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| Hello, I am new to this forum but I am going to be purchasing a gooseneck trailer this year. I am interested in the best, heavy built trailer 30 feet in length with a hydraulic dovetail. In searching the internet, there does not seem to be one particular manufacturer that stands out. There are 3 manufacturers that I have seen that would need more reviews. They are Red Rhino, Big Tex and PJ Trailers. I would greatly appreciate anyone's input for this. I do not mind a custom build trailer if need be. Thank you. |
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McCanna, ND | Get a trailer with an actual (hutch or air ride) suspension and 17.5” tires, not just the crappy leaf spring/equalizer setup and junk 16” tires.
You’re going to have to open your pocket book for a trailer with those options.
We have only had PJ and can’t say I’m very impressed with them. Structurally they are alright but paint and wiring sucks. |
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SE MT | Out here big Tex trailers earned the nickname big flex. As many producers that have used them have ended up bending or twisting the frame. Same deal on Hillsboro and PJ (speaking from experience). The PJ trailer only made it two weeks before half of the welds were cracked on the dump trailer box. Very cheap light design trailers .The only flatbed trailer I would remotely be interested in is a Circle D, not sure if they come with hydraulic dovetail or not, but you will not find a trailer built stronger than them, both of ours have been overloaded, repetitively, and just keep checking in for work the next day .
Edited by dieselfume1 1/29/2023 17:24
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SEIN | Diamond C. |
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nc IA | Ford/Chevy/Dodge debate most likely.
I really like my 2014 Kiefer 20+9 hyd dove.
Single neck is so handy to get at my bed box / tools yet.
Good paint adhesion.
Too bad they don't make them anymore.
Edit, if ordering, 12k axles and the 17.5 tires another person mentioned would be much better.
I upgraded to load range F, 105psi tires when the originals were shot / dry rotted out.
One box for the battery and pump, other box has a milk crate full of ratchet straps, and 2 chem jugs, one for 3/8" and one for 5/16" chain, laid on their narrow sides with a hole cut in for easy access.
Added a 16" solar panel and battery idolator as I had issues with something draining it over time.
Added a couple LED lights to the nose to light up sides and deck
Added a receiver hitch on the nose to slide in a winch when needed, but take it out when not.
Bolted 1/2"x3/4" flat iron treds to the wood hyd dovetail to aid in wet / slippery conditions on each side, each one about 3' long, spaced maybe 18" apart.
Edited by FFJR 1/29/2023 17:46
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| Thanks folks!! I will definitely look into these and keep these in mind. I am of the mindset that I would rather pay more upfront to get a better product than pay later for repairs or replacement. |
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EC WI | Diamond C Fleetneck with AR suspension. Pretty impressive trailers. |
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Trempealeau County WI | Midsota hands down especially the hyd dove.
Email me if you want a contact |
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Central ohio | We have used a 33 ft Moritz hauling an 8 ton teleboom for 10 years. We weren’t impressed with our PJs. |
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Central Indiana | Really like our Trailerman it’s a 23+9 hydraulic dove with 20k axles. I believe they have 24k axles as well but we don’t haul anything that heavy. Self contained charging system and marine battery with a maintainer hasn’t let us down yet. Wiring is pretty good. I’d recommend getting some straps that either weld or bolt onto the frame rail that you can roll up if you don’t need chains. Better for hauling pro boxes or chemical totes and very handy. I think Trailerman is the name but maybe built by Novak?
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| In looking at trailers, I noticed red rhino has several options for tie downs, ratchet straps etc., plus additional storage space for other tools, chains binders. I will be hauling chemical totes, seed pallets, possibly 309 cat size mini excavator, landscape size tractor. |
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| That's a nice setup! |
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SW Montana | We bought a new 28' diamond c a couple years ago and really like it. |
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North Central Texas | Look at Gator made. Big tex, PJ and the rest have been bought out. Gators are still tough. |
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NCIN | We’ve had a hull porter trailer for about a year now and really like it. It’s a 27 + 9 ft with 12k axles that has hydraulic tilt to the bed as well. |
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SE IL / SW IN | Diamond C |
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Western Iowa | 30ft isn't near long enough if you are talking about total bed length including the tail.
I have what I think is a 23+9 and I don't care for the length. Needs to be longer.
When you go from a ramp trailer to a hydraulic tail the axles under the trailer are much further forward which makes getting the weight on the pickup correct a challenge with anything of length or when trying to use the whole trailer.
Another gripe about the hydraulic tail trailers is the damn battery issues. The trailer I have now is the first hydraulic tail trailer, and even with my bad back, it will likely be my last. Nothing like getting 300 miles from home and the tail runs out of battery when it is 3/4 of the way back up. |
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NW Iowa | Wilson if you could get one anymore. This one has been the nicest pulling GN flatbed I've pulled. Heavy, but smooth.
That's a load trail sitting in the bottom of the pic. 18' skid loader trailer with straight up folding ramps. Really liked that trailer except for the powder coat. Front chipped like no other. That's the problem with powder coat jobs...once it gets cracked it'll start peeling off.
Edited by JoeR 1/29/2023 22:29
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Northern Indiana | We were in the same situation last fall. I wanted a new trailer to move the backhoe and track loader. Also we will set it up as a second nurse trailer when we are trying to plant and spray at the same time. For a few dollars more we bought a 39’ drop deck single axle semi trailer. 22.5 tires, air brakes and we have a single axle truck that we can keep on it until harvest.
I believe the whole setup is safer than trying to make a pickup truck do the work of a big truck.
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CND | Mid-sota. Get a price and then see if you are serious about buying the best. |
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SC Kansas | I saw Larson farms got a midsota trailer. I never thought I needed a hydraulic dove tail or hydraulic jacks, but I think I do. |
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| Definitely want the hydraulic dovetail and hydraulic Jack's. I have enough wear and tear on me now, need to make it a little easier. A comment before was about the length, I probably will look at a couple different lengths, 30, 32, 35 maybe 38. My thoughts, buy cheap, buy twice! |
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SWNE | Have a Midsota 36' for two years with the hydraulic tail and hydraulic jacks. 17.5" tires and heavy axles I don't remember how heavy. My only complaints so far is the wiring for the switches on the pump, one of my remote switches quit completely 6 months in and now I'm having a problem with any of the switches raising it. None of the gooseneck trailers I looked at offered apitong decking. I can see were going to have to treat the deck every year to keep it decent. For what it's worth when I was looking 2 years ago I settled on Midsota being the best hydraulic dove tail from my reading then.
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Virginia | I've had the same dual tandem gooseneck for 20 years. I have really pulled it. Its a 24 ft 10 ton Hudson Brothers made down in North Carolina. I imagine I've pulled it nearly 500k miles. Its on its 3rd pickup now. It has been at capacity its whole life.
Other than lights, replaced the deck boards this past spring, and tires its needed nothing. If I buy another its gonna be another Hudson. |
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New Castle, PA | Was not aware that PJ uses paint , thought they sprayed it with colored water and told the customer it was paint |
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Britton, SD | Have a PJ bought back in 2008 it's been a good trailer for what it is. Wiring and paint have been fine no problems finally replace original tires with better ones a couple years back but all trailers have pretty crappy tires from factory in my experience. I as well have upgrade or added few things like winch, extra storage that said trailers with the single neck would be nice for using your truck box but on our truck with flatbed no problem. I would spend the money for air ride if I ever replace this one. |
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NC Indiana | Just bought a trailer at Thanksgiving. Was between a PJ and Load Trail. Ended up liking more about the Load Trail. These were mega ramps 32', 22 - 25k gvw trailers. The steps were larger and more comfortable to use, the ramps were easier to use (I know your asking hyd), no plastic windows on the hubs to break and leak, seems like there was a few other things, but I don't remember now. Lots of good comments on a Diamond C, but they want paid too. |
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Highland co. Ohio | I’ve been very happy with my Coyote. This one has heavy axles and electric over hydraulic disc brakes. What ever you get make sure it has a torque tube down the center to get rid of the flex.
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SW Indiana | CornPro is built about 15 miles from me. Have always been impressed with them and have a good reputation around here. |
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NW KS/ SC ID | I'd look hard at a Midsota
Avoid a PJ for a hyd. tail, multiple reports of soft steel and welds failing on the hyd. tail units.
like said above, go as long as you can for better weight distribution, 32-35' would likely be a much better trailer. |
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St Peter MN | Really Like my Midsota |
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Frost,Mn | I’ve got a 20 year old Diamond C and it’s been excellent, well tested also hauling my 24,000lb telehandler and backhoe. I’ve replaced the deck once and gave it a repaint at the same time but the structure hasn’t been touched. |
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coast of Maine | On the east coast Rampant Trailers,Wendel,NC.I bought semi/detach 3 years ago or so.Friend just bought a nice 24 ft reg hitch.BIL has ordered a 30 ton equip trailer,due to be made in March.No sales force,no dealers,you have them build what you want and it is top quality and at least20 % cheaper than same quality at a dealer of similar equip.They haul them all over the USA to deliver or you can save a few $$ and go to the plant.Decent people,owners in the plant kind of place. |
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Nw Iowa | I personally would stay away from hyd tail. As mentioned here, wheels too far ahead so you need longer trailer and a lot of extra stuff that is not a if, but when will give you trouble down the road. You don’t give a location but up here in salt country all that hyd tail stuff is behind rear wheels so even more salt and mud. Some of these new tails fold pretty easy with spring lift assist etc. so do some looking around before you buy a electronic over hyd tail. If you do go with the hyd tail, ask some owners of two-three year old ones. You have hyd cylinders, switches, wiring and a power unit that all have to be maintained. 30’ isn’t a bad trailer but when you go a lot over that, trailer will get a lot more clumsy etc. unless you need the length. Midsota and and Diamond C are brands that really standout to me. |
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Nw Iowa | Where is torque tube at on the trailer? Across the tandems? |
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Highland co. Ohio | Mine has a tube from the hitch to above the axles right down the center going through all the cross members. |
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Clifton, TN | I have had great luck with Delta. My second favorite is probably Trail Master, but they are super heavy |
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SEIN | Walton Farms - 1/29/2023 21:22
CornPro is built about 15 miles from me. Have always been impressed with them and have a good reputation around here.
I have one. It was an economical choice over the others. The company is so small, its hard to get exactly what you want out of them, unless you are willing to wait 6 months.
Had 3 Corn Pro's. If I had to buy a trailer today, it would be a Sure Trac, also made in Indiana. Just easier to get them exactly the way you want one, and still cheaper than a Diamond C.
Not impressed with all the other brands Big Tex, Gatormade, PJ. All seem like overpriced hot garbage compared to Corn Pro or Sure Trac. |
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Winkler, Manitoba Canada | Roehm Farms - 1/30/2023 06:01
Mine has a tube from the hitch to above the axles right down the center going through all the cross members.
Torque tube value? What benefit does it provide?
Our gooseneck flatdeck does not have it....nor do I seen any particular need for it. Have a locally made Sokal trailer if it matters. |
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Highland co. Ohio | I talked to a former employee of mine who is wrenching on his own the other day, he says he’s added them to several of his customers trailers and made a big improvement on how they tow.
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Highland co. Ohio | Put a full seed box in the very front on one side and you will see the trailer frame twist and pivot on the hitch ball. With the torque tube it will only compress the suspension on that side.
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Eastern Iowa | Iron bulls are heavy built SOBs
Th red rhino from go bob pipe and steel are heavy duty
Big tex, midsota, and load trail/load max are also heavy built
Edited by Angus341 1/30/2023 10:21
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| You will want really strong ramps for a 309, I hydraulic dovetail would be my choice. |
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Northeastern Nebraska | Anyone got a different set up to help fold over mega ramps on their gooseneck trailer instead of coil springs? I've got a Titan trailer out of Kansas and they always tell me to put new coil springs on. I bought it new a few years ago and hardly gets used much. But those ramps are heavy at a certain point and even when you try to fold them out from bed they're so heavy to get started. I usually carry one of those hand lever crank cable winches to help pick up ramps, |
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western iowa | Really don’t know much about hydraulic dovetail trailers, but we use 2 Big Tex trailers at work. One thing I would check on a dual wheel trailer, is if you can get your hand thru the holes in the outer dual to check and inflate the inner tire. The older one at work I can. The newer one I can’t get my hand on the valve stem caps to remove them. Really annoying. |
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Nw Iowa | Have you seen some of these new ramp designs? Some are pretty cool. Heavy built, flip up to make beaver tail solid when you aren’t unloading something, spring assist. Otherwise I agree, I hate ramps, but also hate getting someplace and ramps don’t work. You just have a lot of electrical and mechanical maintainance, the electrical with moisture and mechanical when it gets older. |
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| Not a gooseneck, but bought a B&B hydraulic tilt bed for a skidloader. Behnke in Farley, IA builds them. Compares with a Midsota for build quality. All welds are butter smooth, lots of standard features such as a self locking hitch, holders for the wiring plug and saftey chains. Also built in pockets for pallet forks. We have a local guy that hauls parts for ethanol plants to be rebuilt. Bought a new Big Tex trailer last year, loaded, air suspension, hydraulic disk brakes. To sum that up, what a piece of junk. Has rebuilt all the brake calipers and air suspension has failed (compressor) numerous times. |
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Cleveland, MS. Own small farm near Booneville, MS | You forgot to load the other half of the daycab!!***** |
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fort smith ar | I had a travelong gooseneck built a few years ago. Very nice heavy built trailer. I think landoll bought them now |
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| I will tell you what I did on first of August of 2018 I ordered a new custom made SURE-TRAC, I looked at quite bunch of trailers and was sure not inpressed with the crapy paint jobs, had a 25 + 5 tandem that purchased new in fall of 2006 and had a fellow that wanted it and would wait till new trailer came. On your Americam thanksgiving the end of Nov it came into Ontario as a 2019 model, I purchased it because of the nice weld, really good paint and they sandblast before painting then apply a special undercoating on the underside, I orders Hutch suspension, extra tall Gooseneck , white oak floor , winch mount, extra lights and rear back up lights, extra heavy duty wiring went to 32 ft with Hydralic beavertail wante to stay at 30 but the rear tires were not far enough rearword to get load balance were my 30ft I had before axles were at the back and I had 3 flip over ramps that would give me the use of the whole deck so you need to figure out what you are haulig before you buy a hyd beavertail, was expense but will be the last one I buy, there likely better trailers but around here I have not seen them, good welds and paint job is really important, trailer is build for northern climate which means salt so that was a big deal, there sure are a lot of trailer makers in the USA |
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Best gooseneck trailer
