What are Determining Factors for Figuring Out if Truck and Gooseneck have Trailer Turning Clearance

Question:

How do you determine if you need the offset ball? We have a 2008 Chevy Silverado with 5 1/2 foot bed and want to install one of your hitches. Is the determining factor the trailer? Which we have not purchased yet.

asked by: Debbie B

Helpful Expert Reply:

With a 5-1/2 foot bed you would need all the offset you could get to make a 90 degree turn honestly.

There are two determining factors for whether or not you need an offset. The first is the width of the nose of your trailer and then the distance from the center of the gooseneck ball to the truck cab.

If the front of your trailer is very narrow you would have your best chance of making a sharp turn. If the trailer has living quarters or a square nose at all then you would be out of luck with your truck.

For a hitch for your 2008 Chevy Silverado with a 5-1/2 foot bed you would want the Curt Hitch and Install Kit part # C615-632. If you wanted to email me back with the width of the nose of the trailer you plan on towing I could figure out if you would have clearance to turn sharply.

Instal video and instructions attached for this hitch.

expert reply by: Jameson C