Trailer Modification

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I have a 20' x 83" floor heavy duty flat bed bumperpull trailer that I want to turn into a gooseneck, is there any reason it would not be strong enough with the proper bracing? It has the typical 5" chanel frame with 5" chanel stacked underneath it from the front axle to the 2 5/16"bulldog hitch. I will be mainly hauling a CJ7 RockClawler on it. Has anyone on the board done such a mod? Thanks for any replies.
Reply:Not to shoot down your plan, but have you thought about maybe selling it as is or even trading it for a gooseneck?  I've never done it myself so I don't know what all is involved.  I do know that channel, gooseneck couplers, and labor aren't cheap.  It just might be cheaper/faster/easier to trade/sell and pay the difference for a gooseneck.My name's not Jim....
Reply:Yes I have thought about selling it. And all the equvalent sized gooseneck trailers are running in the 5K to 6K range. I figure I can get around half of that for mine and still have to cough up that much more for a new one. Where I think i can build a neck for less. I am going to do the fab work myself. I was just wondering if anyone had done this and had any pics. Thank You for the imput.
Reply:Yeah, if you're talking a difference of $2500-$3000 you might be better off modifying.  IF the main frame is compatable.  From what I have seen, bumper pull and goose neck frames are different.  Bumper pull usually just wraps the tongue, goose necks run the neck under the frame all the way to the back with a much narrower spacing and the deck sits on top.  Pics of your trailer may help generate ideas.  I think I remember somebody replacing a goose neck a while back.  Don't know if it will help ya or not.  You might have to search for it.My name's not Jim....
Reply:Thanks Again, I'm going to go to a trailer dealer and try to get a visual and maybe measurements if posible for more info.
Reply:When I started building trailers, I went to several dealers and took alot of photos.
Reply:Thanks Again, thats what I'm going to do. I don't see why I can't do it and make it hold.
Reply:This is an Old One over on SFT and Pile Buck no longer posts so don't bother asking questionshttp://www.shopfloortalk.com/forums/...ead.php?t=3678Ed Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:He built that one so he could pull it either bumper or gooseneck.  The gooseneck is removable.MarkI haven't always been a nurse........Craftsman 12"x36" LatheEnco G-30B MillHobart Handler 175Lincoln WeldandPower 225 AC/DC G-7 CV/CCAdd a Foot Pedal to a Harbor Freight Chicago Electric 165A DC TIG PapaLion's Gate Build
Reply:You will also have to move the axles to get the weight distrabution right after you convert.  Manytimes its just easier to build the trailer from the ground up than modify something existing.    most times you just end up with a modified nightmare.Vantage 500's LN-25's, VI-400's, cobramatics, Miller migs, synch 350 LX, Powcon inverters, XMT's, 250 Ton Acurrpress 12' brake, 1/4" 10' Atlantic shear,Koikie plasma table W/ esab plasmas. marvel & hyd-mech saws, pirrana & metal muncher punches.
Reply:Thanks All, thats what I needed to see.
Reply:I priced the material to build a gooseneck for a large flatbed and it was $2000.  this was steel, coupler, jack, etc.  now add labor and you are ahead in spades by selling and buying used.
Reply:Thank You.