Hello all..

I just bought an '05 F350 and wanted to know if you can tow a fifth wheel or gooseneck trailer with a shortbed? I don't have either trailer, but if I ever have the need, I'd just like to know my options.

Thanks.

Chris

 

I'm not sure about towing the goose neck , but with the fifth wheel you can go with a slider hitch . It allows you to slide the hitch back about 10" to clear the truck cab on tight turns .

 

Well, it depends...

If the front of the trailer is in the shape of a V (like some equipment trailers), you should not have a problem with either type.

If it has a square front (like a RV), you will have a contact problem when turning sharp (more than 60 degrees or so). There isn't much you can do with a gooseneck, but there are sliding 5th wheel hitches - some manual and, perhaps only one, automatic. I would strongly suggest looking at the PullRite SuperGlide (www.pullrite.com). Get the free video!

The SuperGlide, as far as I know, is the only automatic mechanical hitch available - no electric, no hydraulic, no levers, etc. It does cost more than other slides, but it works.

FWIW, I do have a PullRite hitch, but not the SuperGlide as I have a long bed. I do hang out in some of the RV forums and those that don't have the SuperGlide, frequently forget to manually stretch out and suffer damage.

Jim

 

I have the same question, but regarding the towing of a 3 horse slant trailer. I guess I will have to line up the trailer and check it before installing the B&W.

 

Basically, the problem with towing a gooseneck with a shortbed is during tight turns. I have a friend who broke the rear window on the truck with the front of the trailer. If the trailer has a slant nose you may be ok. There are also extension hitches for a shortbed that move the connection back further in the bed. Gives the nose of the trailer some room to turn. Good luck.

 

Ah thank you for the info, WM. I have seen those extension hitches in the horse magazines. Using that extension, does that change the weight transfer toward the back of the bed? Might be a dumb question, but just trying to think all this through B4 cutting a hole in the bed!!! Also how far forward of the rear axle does the B&W install, if anyone knows?

 

I tow a three horse slant gooseneck trailer with my 04 F-250 FX4 Deisel shortbed and have had no problems except in the tightest turns. If I pay attention, I can get the truck and trailer at 90 degrees but not much past that without making contact with the cab.

Paul

 

Thanks J, the trailer I will be using has a "slanted nose" so I think I will be OK. I will still check out our truck with the trailer B4 I invest in the gooseneck.

 

I have a 2003 super crew with the 5 1/2 foot bed and frequently pull a gooseneck trailer. b & w makes an offset ball that puts the hitch further back, but i do not use it. the setup i have suits me just fine.

 

I pulled a 33' 5th wheel with the F250 Crew Cab SWB PSD I had at the time. I did "dimple" the cab in the back on both sides (no slider!). You can be careful , but the potential is HIGH that sooner or later you will make contact with the cab. I got it once pulling out of a fuel station and the trailer rocked and got me. Neither time was it too bad and polished out, but I knew the dimples were there! Good luck!

 

I pull a 16' CM cattle trailer with the V front with my 2004 Screw FX4 with out any problems. When I first installed my hitch the first thing I did was to hook it up and see how short I could turn.

 

Bootskillet, I don't think the gooseneck extensions move the weight back. I could be wrong so check with the mfg first. If you can get a copy of The Horsetrader, they have ads for the extensions.

 

WM,
You are right, after doing some research, it doesn't shift it back. I was concerned about load moment hanging on the offset hitch.

 

I don't have any problems towing a straight nosed gooseneck with my shortbed. I just pay attention when negotiating a sharp turn (especially on a bump or dip). I have the regular B&W and everything works just fine.

 

I have an "04" F350 CC,SB with a B&W turn over ball and I pull a 26' May gooseneck with no problems in turning sharp! This is the 4th short bed F350 I've had this hitch in and each time I've installed the hitch in the next truck I've always measured from the back of the box (tailgate end) forward 46 inchs and never a problem turning at that measuement! Can't comment on a fifth wheel setup as I don't currently have the Companion! Best of luck in whatever you decide!