How To Determine Clearance on 2003 Ford F-350 Short Bed To Use Fifth Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter

Question:

I recently purchased an 03 f350 short bed with a goose neck ball. I am considering purchasing a goose neck to fifth wheel adapter for my fifth wheel trailer. How would I determine the amount of clearance that is necessary between the back of the truck bumper and the trailer? Thank You

asked by: Kris S

Expert Reply:

Measuring is going to be very important when determining the safest way to tow a fifth wheel trailer with a gooseneck hitch on your 2003 Ford F-350 short bed truck. The first step is to make sure that your fifth wheel trailer can be used with an adapter. Some fifth wheel manufactures state not to.

To determine the clearance needed on your 2003 Ford F-350 short bed, you need to take the width of your fifth wheel and divide by two. Then measure from the gooseneck hitch ball in the truck to the back of the truck cab. That dimension should be 4 inches more than your first measurement for correct clearance.

For example, if your trailer measures 96 inches wide, take half (48 inches), then add 4 inches (52 inches). So if the measurement from the gooseneck hitch ball in the truck to the back of the truck cab is 52 inches or more, you will have enough clearance for a straight gooseneck adapter.

If you do not have enough clearance, then you would have to use an offset gooseneck adapter. The offset on the the adapters increase your clearance by either 7-1/2 inches, or 8 inches, depending on which adapter you use.

I have two fifth wheel to gooseneck adapters available with an offset. The Convert-A-Ball Adapter with Offset, part # CAB-C5GX1216, has an offset of 7-1/2 inches and a height range of 12 to 16 inches. The Ranch Hitch Adapter with Offset, part # AM3139, has an offset of 8 inches and a height range of 11-3/4 to 14-3/4 inches.

To determine the height of the adapter you will need, park the truck and trailer on level ground. Back the truck up as if you where connecting to the trailer. Measure from the top of the ball to the bottom of the pin box (not the king pin). This distance is the height you will need. Five or six inches of clearance between the overhang of the trailer and side rails of your truck is necessary for safe operation.

I am including a link to a FAQ page on fifth wheels.