Need opinions from you gooseneck trailer experts. WilRay trailers in Fort Benton Montana is having a sale on their 14,000-pound, 20-foot deckover flatbed trailers.
WilRay uses 10-inch C-channel for the main frame running the length of the trailer. With 8-inch C-channel for the neck.
Big Tex uses 12-inch x 16-pound I-beams for the main frame, with 10-inch C-channel for the neck.
PJ Trailers uses 12-inch x 14-pound I-beams for the main frame, and neck.
The WilRay trailer weighs about 500 + pounds less.
I can’t say I’ve ever seen a trailer use C-channel for the main frame. So my question for you experts, is C-channel a good idea for the main frame? Any advice / comments are welcome!
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Why Chyrel? To quote the late great Johnny Cash!
"My name is Sue! How do you do! Now you gonna die!"
2007 Dodge 3500, 4X4 Quad cab SLT, with 6.7L Cummins / 6-speed Aisin, 4:10 gears, and 9 1/2-foot Aluma flatbed.
Long gone
2004 F-550, 6.0 PSD, Torqshift, 4:88 LS axle, Flatbed dump with a 10-ton Scott hoist. Autometer Pyro/trans/boost on pillar. Turbo lifesaver.
I have a 25ft PJ dually tandem lo-pro dovetail gneck and love it. The frame is I-beam as was said before and works well. I haul a 307 Cat Trackhoe on mine and the trailer does great! The PJ also uses I-beam for the neck. One thing to check if you get a PJ is to check and see if the axles are made by Dexter (sp?). They are made in the States IIRC and some of the others axles are made overseas. Probably India.
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...John...
1994.5 powerstroke F-350 Reg. Cab. 5 Speed 2WD DRW 4.10, Oxford White, Cab and Chassis converted to electric over hydraulic dump bed. Diy Aic, switched 10k mod, Diy exhaust brake (great help), Autometer Boost and Pyro gauges. DIY tymar. 3" downpipe. No exhaust after downpipe...hehehe... Dp-tuner F5, No Start, Stock, 40 Tow, 80 Eco
Thank you for the replies gentlemen! I think I’ll go with the PJ trailer. It will cost about $900.00 more but I feel it’s a lot better value.
When the salesman at WilRay told me they use C-channel because it’s stronger, I had my doubts. I looked in my handy “Ryerson Data Book”. Comparing apples to apples as close as I could. Same vertical height C-channel to I-beam, same pounds per foot, same span, The I-Beam is just a little less than twice the strength of C-channel. But never really seeing C-channel used in a gooseneck trailer, I didn’t know if there was an engineering design using C-channel that would get the same or surpass the strength of an I-Beam.
Thanks again!
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Why Chyrel? To quote the late great Johnny Cash!
"My name is Sue! How do you do! Now you gonna die!"
2007 Dodge 3500, 4X4 Quad cab SLT, with 6.7L Cummins / 6-speed Aisin, 4:10 gears, and 9 1/2-foot Aluma flatbed.
Long gone
2004 F-550, 6.0 PSD, Torqshift, 4:88 LS axle, Flatbed dump with a 10-ton Scott hoist. Autometer Pyro/trans/boost on pillar. Turbo lifesaver.
I have a PJ too (in my photo's) and that baby came loaded, dual landing gear, grab handle and step on one side, expanded metal chain, etc, box plus other extras. The price I paid was quite a bit less than I was quoted for competitive models without all the extras.
I live maybe 30 miles from Fort Benton, and know those guys well - my hired hand welded for them for several years. Wil-Ray builds top-quality stuff, and from a strength perspective, the product that they turn out will hold up with any of 'em. They aren't a bargain trailer, they do a beautiful job on the fitment, welding, wiring, etc., and use automotive paint. I'm surprised that they were cheaper than anyone - they tend to be a little higher-end than most. Personally, I've been around quite a few PJ's, and I'd say that Wil-Ray is right there with them quality-wise (both being EXTREMELY nice trailers). I don't think you'll go wrong either way.
I've asked them before why they don't use I-beam for the frames - the thoughts there are that they can make a more-solid connection with the deck stringers and a better gusset on the neck than you can with I-Beams. That, and laddered with crossmembers, C-Channel is just as strong. Could be, I guess pickup/truck frames are C-channel, I suppose it's fine. But I've seen some pretty abused PJ's that never broke, too.
I'm shocked that a Wil-Ray is lighter. The classic Wil-Ray stock trailer makes a Titan Full-Bull package look like it's made out of erector sets and tinfoil. [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif[/img]
C-channel is easier to build with (less fit-up for welding) and has more tortional rigidity for the same weight per ft as an I-beam, that's why all truck frames are c-channel.
Not-quite hijacking here: I've noticed my friend's gn, which is either a PJ or a WW (or is it "WWW"?????), has dual landing gear BUT the way they were welded in makes it just about 100% impossible to lube those jacks.
So question: how is YOUR trailer's gear set up - whether you've a BigTex, WillRay, PJ or homebuilt???? I am in the market for a 25-26'er.
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Sold: 1999 White Lariat CC SB F-250. Sold to next-door neighbor in 2001....received final payment 2007! Still going strong at 198Kmiles as of Dec'07
Sold: 2001 Bright Amber Lariat CC LB F-250 with 4 million candlepower of LightForce lights in the bow. Line-X bedliner. Dual alternator. Clearance lights. Glass-tite cap. 250-gallon auxiliary tank for trips to the Lesser 48. 70-gallon auxiliary for trips around Alaska. Rec'd Dec'07: '08 ForestGreen/Gold F-350 CC LB. Handshaker, as always, Rear stabilizer, rear static video, rear step, dual alternators. B&W turnover ball on its way; soon to be Line-X'd. LightForces on their way.
I have a Gooseneck brand 30' that weighs in at 9200lb. In my opinion it is extremely well built and will hold up to extreme loads. No complaints after 5+yrs.
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2008 F450 4wd crew, forest green over pueblo gold, 4.30 rear, several options, Lord help me keep my truck stock.
The landing gear on mine is dual, with a single speed jack. Both landing gear are adjustable and have zerks on each side (and on the jack handle) to keep em lubed up. It also has the toolbox under the neck and step and grab handle on both sides. it looks like LMJD's trailer, except it's a 25ft+5ft dove, dually tandem. I think the center's on the cross braces are something like 12 or 14 inches. It doesn't flex much when I load the trackhoe.
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...John...
1994.5 powerstroke F-350 Reg. Cab. 5 Speed 2WD DRW 4.10, Oxford White, Cab and Chassis converted to electric over hydraulic dump bed. Diy Aic, switched 10k mod, Diy exhaust brake (great help), Autometer Boost and Pyro gauges. DIY tymar. 3" downpipe. No exhaust after downpipe...hehehe... Dp-tuner F5, No Start, Stock, 40 Tow, 80 Eco
My "bed between wheels" goosenecks use the C-Channel for the mainframe, A couple of weeks ago I brought back a 48" bed between wheels tri axle for someone hauling cars with a heavy 12in. C-channel running the length of the trailer. I've been with my factory for about a year and a half now and love the way my goosenecks are put together, hold up, and pull (not speeking from a salesmans point of view either, I'm more towards the driver in the family business)
My goosnecks have a 12" 14 pound main frame and neck as well, and thier custom trailers with all the options you could think of. Let me know what you want and what you're best price is and I could try to beat it if you'd like
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1999 F350 PSD S/C 6spd Dually 150,000 and counting
AIS, 4" straight pipe,
Boost and Pyro guages,
Exhaust brake, IC foil delete,
DP tunes, Stock, 20T, 80E, 120R
4.10 LS rear axle, F550 rear suspension,
B&W turnover gooseneck hitch
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Trailerhauler</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Let me know what you want and what you're best price is and I could try to beat it if you'd like </div></div>
Thank you very much for the offer! I’m going to take this purchase very slow, (if I buy new)!
This trailer is up for auction next Saturday; way more trailer than I need, but if the price is right! http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v512/Chyrel/ST.jpg
__________________
Why Chyrel? To quote the late great Johnny Cash!
"My name is Sue! How do you do! Now you gonna die!"
2007 Dodge 3500, 4X4 Quad cab SLT, with 6.7L Cummins / 6-speed Aisin, 4:10 gears, and 9 1/2-foot Aluma flatbed.
Long gone
2004 F-550, 6.0 PSD, Torqshift, 4:88 LS axle, Flatbed dump with a 10-ton Scott hoist. Autometer Pyro/trans/boost on pillar. Turbo lifesaver.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Trailerhauler</div><div class="ubbcode-body">...a 48" bed between wheels tri axle...</div></div>
Taken up hauling Tonkas, have you [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif[/img] [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif[/img] [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif[/img]
Check your PMs........thanks
__________________
Sold: 1999 White Lariat CC SB F-250. Sold to next-door neighbor in 2001....received final payment 2007! Still going strong at 198Kmiles as of Dec'07
Sold: 2001 Bright Amber Lariat CC LB F-250 with 4 million candlepower of LightForce lights in the bow. Line-X bedliner. Dual alternator. Clearance lights. Glass-tite cap. 250-gallon auxiliary tank for trips to the Lesser 48. 70-gallon auxiliary for trips around Alaska. Rec'd Dec'07: '08 ForestGreen/Gold F-350 CC LB. Handshaker, as always, Rear stabilizer, rear static video, rear step, dual alternators. B&W turnover ball on its way; soon to be Line-X'd. LightForces on their way.
Chyrel, you will never regret buying "too much trailer" IMO. That one looks good, but make sure you check the axles, brakes, etc. before you buy it so it doesn't become a money pit! Good luck!
__________________
...John...
1994.5 powerstroke F-350 Reg. Cab. 5 Speed 2WD DRW 4.10, Oxford White, Cab and Chassis converted to electric over hydraulic dump bed. Diy Aic, switched 10k mod, Diy exhaust brake (great help), Autometer Boost and Pyro gauges. DIY tymar. 3" downpipe. No exhaust after downpipe...hehehe... Dp-tuner F5, No Start, Stock, 40 Tow, 80 Eco
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Alaska Ranger</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Trailerhauler</div><div class="ubbcode-body">...a 48" bed between wheels tri axle...</div></div>
Taken up hauling Tonkas, have you [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif[/img] [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif[/img] [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif[/img]
Check your PMs........thanks </div></div>
I'll watch my PM's are you interested in something?
2005 Chev Duramax/Allison 3500LS DRW Crew Cab
2006 Chev 6.0L/4L80e 3500WT DRW Ex-Cab 9'Flat-GN
Linear Mode
