Burning question for Tim S.

[Big Block Bill]

Originally Posted by 67since67

LOL Bill...Before posting that I actually had it written up, "For you consideration, but on a Chevy/GMC chassis of course", but then curtailed the wording.
Some Chevy guys would prefer an F-350/450 chassis, this one was transporting a '67 L88 Corvette IIRC. Bill W

Think Hard about a Ford PowerStroke. This is (a 2008 with a 6.4 with 72,000 miles) our 4th cab off repair on a PowerStroke in the last (2) months, and I still have a 2015 F-350 4X4 with 6.7 pickup with 95,000 miles and a 6.7 out back waiting to come in for a Turbo and all (8) injectors which will be another Cab Off repair. A person has to have deep pockets to own a Ford PowerStroke anything, but I'm NOT complaining. Bill

[napa68]

Something like this Sundowner Xtra is what I have been contemplating. In white of course, so it matches my truck.I like the idea of a gooseneck, as the weight is distributed in a much better place in the truck. As I understand it, it is much more stable in a crosswind (or when semi's pass you). Admittedly, I have not driven a gooseneck myself.

With 28-30ft on the floor, I can pull a car forward far enough to get out of it, and just roll it back to tie it down. I originally was thinking about a side door, but fear it takes too much structure out of the trailer. As we know, trailers take a POUNDING.

As I see it, the Sundowner has thicker aluminum than the ATC (both in the walls and roof). I also like how far the front nose of the Sundowner is V'd. It would give me more room between the trailer nose and the cab of the truck when turning.

So, I'll take the opportunity to ask this. Do any of you have experience with a Sundowner? Might there be a suggestion I should be contemplating? I am incorrect in any of my thoughts? We know these things are not cheap, and I hate doing things twice (unless I am buying back a killer car)

[Too Many Projects]

With the extra strength of the extruded sides, I wouldn't be afraid to add an escape door. I'm sure the design has been engineered to account for the opening and those sides almost make the trailer a unibody with the frame. Looks like a heck of a trailer, but the website seems to be lacking a lot of detail, especially available options. The first option I would ask about is self leveling air ride. That alone will reduce the stress on the rest of the trailer, and your cargo, immensely. It could include an onboard, electric, compressor with a dump valve to lower the floor for loading/unloading.
The low-pro is interesting too, but it doesn't seem to include the car hauler. Too bad, as it would help with wind resistance and sway.
Yes, I believe you will like the increased stability of a 5th wheel attachment over the bumper pull.

[Crush]

Originally Posted by Big Block Bill

Think Hard about a Ford PowerStroke. This is (a 2008 with a 6.4 with 72,000 miles) our 4th cab off repair on a PowerStroke in the last (2) months, and I still have a 2015 F-350 4X4 with 6.7 pickup with 95,000 miles and a 6.7 out back waiting to come in for a Turbo and all (8) injectors which will be another Cab Off repair. A person has to have deep pockets to own a Ford PowerStroke anything, but I'm NOT complaining. Bill

Hey B3 what diesel, in your opinion are the most reliable, low maintenance , and will go the longest?
Sorry for the hijack but trucks and trailers go together, right?

[Big Block Bill]

We see very little problems with the newer Duramax Diesels, just regular oil changes and fuel filters every other oil change. The only issues we have had were belt and pulley issues and that was a GM parts supply problems in 2021 and newer trucks after 110,000 miles or so. Bill

[67since67]

Tim, you mention that thicker aluminum is important to you, check out Alum-Line. In 2009 I took them my measurements and layout that I wanted, they built it to my specs including escape door size and location and D-ring location, and included diamond plate wheel chocks. Custom spec all aluminum for less than the cookie-cutter Featherlites built next door in Cresco IA.

I doesn't have the slick cool factor of an ATC but I'm at 110,000 miles including a lot of pounding on rust-belt interstates and it's as sound as new. Only regrets is I'd have had backup lights and camera wired in.

I've attached a couple goose necks from their web-site. -

Oh, it doesn't leak water or dust either.