Is there Enough Clearance on a Short Bed Truck to Make Tight Turns with a Gooseneck Trailer

Question:

if you install a gooseheck hitch on a 6.5 short bed will it effect the turning or backing up radiaces

asked by: David L

Expert Reply:

With a short bed truck, you may need to go with a gooseneck ball with an offset if there is one available for the hitch you have. This will give you extra clearance when making tight turns. To determine if you can safely make tight turns, there is a formula you can follow.

Measure the distance from the center of the gooseneck ball to the back of the truck cab. Call this measurement A. Next, measure the width of the trailer overhang and divide by 2 to get half, measurement B. If A is 4 inches or more than B then you can safely make 90 degree turns.

Since gooseneck trailers often times are in a V-shape this formula does not really apply and there will be plenty of clearance.

expert reply by: Michael H