new build
 

I am starting a new build but nothing compared to the beauties you guys build. Its just going to be simple quick and cheap.

Searching for a MDT and I will install the largest camper with a slide I can find on the frame and over the cab. Unfortunately most seem to be fleet trucks and i have two questions if you will indulge me.

1. How much length minimum do I need to allow for the flatbed to accommodate the gooseneck hitch?



2. Most of these trucks have small HP motors like a cat C7 or DT446. Can i dial these up to 300ish HP or am I starting over with a new motor?

Thanks

What type of gooseneck trailer are you pulling? If it is an enclosed trailer you need more room. If it's an open gooseneck you don't need much. I am building a hitch similar to this in the picture. I'm going to pull an open gooseneck on a bumper pull hitch.

I read somewhere 6' from ball to back of rig is considered max deck length. I have 33" and am considering moving the hitch on my trailer 1.5" farther back just to shorten the whole rig up. I'm waiting until I'm done with building the trailer(about 90% done now) so I can check the weight on the rear axle. I'm reasonably close to 20K# now, so that is the determining factor.

I have a flatbed gooseneck trail and a gooseneck horse trailer that i will be pulling

To answer your first question:
You can dial it up beyond all sensibility until it blows smoke [aka 'unburnt fuel']. However, longevity is limited by the capacity of the rest of the drivetrain. The clutch has an opinion. The transmission has an opinion. The U-joints have an opinion.

At what point does additional torque over-power the frame and brakes? I'm not an engineer, I wouldn't know.


To answer your second question:
A larger engine / transmission / frame / brakes is usually a good idea. How much safety can you afford?