I have a Dodge Ram 1500 5.9 extended cab, with a short bed. I’m wondering if it would be worth it to put a gooseneck hitch on it. I am thinking about buying the blueprints to build a 6’4 dump trailer, because they’re really profitable in my area.

i can buy the blueprints to build a 6’4x14 14K bumper pull, 6’4x14 14K gooseneck, 6’4x8 bumper pull 8K, and a little 4’2x6.

I’m just wondering how much have you guys comfortably towed, and if it would be worth me building the trailer without buying a new truck?
Has anyone gotten better results out of towing with a gooseneck hitch on their 1500?

 

That is WAY over the tow rating for your truck. For the second gens, that's into 3500 territory. Gotta remember, it's not just getting the load moving, you also need to be able to stop it, and the 1500 brakes are woefully inadequate to the task. You need at the very least a 3/4 ton truck for that... and I suspect even a 3/4 ton would have a hard time with that kind of weight. (for the second gen rams... these days, 1500's are getting that kind of pulling power.....)

 

I have the same wheel base and thought about adding a gooseneck. Not for very long as the angle when you turn will be pretty short due to the bed design. It's a sure way to jeckknife. You will DEFINITELY need good braking on the trailer. I've seen 1/2 tons pull a gooseneck or fifth wheel but only with light loads. They have all had long beds. I wouldn't even run a 3/4 ton with the short bed and a heavy dump trailer on a gooseneck. A bumper pull would be better, you you'd still have to have capable braking.

 

The problem you run into, turning aside, is if you are overweight, and get in an accident, it is automatically YOUR fault, and as you were exceeding the design of the vehicle, your insurance company can deny coverage..... So if ya get sued, that's on you..... Insurance won't pay a dime.

Thing is, if you have the ability to pull something like that, you will.... and weight just won't play much of a factor... and that WILL cause trouble. There is nothing you can do to a 1500 to make it safely tow that kind of weight. And officer friendly is well aware of that little fact, and you WILL get his attention with a big gooseneck trailer behind a half-ton truck.

 

It never ceases to amaze me what people want to do with a vehicle that is not up to the task.