I have a 2003 Toyota Tundra pickup. Toyota rates it for 7300# towing and 11,800#total combined weight. I am trying to find a two-horse aluminum gooseneck trailer for weekend camping rides so I have a place to sleep. I have found such a trailer which weighs in @ 4500#. Allowing 1100# per horse and tack plus 300# for mattress, camping supplies, clothes and food, am I cutting it too close to the limit for this truck? I will also be carrying one passenger plus hay, feed, water and a cooler in the bed of the truck. I have read that a truck can actually safely tow a good deal more weight with a gooseneck than with a rear hitch. Is this true? Please steer me straight because I definitely want to tow safely without undue stress on either the truck or the trailer.

Regards,
Yeehaa

Generally a gooseneck can haul more than a bumper pull, though truck manufacters lately have rated towing near the same for both trailer types. The Tundras I've towed with did well, but the engine is almost red-line the whole time. 4.7L is a relative small V-8 compared to the other 1/2 tons. Tundras also have a long overhang from the rear axle to the bumper. I'd use a weight distributing hitch and be closer to 6000#'s loaded trailer weight.

Okay,
I have purchased the trailer and while it is under the weight limit, loaded, I still plan to upgrade to a more heavy duty tow vehicle in the near future. In the meantime, is their a particular weight distributing goosneck receiver hitch that you can recommend. The only hitch I have found made for the Tundra is the turnoverball. Also, how can I find out whether or not I will need a gooseneck extender in order to keep from damaging my truck cab? Seems like a lot of measurements would need to be made to determine the need and I don't know where to go to see if that has already been published. Thanks for your help!

Hi I haven't heard of a wdh for a gooseneck trailer. Usually you put the gooseneck ball infront of the rear axle to balance the load and have proper steering weight. For the gooseneck extender, just measure 9 inches to the side of where the ball will go, mark it and back up to your trailer at 90 degrees to the mark with the coupler. Do it slowly and see how close the trailer is to your cab. Extenders at, http://mrtruck.net/popup.htm