable 36' GN

gotmuddy · 06-07-2007, 07:07 AM

I have thought about buying a mobile home...but I refuse to use mobile home axles/tires.

Red Chevy · 06-07-2007, 07:30 AM

Mobile home axles are usually rated between 5200 and 6000lbs. Just cunvert them to 6 or 8 lug, kits are pretty resonable.

Jrod-13 · 06-07-2007, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gotmuddy

I have seen many equipment trailers do that, I think it may be because of tire scrub.

Tire scrub? have you ever been around a triaxle setup that never had the tires rotated? the front and rear are bald, and the middle tires look like brand new..

Quote:

Originally Posted by gotmuddy

I have thought about buying a mobile home...but I refuse to use mobile home axles/tires.

Then put 8 lug hubs on it.. Or leave the chicago wobblers on it, and put 14.5" low boy tires on it..

gotmuddy · 06-07-2007, 01:05 PM

The kits I saw to swap to 6 or 8 lug werent that cheap.

06-05-2007, 08:29 PM	#1 (permalink)
gotmuddy Bubb Rubb Join Date: Jun 2003 Member # 20610 Location: N. Arkansas Posts: 1,535	cheap redneck toy hauler build I want a gooseneck but my wife isnt gonna lemme pay $4000 for the one I want . Could I save any money building one myself or would it be worth the hassle? __________________ this space for rent. Last edited by gotmuddy; 07-02-2007 at 01:15 PM. Reason: thread went in a different direction

06-05-2007, 08:32 PM	#2 (permalink)
TRD Zeus of the Sluice Join Date: Nov 2001 Member # 8286 Location: Costa Mesa, Ca Posts: 4,684	not worth the hassel 4k is cheap. __________________ -Ryan

06-05-2007, 09:48 PM	#4 (permalink)
hy_desert_4wheeler Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Member # 2790 Location: Stinnett Tx USA Posts: 1,629	I thought about going that route a couple months ago but after pricing the material needed to build one it was cheaper to just buy a new one.. __________________ Russ hy_desert_4wheeler 46 Dodge WC15--67 M715--85 Jeep CJ10A--06 Dodge Ram2500Quad cab Cummins--94 Suburban--06 Ridgeline-

06-06-2007, 05:27 AM	#6 (permalink)
Ken Carter / BRUISER Zeus of the Sluice Join Date: Feb 2001 Member # 3321 Location: Raleigh, NC USA Posts: 3,322 Blog Entries: 1	only way to do it would be if you got all the steel for FREE __________________ www.iMPAKS.com, www.LoneRiderBeer Tread Lightly Master Trainer My Builds: Bus / RV, New Jeep, Camper / ToyHauler, CTD Tow Rig, Jeep XJ, Shop

06-06-2007, 06:43 AM	#7 (permalink)
Trailer Guy Rock God Join Date: Jun 2005 Member # 49181 Location: Redding, Jefferson Posts: 2,384	4k, that's cheap. No way that I could build one for that, not is a million years. Hell, with inflation, in a million years that would cost about 125k. Really, 4k is cheap though. Got a Snake River, 24', 14k gvwr gooseneck with floating beavertail, dual jacks, lockable chain box, and spare tire and it's running $5,800 plus tax and lic. 4k is super cheap. __________________ AJ's 4x4 (530) 227-2969 BSW Racing, CalRocs, Super Mod #12 Driver: Aaron Whitehead Spotter: Adam Kovarik Thanks to: Raceline Wheels (800)529-4335 Hutchins Auto Repair (530)221-5113 Check out PARAphernalia GEAR for 550 Paracord and items

06-05-2007, 09:00 PM	#3 (permalink)
Travis Waldher Pirate4x4 Addict! Join Date: May 2001 Member # 4878 Location: Bremerton, WA Posts: 7,523	cheaper than a major trailer manufacturer? - I doubt it. It's hard to compete when you are buying a small amount of steel and they are buying massive amounts per month.

06-05-2007, 10:48 PM	#5 (permalink)
Travis Waldher Pirate4x4 Addict! Join Date: May 2001 Member # 4878 Location: Bremerton, WA Posts: 7,523	That said, I'll probably end up building my own trailer next time around.

06-06-2007, 06:49 AM	#8 (permalink)
gotmuddy Bubb Rubb Join Date: Jun 2003 Member # 20610 Location: N. Arkansas Posts: 1,535	the one I am looking at is a 32ft low boy with no sides. lemme look for the link. __________________ this space for rent.

06-06-2007, 06:58 AM	#9 (permalink)
gotmuddy Bubb Rubb Join Date: Jun 2003 Member # 20610 Location: N. Arkansas Posts: 1,535	found it: http://www.kaufmantrailersales.com/lowboy.htm I dont want the pipe sides and want brakes on both axles. __________________ this space for rent.

06-06-2007, 07:39 AM	#10 (permalink)
rpm4x4 Granite Guru Join Date: May 2003 Member # 19733 Location: Cottage Grove, MN Posts: 817	I know a guy that went down to texas and bought one. There were some add ons that he wasnt expecting like $for extra brakes and something else also but he is pretty happy with it. Its pretty light duty but for haulin wheelers its just fine. I would never build one myself. The small amount of profit margin vs amount of time invested would be laughable. I have built 2 car trailers in the past so I do have past experience. I paid $6000 for my gooseneck (with a used camper mounted on the front) and I still feel like I got a bargain. For someone without experiance to build one would take most of your free time, throughout most of a summer. Ive got better things to do, like get a second job to pay for the new trailer I just bought! Talk your wife into just buying one. Mike __________________ Yes, I drive a big ATV http://www.rpm4x4.com/specs-mike.shtml You dont know if your wrong till your upside-down. Last edited by rpm4x4; 06-06-2007 at 07:43 AM.

06-06-2007, 08:48 AM	#12 (permalink)
m016324 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2002 Member # 11256 Location: San Antonio Posts: 1,779	location mainly. On the west coast trailers cost more. -ben

06-06-2007, 12:49 PM	#16 (permalink)
reeser Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Member # 14707 Location: Hayden Lake, ID Posts: 1,372	not to hijack....i have a 3 axle equipment trailer that i'm thinking about converting to g/n. would it be worth it or should i sell it and buy the correct trailer? i'll start a new thread if this is too off subject __________________ '87k5 swapped in blown 2.8, th350, 208, 12" suspension lift, custom 5" body lift, ARB locked 10 bolts f/r w/ 2.73's, 49" irocks... never rub = I'M HARDCORE!!! goes anywhere, never been stuck. still rockin despite the hate...you're all just jealous

06-06-2007, 01:55 PM	#17 (permalink)
gotmuddy Bubb Rubb Join Date: Jun 2003 Member # 20610 Location: N. Arkansas Posts: 1,535	I personally hate tri-axle trailers so I would say no. The middle tires are constantly blowing out. I live 5-7hrs from where those trailers are so its worth the drive to get what I want. I have way too much free time, I only work about 4-5 hours a day. I may price steel for the hell of it. There is a place near me that sells it cheap. Would 8" I beam work?? __________________ this space for rent.

06-06-2007, 03:42 PM	#19 (permalink)
89breaker Registered User Join Date: Dec 2005 Member # 64213 Location: En el mundo Posts: 1,758	I got mine for 3K and then promptly broke my ankle. So I had to pay someone else to install new brakes, turn the drums, bought a drum, bearings, breakaway w/ battery backup, new tires, fix wiring, etc. and I STILL came in way below new. Now had I done the work myself like I originially planned, I would have been under 4K easy. I would look for a structually sound trailer with good axles and if you know how to run wire, brakes, etc. You should be fine. I actually found my trailer online out of TN. The deals are out there you just have to be patient. Last edited by 89breaker; 06-06-2007 at 03:42 PM.

06-07-2007, 05:59 AM	#21 (permalink)
nightcrawlers Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Member # 72000 Location: dayton,oh Posts: 1,226	i prolly would not build one from scratch using new steel. with steel prices these days,i can easily see how any thing you saved would not be worth the time it takes you.i can also easily see it costing more $$ than to buy a good used one. modifying something else may be a different story,however im in the process of building a 36 foot triaxle GN from a free 10" I beam mobile home frame. i used left over I beam and the old tongue to build the GN. ive got steel from old shelving i took from work for the cross bracing,long with some channel i bought a couple years ago for a good price from the local used metal recycler. so far the only $$ ive got in it is for the channel,the lights,some bracing plate,and the coupler. even buying some new wood for an open center deck and buying 6 new tires im hoping to have about $1000 in a useable 36' GN __________________ scotty 85 grand waggoneer(what's left of it) 77 scout II truggy 84 chevy home made crewcab Delightfully Tacky,Yet Unrefined

06-07-2007, 07:07 AM	#22 (permalink)
gotmuddy Bubb Rubb Join Date: Jun 2003 Member # 20610 Location: N. Arkansas Posts: 1,535	I have thought about buying a mobile home...but I refuse to use mobile home axles/tires. __________________ this space for rent.

06-07-2007, 07:30 AM	#23 (permalink)
Red Chevy Oilfield Trash Join Date: Jan 2006 Member # 64526 Location: Many, Louisiana Posts: 1,511	Mobile home axles are usually rated between 5200 and 6000lbs. Just cunvert them to 6 or 8 lug, kits are pretty resonable. __________________ '91 k3500, 454, 4speed, 42" R-1's no lift '97 z-71, 3" BL, 38" tsl radial, 454/th400 '97 tj, 2.5/auto, rubi 44/5.13/spartan, 8.8/5.13/spool, 34/10.50/16 ltb

06-07-2007, 01:05 PM	#25 (permalink)
gotmuddy Bubb Rubb Join Date: Jun 2003 Member # 20610 Location: N. Arkansas Posts: 1,535	The kits I saw to swap to 6 or 8 lug werent that cheap. __________________ this space for rent.

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