How To Determine Clearance on 2003 Ford F-350 Short Bed To Use Fifth Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter
Question:
I recently purchased an 03 f350 short bed with a goose neck ball. I am considering purchasing a goose neck to fifth wheel adapter for my fifth wheel trailer. How would I determine the amount of clearance that is necessary between the back of the truck bumper and the trailer? Thank You
asked by: Kris S
Expert Reply:
Measuring is going to be very important when determining the safest way to tow a fifth wheel trailer with a gooseneck hitch on your 2003 Ford F-350 short bed truck. The first step is to make sure that your fifth wheel trailer can be used with an adapter. Some fifth wheel manufactures state not to.
To determine the clearance needed on your 2003 Ford F-350 short bed, you need to take the width of your fifth wheel and divide by two. Then measure from the gooseneck hitch ball in the truck to the back of the truck cab. That dimension should be 4 inches more than your first measurement for correct clearance.
For example, if your trailer measures 96 inches wide, take half (48 inches), then add 4 inches (52 inches). So if the measurement from the gooseneck hitch ball in the truck to the back of the truck cab is 52 inches or more, you will have enough clearance for a straight gooseneck adapter.
If you do not have enough clearance, then you would have to use an offset gooseneck adapter. The offset on the the adapters increase your clearance by either 7-1/2 inches, or 8 inches, depending on which adapter you use.
I have two fifth wheel to gooseneck adapters available with an offset. The Convert-A-Ball Adapter with Offset, part # CAB-C5GX1216, has an offset of 7-1/2 inches and a height range of 12 to 16 inches. The Ranch Hitch Adapter with Offset, part # AM3139, has an offset of 8 inches and a height range of 11-3/4 to 14-3/4 inches.
To determine the height of the adapter you will need, park the truck and trailer on level ground. Back the truck up as if you where connecting to the trailer. Measure from the top of the ball to the bottom of the pin box (not the king pin). This distance is the height you will need. Five or six inches of clearance between the overhang of the trailer and side rails of your truck is necessary for safe operation.
I am including a link to a FAQ page on fifth wheels.
Products Referenced in This Question
Ranch Hitch Universal 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Coupler Adapter w/8" Offset for Short-Bed Trucks
- Gooseneck and Fifth Wheel Adapters
- Adapts Trailer
- Fifth Wheel Trailer to Gooseneck Hitch
- Offset
- 24000 lbs GTW
- Bolts Over King Pin
- Adjustable Height
- King Pin Adapters
- Andersen
more information >
Convert-A-Ball Cushioned 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Adapter w/ Offset - 12" to 16" Tall
- Gooseneck and Fifth Wheel Adapters
- Adapts Trailer
- Fifth Wheel Trailer to Gooseneck Hitch
- Offset
- 20000 lbs GTW
- Bolts Over King Pin
- Adjustable Height
- King Pin Adapters
- Convert-A-Ball
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Reese Elite Series Under-Bed Gooseneck Trailer Hitch for Ford Super Duty - 25,000 lbs
- Gooseneck Hitch
- Below the Bed
- Manual Ball Removal
- 6250 lbs TW
- 25000 lbs GTW
- Removable Ball - Stores in Truck
- In Bed Release
- 2-5/16 Hitch Ball
- Reese
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Article: Replacement Automotive Lighting
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: Headlight Bulbs to Switch From Halogen to LED Headlights in a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- Q&A: Front Mounted Receiver Hitch That Mounts Under Bumper for 2000 Jeep Wrangler TJ
- Shop: Catalytic Converters
- Shop: Front Mount Hitch
- Shop: Vehicle Lights
- Shop: Radiator Fan
- Shop: Vision X H13 Halogen Headlight Bulbs - Premium White - Qty 2
- Shop: Putco Nitro-Lux Headlight Bulbs w/ Anti-Flicker Harness - Halogen to LED - 360 Degree - 9005 - Qty 2
- Shop: H13 LED Headlight Bulbs with Anti-Flicker Harness - Dual Beam - 4,565 Lumens - Cool White - Qty 2
- Shop: Derale Heavy-Duty, Thermal Fan Clutch with Reverse Rotation
- Shop: Putco Nitro-Lux Headlight Bulbs w/ Anti-Flicker Harness - Halogen to LED - 360 Degree - H11 - Qty 2
- Video: ARC H13 LED Bulbs with Anti-Flicker Harness Review
- Shop: EcoHitch Hidden Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"
- Search Results: 44649
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Video: EcoHitch Hidden Front Mount Trailer Hitch Installation - 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty
- Q&A: Bearings and Seal Used for AL-KO 7290 Trailer Hubs for #99 Spindles
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: B&W Turnoverball Underbed Gooseneck Trailer Hitch w/ Custom Installation Kit - 30,000 lbs
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Q&A: How to Measure Hub Face of Mobile Home Hub and Drum
- Search Results: 68149
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Q&A: Replacement Clearance Lights Needed for GLO-BRITE 122R and 122Y Lights
- Search Results: dust cap