bought a goose neck today

[dawgfan]

I have been looking for a while now and have missed a few good deals. Then today out of the blue I came across a lawncare business closing shop. They had a few trailers. The one I bought was a 20' gooseneck with 2' dove and triple MH axles. It is homebuilt, but titled and a VIN plate. Looks very good! I wouldn't have known it was homebuilt if not for the mobile home axles. All 6" channel frame, and I think about 8" on the goose neck (i think) with 2 speed jack and adjustable hitch, and sping assist fold up ramps. A couple of the boards could be replaced and tires are a little dry-rotted, but solid trailer. All three axles have brakes, but none hooked up, and the lights all worked. The guy even gave me a receipt for $400 he spent at a local trailer shop/builder showing new bearings/grease, safety chains, paint, and reflective tape that he recently had done. He wanted $1500 which I would have gladly paid. Only problem is that it is only a 77" wide deck. When I mentioned I would think it over since I need 82"-84" for my Bronco, he said "$1000 right now and it's yours". So I hooked it up and took off! My only concern is about the axles. How do I tell what load rating they are? I have heard everything from 4K-7.5K depending on year and application. I know they are legal here since they have "Low-Boy" tires, but debating on whether or not to remove an axle. Also, they have been cut, sleeved, and re-welded in the center of the axles. I assume it was just to narrow them, is this common with MH axles? Safe? Also anyone know where to look for the wheel conversions for these? I've been told I can buy kits to convert to 8 on 6.5" lug pattern. That would be so sweet since my Bronco and my Dodge 2500 have that same pattern...endless spares!

[Traveler]

If you are thinking about taking an axle off you better weight the trailer empty first.

I think most motor home axles are 6 or 7k. There should still be a tag or stamped letters on the axle somewhere that will give you more information.

Cutting the center of the axle like that is common, nothing to worry about.

There are wheel adapters out there but they are not cheap. Check ebay probably.

Sounds like a great trailer!

[dawgfan]

I went and took a much better look at it this morning. I didn't have much time yesterday to check it over, and can't keep it at my house(HOA) so it's parked at the parents place. The rear most axle is different than the other 2, and slightly bent(just a little bow in it). Not worried about the bend since it's not bad, but it it has not been narrowed like the other 2, so not sure what it is from, everything else is identicle to the other 2 axles, except it was originally that width; hubs, brakes, wheels, tires are all the same. The guy said the last thing he moved was a backhoe he sold, so i"m sure that is the reason for the bent axle at the rear. Still very happy with the purchase though, next week will begin the re-deck and re-wire phase :proud:

[Traveler]

Is the axle bent upward? If so that is normal, it will flatten out when loaded. They are designed that way.

[dawgfan]

Is the axle bent upward? If so that is normal, it will flatten out when loaded. They are designed that way.

No, down. But barley noticable. I am thinking of going with 2 axles anyway, but still debating. Are all 5 lug mobile home axles a 5 on 5.5 lug pattern?