How Much Clearance is Needed Around a Gooseneck Trailer Hitch Ball for Toolboxes

Updated 06/06/2015 | Published 06/05/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Ranch Hitch Universal 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Coupler Adapter

(227)

$599.98

Safety Chains for Ranch Hitch 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Coupler Adapter

(119)

$118.18

Question:

I need more secured storage in the bed of my truck. Id like to install a pair of Weatherguard Rat-Pack tool boxes, one on each side of the bed and leave my gooseneck hitch accessible for towing. How much clearance will I need to leave for the hitch to function properly?

asked by: LP

Helpful Expert Reply:

The amount of clearance you will need around the gooseneck ball is going to depend on the trailer coupled to it. If you were using the Ranch Hitch adapter # AM3100 to tow a 5th wheel trailer using the gooseneck hitch then at the widest point, where it attaches to the ball, is 5-1/2 inches. So you would need more than 5-1/2 inches all the way around (measured from the center of the ball) if using this adapter. I would say if you had 6-1/2 inches all the way around that would allow for enough wiggle room.

If it is a regular gooseneck trailer the principle is the same. You would need enough clearance all the way around the ball to account for the diameter of the coupler at its largest point.

You also want to make sure that you do not cover up the gooseneck hitch safety chain loops with the storage boxes. When using a gooseneck hitch to tow a 5th wheel trailer you should still use safety chains. For the Ranch Hitch there is an attachment, # AM3109, allowing you to connect safety chains when using the adapter.

expert reply by: Michael H