Will 5th Wheel Trailer Clear Truck Cab Using a Reese Goose Box and a Ford F250 with 6 Foot Bed

Question:

I have a B and W hide a ball gooseneck hitch in my truck . I noticed the ball sits forward of the rear axel maybe 3 inches . will i have enough clearance using the goosebox to the cab of the truck ?

asked by: Rick

Expert Reply:

You will want to measure from the center of the gooseneck ball to the back of the truck cab. Then you will need to measure the width of the trailer overhang and divide by 2 to get half. If the ball to cab measurement is 4 inches or more than half the width of the trailer overhang then you will be able to safely make 90 degree turns.

The Goose Box, # RP85FR, typically does not add any additional length. From the center of the ball pocket to the first row of bolt holes it measures 17-3/4 inches. Compare this to the measurement on the existing pin box to determine if you will have extra length.

If the king pin currently is out in front of the trailer overhang, you can add the distance from the king pin center to the front of the trailer overhang to the ball to truck cab measurement. But, if the Goose Box measurement puts the ball pocket at a different place, you must add or subtract as needed to account for the change if you want to get a precise measurement.

expert reply by: Michael H