Recommended Gooseneck Trailer Adjustment for Towing with a Ford F-250 with 4 Inch Lift

Updated 10/25/2016 | Published 10/24/2016

Question:

I just bought a 96 Ford F-250 . It has a 4inch factory lift . I have an older stidham gooseneck trailer . I got it hooked up and the ride height is too high and too close to the trailer . The ball is about 2-3 inch forward of the center of the axle but BandW make a 4inch offset ball that will fix being too close to the trailer but what about the height ? Cant the neck adj. any lower or Ill hit the bedside corner . Whats the best / cheapest option ?

asked by: Bart J

Expert Reply:

If your trailer has an adjustable coupler and you have already tried adjusting it to the proper height for towing level, then you could install a cost effective over-under conversion kit on your trailer. Keep in mind that changing your trailer suspension will affect how it rides when it's towed by a truck without lift. It could also create sway while driving on the highway due to the increased center of gravity on the trailer.

If you have 3 inch axles and double-eye springs, then I would recommend the Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit, # K71-385-00. One kit per axle is required, and it will allow you to move the springs from the bottom of the trailer axle to the top of the axle. This over-under kit will give you around 5 inches of lift, depending on the style of springs and axle type on your trailer.

Installing a kit like this one is really the only way to make your combination work unless you remove the lift on your truck.

Please check out the attached review video for more info.

expert reply by: Edward F