Towing Gooseneck Trailer Level with King Pin Adapter on a 2001 Ford F-350 4x4

Question:

The length of the goosneck adapter tube and the way the king pin is manufactured makes my trailer ride high in the front My Load Trail goose neck connector measures 20 inches in length, so anything longer than 20 inches will make the trailer ride high in the front transferring more weight to the rear axle. I have a 2001 Ford 350 4x4 which is higher off the ground than most 4x2 models. This higher ground clearance contributes to the trailer riding high as well, especially with the Bulldog king pin.

asked by: Wayne C

Expert Reply:

Depending on the trailer's adapter you may be able to cut its tube to shorten it. You should be able to adjust the height of the 5th wheel hitch in the truck if you haven't done so already. You just need to make sure you still have 4 to 6 inches of space between the tops of the bed sides and any overhang on the trailer.

Another option is to raise the height of the trailer. If the leaf spring stacks are currently under the axles and you have double-eye spring suspension you could use over/under conversion kit # K71-385-00 for a 3 inch diameter round axle or # K71-384-00 for a 2-3/8 inch diameter round axle. One kit would be needed per axle.

If you have slipper spring suspension, axles with a larger or smaller diameter, or the leaf spring stack is already on top then you can remove the existing hangers and use taller hangers. I have included a link to the hangers we carry.

expert reply by: Michael H