If you raise the front of the trailer with the front Jack's with the trailer still on the truck. You can decrease the angle at the ramps. I've done this many times. Some times you can also raise the ramp where it contacts the ground with blocks, this helps too.
We used the block trick, I’ve used the jacks to raise it before but in the heat of the moment that method must have slipped my mind! That muffler hung down so far, everything else was clearing great! Sounds like you’ve had your fair share of trailer adventures!
I can totally understand the sentimental aspect of this trip. I pulled a 16 foot utility trailer down from Tennessee to NW Florida in December because it’s been in the family for 16 years and i have a lot of good memories with it. I’ve spent far more than the trailer is worth rebuilding it so far. Keep up the videos.
Can’t justify it but it was my best option! My Mom certainly appreciated it as well! I have a 5x8 utility trailer in my family that my Brother, Dad, and I built when I was 11. Every 10 years it gets torn down and rebuilt!
_You should weld some extensions for the end of your ramps to make it easier for low vehicles, but I'm sure you aren't 100% done with it right? Looks well built though good job there aren't many gooseneck builds on TH-cam._
You are right on the money regarding tongue weight info. Thanks for taking the time. Can turn into a living nightmare when it is wrong. Personally I go a little tongue heavy with my 95 f350, but its a 1-ton. I had a load awhile back that was not tongue heavy enough and it was tail-wagging-the-dog. Even with a heavy truck. Btw trailer is holding together nicely!
I had a few scary experiences after I bought my first trailer 10 years ago (16’ utility trailer with 2-3500# axles/no brakes). I overloaded it once burning through two sets of tires between Oklahoma and Virginia, then separate times lost control of it twice because the loader put the load too far rearward and the trailer started swinging , I don’t ever want to go though that again!
I had those laso straps on the second leg of this trip to haul a blazer back to Colorado. If I remember correctly they didn’t get there in time so I ordered a second set to my moms house where I dropped the suburban. The laso tire straps are quite nice
You probably said in the video building the trailer, sorry. What is the winch you have on the gooseneck? I haul a lot of farm machinery and that would be handy on my gooseneck as well. Great video! Thank you.
Cough...cough... Badlands 12k. I’ve used the heck out of these winches for the last 10 years and they have never let me down. $299 you can’t beat that!
Just seeing all your trailer builds now. Can you explain what the round bar under the trailer does? I think you called it a torsion bar? I have a camper and don't think it has that, and I've never seen one on other trailers, but I wasn't looking either. Also I think you are in Florida, so I'm sure it differs from state to state, but what was the process of registering a home built trailer?
It helps take most of the flex out of the trailer. Mostly noticeable for me when it’s empty or being loaded/unloaded. It’s almost like a torsion bar I guess.
It’s registered in colorado, it required a safety inspection and vin inspection then go to the DMV and pay the man to put it on the road based on what you estimate it’s worth.
What trans do u have, I got the 2.7L 2019 f150 and absolutely love it and thinking about getting gooseneck hitch for a long time now to tow my cattle trailer but I got the 10 speed so idk I already have the airbags
I have the 10 speed as well. It rarely uses more than half the gears! Keeps the engine in the torque curve. These trucks are quite nice. Gooseneck puts the weight we’re it’s more stable in my opinion.
How’s the transmission doing? I drive a 2013 raptor, I’ve been thinking about purchasing a camping trailer of 6-7k. But I’m too nervous of ruining the transmission…
I was wondering what you did to your suspension I think I heard you say something about air bags but not sure I have a 2012 f150 I feel like if I did something with my suspension it would pull my 5k farm tractor just fine
Add a leaf, removed factory 2” block and used 1” block, then added airbags. Airbags are great because you can air them down and have nice factory ride then air them up when hauling!
These airbags amzn.to/3WhqAFs This hitch amzn.to/3FJBpcS This add a leaf www.amazon.com/dp/B003JBZ4M6/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_undefined?linkCode=ml2&tag=arctos-20 And a 1” lift block to replace the stock 2” if I remember correctly.
I mean, I've been sentimentally attached to some things other people might think weird, but...you prolly spent more in fuel transporting it from Florida to Tennessee than that Suburban is worth. Lol. I like your trailer; you did a good job on that build. Those ratchet straps and axle straps are made for securing vehicles; you'd have been fine with four of them. I've towed cars on trailers thousands of miles with two sets of them. Good video. 👍
I can’t explain sentiment, it comes in different levels but I can control that truck being back in it’s owners yard! I used way more gas than the suburban would blue book for but I got to really test the trailer, make a video, and make people happy!
I understand the wagon. I'd like to have it myself. I just don't understand hauling that Suburban anywhere. Sentimental one owner I guess? Good research on the tongue weight btw. 10%-15% on a bumper pull and 15%-25% on a gooseneck. Super nice trailer btw.
Just throwing my 2 cents in. But before that. I absolutely love the trailer build! I like how you've got it set up. A few tips for future vehicle towing. I'm a tow op these things will make your life sooo much easier. Go pickup some "mini j" hooks on those Chevy frames there's hook points along the frame rail usually one at the rear of the frame one on both sides of the axle, one on the bottom of the frame just behind the front axle, also a one on both sides of the front axle on the frame and last but not least another up close to the front. Also you can also buy a "tow truck bridal" for your winch soft strap or g70 chain. I would try to avoid "cross chaining" I prefer a straight chain parallel with the vehicle. In case one chain breaks the vehicle is going to stay put on the trailer without movement versus if a cross chain breaks and you turn a corner for whatever the reason might be that vehicle could go the opposite direction and have a possibility coming off the trailer if that chain was to come off or break. Cars I would use straps. They don't weigh near as much as a truck and it's alot easier to tie them down. "8 point straps" or "wheel lift straps" But that's my two cents. Just something to look into if you're towing vehicles. You can find anything you want at zips.com We order tons of stuff from them guys! Keep up the good work I enjoy seeing that trailer!!
I’ve since bought some tire laso straps which have worked well, I was thinking about the frame hooks as I was loading that truck! That’s all good appreciated advice.
I’m at 42k miles right now and at least 19k of that it was towing up to 15k pounds(including trailer weight). It’s doing great, recall on the cam phaser which needs addressed because of noise at startup but that’s a problem a lot of them are having. Only once in the mountains in VA with that 15k gooseneck load did it feel borderline inadequate, a lot of steep twisty back roads, I should have stayed on the interstate.
As I read and understood the law prior to this trip the trailer being over 10k made it a Commercial Vehicle. Laws around towing are clear as mud and the DOT failed to answer my request for information. So at this time I was playing it “safe” but was wrong and opening myself up to needless hassle.
Seriously can’t believe you’re towing that with a raptor lol. Considering the max tow rating on one is about 8k lbs and you’re running a DOT number any highway patrol would have a field day with you. If you want to stay under the cdl requirements get a 3/4 ton with that trailer and you’ll be fine. There’s a reason 1/2 ton trucks are considered light duty not meant to hot shot loads like this
I disagree. The truck doesn’t state GCVWR and that is exceeded every day by people everywhere hauling professionally. I stopped at every weigh station welcoming the field day but not to my surprise, no one cared. I have a 3/4 ton and a CDL so my options are pretty open!
@@Andrewactual it literally took me 1 minute to find a gcvwr rating on your truck so don’t say it doesn’t have one lol. The rating is 14,250lbs here’s also a link to every raptor generation rating. www.trucktrend.com/features/ford-f150-raptor-towing-capacity-by-generation Also just because everyone is doing it doesn’t make it a good idea. I have my A license as well for 10yrs along with 60+ yrs of experience behind me (3rd generation trucker) and hot shot myself with my diesel truck and a 14k gooseneck I’m very aware of the laws and rules that accompany this occupation
@@johnscott2600 this is argued non stop online and the law is interpreted differently even between enforcement agents. If the day comes where I find myself on the wrong side of the law, I’ll pay my fine and change my ways.
@@Andrewactual Cool trailer build. OVER WEIGHT is OVER WEIGHT. I know a guy that over weighted his F350 and he crashed and killed someone. D.O.T in that state weighed everything and he went to jail for manslaughter. He was only 1000lbs over.
For the record, if you're pulling a 12K lb. trailer, you technically need a commercial driver's license. There is a special class called a Class A57 for people who drive pickup trucks with trailer loads over 10,000 lb.
Everything I’ve ever read says under 26,001 pounds GCVWR a CDL is not required. 7k GVWR on Ford + 14k = 21k GCVWR. Trailer capacities over 10k usually require a DOT number be displayed but still no CDL, just medical card. Regardless, I have a CDL.
@@better_than_nothing I did a lot of searching last night to find this and had no luck. Only way I can see it is if the GVWR of the power unit is 16,001 pounds. Can you see if you can find it referenced? That would be good to know.
@@Andrewactual Apologies for taking so long to get back to you, but it actually took me a while to find this. First, I found out while there are federal guidelines, and there are supplemental state guidelines. For instance, I've found two states that require CDL for any trailer over 10,000 LBS and this is only due to precedent in court hearings, there is no actual "law" but their highway patrol enforces. Those are Tennessee and Maryland and I only learned this through talking to hot-shot truckers in forums. I'm sure there are more. Here is a site referencing the fact that some states have different requirements but doesn't actually list any of them: www.performance40east.com/helpful-facts/when-do-i-need-a-cdl Lastly, the class of license I previously referenced is a Class A/57. The 57 being a restriction. The Class A with the 57 restriction code (A/57) is for drivers that drive combination vehicles that would qualify under the Class A category, however the power unit can carry a load in itself and the trailer has a GVWR of 10,001 pounds or more. Some examples are a dump truck, or delivery truck pulling a trailer with a GVWR of at least 10,001 pounds. Another example is a truck towing a mobile home. Any driver wishing to obtain a Class A with the 57 restriction code will need to take the skills test in a truck and trailer that has a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, provided that the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the trailer is at least 10,001 pounds. You can find that here: www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/safety/documents/CDLManual.pdf However, I called my buddy Tony at Tennessee Highway Patrol and he verified that they require any trailer being towed over 10K requires CDL. Again, not a "law," but there is enforceable precedent on the books they use to do so. It's BS that there aren't cut and dry rules to all of this, but I was only aware of it because a buddy of mine actually got a ticket in Maryland for being "overweight" on a dually Duramax with 14K load. I got stopped by a state trooper here in Tennessee in my dump truck with 26K tags pulling an empty trailer and was warned. Again, no actual law, but there is definitely liability. I'm sorry I can't offer more, but it took me quite a while to find what I did and it appears there is a lot of gray area.
@@better_than_nothing that’s very unfortunate, I was interested in moving to Tennessee as I see that state as one with more generally reasonable laws but the highway patrol is creating requirements that are not even laws. It’s unfortunate that you are guilty until proven innocent. I just had to pay a fine for “running a red light” difference of opinion between the officer and I but I won’t be in town to appear in court so I’ll claim my guilt to get two points removed from the charge. Awesome systems! Thank you for doing a bunch of digging and calling around. It’s ridiculous how that could hold up in court if it isn’t a written law. Capacity and licensing laws are so confusing and different by state it seems like just a matter of time before you get pulled over and they ruin your livelihood for a made up requirement.
If you raise the front of the trailer with the front Jack's with the trailer still on the truck. You can decrease the angle at the ramps. I've done this many times. Some times you can also raise the ramp where it contacts the ground with blocks, this helps too.
We used the block trick, I’ve used the jacks to raise it before but in the heat of the moment that method must have slipped my mind! That muffler hung down so far, everything else was clearing great! Sounds like you’ve had your fair share of trailer adventures!
@@Andrewactual was a dealer trade driver for a dealership.
@@Andrewactual I've had my fair share of trailer adventures. I've probably backed a trailer more miles than a lot of people have driven. lol
I can totally understand the sentimental aspect of this trip. I pulled a 16 foot utility trailer down from Tennessee to NW Florida in December because it’s been in the family for 16 years and i have a lot of good memories with it. I’ve spent far more than the trailer is worth rebuilding it so far. Keep up the videos.
Can’t justify it but it was my best option! My Mom certainly appreciated it as well! I have a 5x8 utility trailer in my family that my Brother, Dad, and I built when I was 11. Every 10 years it gets torn down and rebuilt!
_You should weld some extensions for the end of your ramps to make it easier for low vehicles, but I'm sure you aren't 100% done with it right? Looks well built though good job there aren't many gooseneck builds on TH-cam._
I like the extension idea! Nothing I build is ever really done lol. I’ve noticed the same shortage of gooseneck builds on TH-cam.
You are right on the money regarding tongue weight info. Thanks for taking the time. Can turn into a living nightmare when it is wrong. Personally I go a little tongue heavy with my 95 f350, but its a 1-ton. I had a load awhile back that was not tongue heavy enough and it was tail-wagging-the-dog. Even with a heavy truck. Btw trailer is holding together nicely!
I had a few scary experiences after I bought my first trailer 10 years ago (16’ utility trailer with 2-3500# axles/no brakes). I overloaded it once burning through two sets of tires between Oklahoma and Virginia, then separate times lost control of it twice because the loader put the load too far rearward and the trailer started swinging , I don’t ever want to go though that again!
You should invest in some wheel net straps. They go over the wheels and get tightened with the straps.
I had those laso straps on the second leg of this trip to haul a blazer back to Colorado. If I remember correctly they didn’t get there in time so I ordered a second set to my moms house where I dropped the suburban. The laso tire straps are quite nice
You probably said in the video building the trailer, sorry. What is the winch you have on the gooseneck? I haul a lot of farm machinery and that would be handy on my gooseneck as well. Great video! Thank you.
Cough...cough... Badlands 12k.
I’ve used the heck out of these winches for the last 10 years and they have never let me down. $299 you can’t beat that!
Just seeing all your trailer builds now. Can you explain what the round bar under the trailer does? I think you called it a torsion bar? I have a camper and don't think it has that, and I've never seen one on other trailers, but I wasn't looking either. Also I think you are in Florida, so I'm sure it differs from state to state, but what was the process of registering a home built trailer?
It helps take most of the flex out of the trailer. Mostly noticeable for me when it’s empty or being loaded/unloaded. It’s almost like a torsion bar I guess.
It’s registered in colorado, it required a safety inspection and vin inspection then go to the DMV and pay the man to put it on the road based on what you estimate it’s worth.
What trans do u have, I got the 2.7L 2019 f150 and absolutely love it and thinking about getting gooseneck hitch for a long time now to tow my cattle trailer but I got the 10 speed so idk I already have the airbags
I have the 10 speed as well. It rarely uses more than half the gears! Keeps the engine in the torque curve. These trucks are quite nice. Gooseneck puts the weight we’re it’s more stable in my opinion.
How’s the transmission doing? I drive a 2013 raptor, I’ve been thinking about purchasing a camping trailer of 6-7k.
But I’m too nervous of ruining the transmission…
I was wondering what you did to your suspension I think I heard you say something about air bags but not sure I have a 2012 f150 I feel like if I did something with my suspension it would pull my 5k farm tractor just fine
Add a leaf, removed factory 2” block and used 1” block, then added airbags. Airbags are great because you can air them down and have nice factory ride then air them up when hauling!
@@Andrewactual thank you for the info safe travels to you
What airbags and hitch do you have? Looking to get both and it’s hard to find a hitch that works with airbags
These airbags
amzn.to/3WhqAFs
This hitch
amzn.to/3FJBpcS
This add a leaf
www.amazon.com/dp/B003JBZ4M6/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_undefined?linkCode=ml2&tag=arctos-20
And a 1” lift block to replace the stock 2” if I remember correctly.
? What size I beam did you use for the hitch ? ,I want to build one
I mean, I've been sentimentally attached to some things other people might think weird, but...you prolly spent more in fuel transporting it from Florida to Tennessee than that Suburban is worth. Lol.
I like your trailer; you did a good job on that build.
Those ratchet straps and axle straps are made for securing vehicles; you'd have been fine with four of them. I've towed cars on trailers thousands of miles with two sets of them. Good video. 👍
I can’t explain sentiment, it comes in different levels but I can control that truck being back in it’s owners yard! I used way more gas than the suburban would blue book for but I got to really test the trailer, make a video, and make people happy!
What setup are you running in the rear?
I understand the wagon. I'd like to have it myself. I just don't understand hauling that Suburban anywhere. Sentimental one owner I guess? Good research on the tongue weight btw. 10%-15% on a bumper pull and 15%-25% on a gooseneck. Super nice trailer btw.
Just throwing my 2 cents in. But before that. I absolutely love the trailer build! I like how you've got it set up. A few tips for future vehicle towing. I'm a tow op these things will make your life sooo much easier. Go pickup some "mini j" hooks on those Chevy frames there's hook points along the frame rail usually one at the rear of the frame one on both sides of the axle, one on the bottom of the frame just behind the front axle, also a one on both sides of the front axle on the frame and last but not least another up close to the front. Also you can also buy a "tow truck bridal" for your winch soft strap or g70 chain. I would try to avoid "cross chaining" I prefer a straight chain parallel with the vehicle. In case one chain breaks the vehicle is going to stay put on the trailer without movement versus if a cross chain breaks and you turn a corner for whatever the reason might be that vehicle could go the opposite direction and have a possibility coming off the trailer if that chain was to come off or break. Cars I would use straps. They don't weigh near as much as a truck and it's alot easier to tie them down. "8 point straps" or "wheel lift straps" But that's my two cents. Just something to look into if you're towing vehicles. You can find anything you want at zips.com We order tons of stuff from them guys! Keep up the good work I enjoy seeing that trailer!!
I’ve since bought some tire laso straps which have worked well, I was thinking about the frame hooks as I was loading that truck! That’s all good appreciated advice.
What the bed length of your truck?
5.5’
Hmm, i can understand the wagon, but why would you waste any time and money on that Suburban?
Sentimental to my mom is the only reason! Don’t try to figure any logic to it lol.
How is the ecoboost holding up as a tow motor? I'm concerned with towing heavy weight with my gen 2 because the h.o. eco is a race engine.
I’m at 42k miles right now and at least 19k of that it was towing up to 15k pounds(including trailer weight). It’s doing great, recall on the cam phaser which needs addressed because of noise at startup but that’s a problem a lot of them are having. Only once in the mountains in VA with that 15k gooseneck load did it feel borderline inadequate, a lot of steep twisty back roads, I should have stayed on the interstate.
Why do you have a DOT when your not anywhere near 26k pounds?
As I read and understood the law prior to this trip the trailer being over 10k made it a Commercial Vehicle. Laws around towing are clear as mud and the DOT failed to answer my request for information. So at this time I was playing it “safe” but was wrong and opening myself up to needless hassle.
6.2L in the ford?
Almost half of that, it’s a 3.5 liter ecoboost. No V8 for the raptor but that little engine makes plenty of power as long as you have boost!
Do not pull more than your vehicle is rated for
Seriously can’t believe you’re towing that with a raptor lol. Considering the max tow rating on one is about 8k lbs and you’re running a DOT number any highway patrol would have a field day with you. If you want to stay under the cdl requirements get a 3/4 ton with that trailer and you’ll be fine. There’s a reason 1/2 ton trucks are considered light duty not meant to hot shot loads like this
I disagree. The truck doesn’t state GCVWR and that is exceeded every day by people everywhere hauling professionally. I stopped at every weigh station welcoming the field day but not to my surprise, no one cared. I have a 3/4 ton and a CDL so my options are pretty open!
@@Andrewactual it literally took me 1 minute to find a gcvwr rating on your truck so don’t say it doesn’t have one lol. The rating is 14,250lbs here’s also a link to every raptor generation rating. www.trucktrend.com/features/ford-f150-raptor-towing-capacity-by-generation
Also just because everyone is doing it doesn’t make it a good idea. I have my A license as well for 10yrs along with 60+ yrs of experience behind me (3rd generation trucker) and hot shot myself with my diesel truck and a 14k gooseneck I’m very aware of the laws and rules that accompany this occupation
@@johnscott2600 this is argued non stop online and the law is interpreted differently even between enforcement agents. If the day comes where I find myself on the wrong side of the law, I’ll pay my fine and change my ways.
@@Andrewactual Cool trailer build. OVER WEIGHT is OVER WEIGHT. I know a guy that over weighted his F350 and he crashed and killed someone. D.O.T in that state weighed everything and he went to jail for manslaughter. He was only 1000lbs over.
@@CT-vc6ct 1000 pounds over what
Pretty sure that truck's only rated at 8000...
it is
Get rid of those dump, why are u taking it with you.
Sentimental value that my family member has with it.
I live in Tennessee
A beautiful state! I hope to eventually end up there
@@Andrewactual indeed it is a good state and pretty views
For the record, if you're pulling a 12K lb. trailer, you technically need a commercial driver's license. There is a special class called a Class A57 for people who drive pickup trucks with trailer loads over 10,000 lb.
Everything I’ve ever read says under 26,001 pounds GCVWR a CDL is not required. 7k GVWR on Ford + 14k = 21k GCVWR. Trailer capacities over 10k usually require a DOT number be displayed but still no CDL, just medical card. Regardless, I have a CDL.
@@Andrewactual I just got my CDL and this was actually one of the questions. Any trailer over 10K requires CDL. The A57 question was on there too.
@@better_than_nothing I did a lot of searching last night to find this and had no luck. Only way I can see it is if the GVWR of the power unit is 16,001 pounds. Can you see if you can find it referenced? That would be good to know.
@@Andrewactual Apologies for taking so long to get back to you, but it actually took me a while to find this. First, I found out while there are federal guidelines, and there are supplemental state guidelines. For instance, I've found two states that require CDL for any trailer over 10,000 LBS and this is only due to precedent in court hearings, there is no actual "law" but their highway patrol enforces. Those are Tennessee and Maryland and I only learned this through talking to hot-shot truckers in forums. I'm sure there are more. Here is a site referencing the fact that some states have different requirements but doesn't actually list any of them:
www.performance40east.com/helpful-facts/when-do-i-need-a-cdl
Lastly, the class of license I previously referenced is a Class A/57. The 57 being a restriction.
The Class A with the 57 restriction code (A/57) is for drivers that drive combination vehicles that would qualify under the Class A category, however the power unit can carry a load in itself and the trailer has a GVWR of 10,001 pounds or more. Some examples are a dump truck, or delivery truck pulling a trailer with a GVWR of at least 10,001 pounds. Another example is a truck towing a mobile home. Any driver wishing to obtain a Class A with the 57
restriction code will need to take the skills test in a truck and trailer that has a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, provided that the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the trailer is at least 10,001 pounds.
You can find that here:
www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/safety/documents/CDLManual.pdf
However, I called my buddy Tony at Tennessee Highway Patrol and he verified that they require any trailer being towed over 10K requires CDL. Again, not a "law," but there is enforceable precedent on the books they use to do so.
It's BS that there aren't cut and dry rules to all of this, but I was only aware of it because a buddy of mine actually got a ticket in Maryland for being "overweight" on a dually Duramax with 14K load. I got stopped by a state trooper here in Tennessee in my dump truck with 26K tags pulling an empty trailer and was warned. Again, no actual law, but there is definitely liability. I'm sorry I can't offer more, but it took me quite a while to find what I did and it appears there is a lot of gray area.
@@better_than_nothing that’s very unfortunate, I was interested in moving to Tennessee as I see that state as one with more generally reasonable laws but the highway patrol is creating requirements that are not even laws. It’s unfortunate that you are guilty until proven innocent. I just had to pay a fine for “running a red light” difference of opinion between the officer and I but I won’t be in town to appear in court so I’ll claim my guilt to get two points removed from the charge. Awesome systems!
Thank you for doing a bunch of digging and calling around. It’s ridiculous how that could hold up in court if it isn’t a written law. Capacity and licensing laws are so confusing and different by state it seems like just a matter of time before you get pulled over and they ruin your livelihood for a made up requirement.
thats nowhere near 11k bud
4200 pound trailer, 6800 pound suburban, 1000 pound wagon, plus a couple hundred pounds of tools. You are correct, it’s over 12k pounds!
Mint my ass
I know what I got, no low ballers...
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder lol, I was being very sarcastic.