How to Add Clearance for Gooseneck Trailer With 2016 Ford F-250 With Factory Gooseneck Package

Question:

I have a 2016 Ford F-250 crew cab, shortbed, with the Factory Installed goose neck hitch in the Bed. I use a Reese 16K goosebox hitch. I love this setup, but there is not quite enough clearance in all situations and I have slight damage on the Rear Roof Pillar. I am looking for an extension that will move the ball back a few inches, which should take care of the problem. Is there one that will fit the Ford Factory underbed hitch? Do I need to install a different hitch in place of the Ford factory one in order to use a rear shifted ball??? Is there another solution I havent though of?

asked by: Allen J

Expert Reply:

There is not an offset ball that will fit the factory prep package in your 2016 Ford F-250 so if you want to continue using your Goose Box your best bet is to have that hitch removed and install the B&W Turnoverball Underbed Gooseneck Trailer Hitch # BWGNRK1111.

You would then be able to use an offset ball with the hitch, the 4" Offset Ball for B&W Turnoverball Gooseneck Trailer Hitches # BWGNXA4085.

It should be noted this won't be a simple removal and installation process; you will need to at the very least have the removal of your factory hitch done by your local Ford dealer.

If that is not something you are comfortable doing then the only other option would be to remove your Goose Box, install the factory pin box back on your fifth wheel trailer and use a sliding fifth-wheel hitch that fits in the factory puck system of your 2016 Ford F-250.

For that I highly Demco Hijacker Autoslide # DM8550024 because you will never again need to get out of your truck just to make a turn, and because it uses a strong single-piece jaw which ensures a complete, secure connection to your king pin.

The Hijacker has an 18,000 lb capacity and offers 14" of front-to-back travel for cab clearance. There is a formula you can use to find out if you can do a 90 degree turn with this (or any other) fifth-wheel hitch.

(A + B) - C = Clearance
A = Distance from center of 5th-wheel hitch jaw to truck cab in inches
B = Length of front-to-back travel (14)
C = Width of trailer in inches divided by 2

I have added a link to a video review of this hitch for you to check out as well.