Am I Able to Tow a Gooseneck Trailer With a 2012 Ford F-150 with 5-1/2 ft Bed
Question:
I am new to the horse game and would like to know if a 2012 F150 w tow package and a 5.5 bed can tow a gooseneck trailer 2 horse? I am hearing various things. Thanks
asked by: Brian
Expert Reply:
It is possible to tow a gooseneck trailer with your 2012 Ford F-150 with 5-1/2 ft bed, however, there are a few factors that you will need to take into consideration to determine if it is a good idea or not.
The first factor is to make sure that your truck can handle the weight capacity of your horse trailer. Some trailers can get pretty big and, when loaded with horses, can get pretty heavy.
The next factor you want to consider is the type of horse trailer that you are pulling. If it has a V shaped nose, then you should have no problem pulling that trailer. If it has a wide or squared nose or is the type with living quarters in the front, then you will most likely not be able to make a turn without the trailer hitting the cab of your truck.
If you have a squared or wide nose, then you can use the formula below to ensure there will be enough space between your truck cab and trailer when executing a 90-degree turn.
(A +/- B) - C = Clearance
A = Distance from center of gooseneck ball to truck cab
B = Use Zero for no offset or subtract if the coupler is recessed behind the front of the trailer
C = Width of trailer divided by 2 (to get half)
For example: If the distance from the center of the ball to the cab is 46 inches, 46 inches +/- 0 inches = 46 inches. If the coupler is recessed behind the nose of the trailer, then you will want to subtract that distance from measurement A rather than adding. If your horse trailer is 96 inches wide, take half (48 inches), then plug in: 46 inches - 48 inches = -2 inches of clearance. You will need at least 4 inches of clearance to make 90 degree turns without the trailer making contact with the cab.
