Why No Gooseneck?

hayhauler · April 17, 2008

I have an '06 crewcab sierra 1500. The owners manual says no gooseneck. I've never heard of a pickup that couldn't handle a gooseneck. My tire dealer said it's just undersprung, and he'll put in helper springs and a gooseneck hitch. I understand the bed is short, certainly you would want an a-frame gooseneck, not a flat front.

So, would it really hurt this truck to pull a gooseneck if it weren't over weight?

unot2fast4me · April 17, 2008

I have an '06 crewcab sierra 1500. The owners manual says no gooseneck. I've never heard of a pickup that couldn't handle a gooseneck. My tire dealer said it's just undersprung, and he'll put in helper springs and a gooseneck hitch. I understand the bed is short, certainly you would want an a-frame gooseneck, not a flat front.

So, would it really hurt this truck to pull a gooseneck if it weren't over weight?

As long as you dont overload the trucks haulin capacity, You will be fine. I have seen many goosenecks on a half ton crew cab. The springs would definitely need helpers like your tire dealer said.

markw8 · April 19, 2008

This no gooseneck might be because of marginal axle capacity on 1/2 tons. Mark.

Zembonez · April 19, 2008

This no gooseneck might be because of marginal axle capacity on 1/2 tons. Mark.

Probably so. I'd swap in a pair of 2500 rear leafs and install the hitch. If you properly set it up there is no reason you couldn't tow a gooseneck if the weight was under max rating. No reason not to. Make sure you have a trans cooler.

markw8 · April 20, 2008

I'm talking about actual axle weight ratings. Including the front. I'm not talking about spring capacity. Mark.

dietz4ibanez · April 20, 2008

You really need to abide by your payload ratings. Goosenecks are usually have a heavier tongue weight and the trailers are built longer so that that your cargo usually sits between the axles and the tongue putting most if not all the weigh on the tongue.

Your payload rating is not only to protect your bed and braking capabilities but also keep in mind that those 10 Bolt rear ends are small.

I have put almost 3500lbs in the back of my half ton but man did I take it easy. I recently put a 3/4 ton axle in my truck and I didnt realize what little stength that rear end had....

I think that the diameter in the 10 bolt rear end was like 2 1/4"-2.5" in diameter opposing the 3/4 ton rear that I put in my truck was like a little over 3.25" in diameter... I feel a lot more at ease about putting more wait in the bed than I should with this rear end....

But thats my .02 cents that was left over after eating at Bojangles

Riverjet502 · April 22, 2008

The main reason would be the 1/2 ton's semi-floating rear-end just isn't strong enough for a heavy load. As compared to a full floating rear-end that is in a heavy 3/4 or 1 ton truck. With a heavier axle and axle housing.

Draenor · April 22, 2008

The main reason would be the 1/2 ton's semi-floating rear-end just isn't strong enough for a heavy load. As compared to a full floating rear-end that is in a heavy 3/4 or 1 ton truck. With a heavier axle and axle housing.

+1

Ive seen some people over here with the setup. Mind you they were not a GM vehicle.

One: The owner usually overloads the weight rating, either by not knowing or has the false sense or security that the axle can take it.

Two: Examine one carefully if you can find one. I noticed on a few I've seen; that the leaf springs are worn out, the seals are leaking, probably from the bearings starting to fail, and stress cracks or warped axle tubes.

IMO, If the tounge rating isnt over capacity and the trailer weight isnt over capacity, as with a bumper pulled trailer, I dont see a big issue.

Another thing to consider is resale. ANY 1/2 ton that I suspect to have had a gooseneck or 5th wheel in, I avoid it like the plague.

98silvz71 · April 22, 2008

Another thing to consider is resale. ANY 1/2 ton that I suspect to have had a gooseneck or 5th wheel in, I avoid it like the plague.

Unless I'm looking for a work truck, then it doesn't matter.

hayhauler · April 27, 2008

Thanks for the responses.

So, I guess what I'm reading is that with some spring assistance, and staying within weight restrictions, a gooseneck wouldn't really be a big issue. I traded an F-350 dually for this truck, so I'm used to hooking up to the things I want to tow (never that much anyway) and towing them. Looks like I'm going to have to learn to think about it more.

I don't think I'll have any problem with the weight restriction, I just prefer the way a gooseneck tows.

ZZ327 · April 27, 2008

you can tow a gooseneck with that, Its towing rating is higher for a gooseneck because the weight is up on the frame instead of the bumper. Get yourself a set of helper springs and trailer brakes. Dont overload it The GCWR for the the gooseneck trailer is 12-13000lbs

They dont show any ratings for CC 1500s on the website, but ext cab 2-4wds can pull 72-8500 lbs on a 5th wheel hitch. They 6.0L version pulls 8,800lbs up to 10,500. Check your specs. If your truck has the max trailer package then you wont have a problem, Do you have the 6.0L 4 wheel disk brakes?