Gooseneck to Fifth Wheel Adapter with 1996 Ford F-250 Short Bed

Question:

Hi Etrailer Have a 1996 Ford F250 7.3 Diesel 4WD Shortbed that weighs 6700 lbs Buying a 2005 Dutchman Colorado 28RK-M5 UVW 8370 lbs and GVWR 10560 lbs Questions: Will Convert-A-Ball Cushioned 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Adapter - 12inch to 16inch Tall - 20,000 lbs Item # CAB-C5G work sufficiently on my Ford shortbed or do I need Convert-A-Ball Cushioned 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Adapter w/ Offset - 12inch to 16inch Tall Item # CAB-C5GX1216 to turn without cab/trailer binding. Have no idea how much turning clearance at ? angle between cab and trailer with straight adapter. What degree of angle difference can be achieved between the two adapters. Can you do 90 degrees with offset? Is my tongue weight 1670 lbs? Is that normal, good, bad? Thanks

asked by: Steve R

Expert Reply:

To answer your last question first you'll likely have about 20 percent of the loaded trailer's weight on the truck. This is fairly normal.

Since your 1996 Ford F-250 is a short bed going with the # CAB-C5GX1216 that has the offset is the better way to go. It might not give you enough clearance to make a full 90-degree turn but it will certainly give you better clearance and increase the chance of making the full 90.

You can take a few measurements and do a little math to find out how close you'll be to having issues turning. If you measure from the gooseneck ball in your truck's bed to the back of the cab. Then subtract half of the width of your trailer. This tells you how much clearance you have and you'll want at least 4 inches to make 90-degree turns safely with most trailers. The Convert-A-Ball with the offset will give you a little more wiggle room than that but since it doesn't change the pivot point of the trailer it won't be the full offset of 7-1/2 inches.

The # CAB-C5G is better suited for long bed trucks.

expert reply by: Charles S