What Is Needed For More Clearance Between The Bed Rails And Gooseneck Trailer On A Ford F-150 Truck

Updated 02/23/2011 | Published 02/22/2011

Products Featured in This Question

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

(224)

$599.98

Convert-A-Ball Multi-Cushioned Gooseneck Trailer Coupler - Round - 30,000 lbs

(59)

$292.27

Question:

We are considering a F150 2010 or 2011 Ford truck. Clearance between the bed sides and gooseneck the best we can measure is about 3to4 inches not enough for the kind of ground we trailer to. Do you have any suggestions for an adapter?

asked by: Karen

Expert Reply:

A good rule to follow is to allow 6 inches or more of clearance between the sides of the bed and the bottom of the gooseneck trailer to allow for dips and bumps in the road.

You will want to check your gooseneck coupler to see if it has an adjustable tube with set screws that will allow you to adjust the height of the coupler for extra clearance when attached to your vehicle. If it does then you can loosen the set screws and adjust the length of the tube to get more clearance.

If the round inner tube does not allow you to adjust the length you can use the Convert-A-Ball Multi-Cushioned Gooseneck Trailer Coupler - Round, part # CG. This is a cushioned coupler that would slide into the existing 4 inch round tube on the trailer and allow you to adjust the height.

If you do not have an adjustable gooseneck coupler you can replace the coupler you have with the Bulldog Gooseneck Coupler - Adjustable - Round, part # BD0289500300. This is a round, adjustable coupler which would give you a range of adjustment of 8 inches.

If you need a square coupler I would have the Bulldog Gooseneck Coupler - Adjustable - Square, part # BD0289800300. This is a square, adjustable coupler that will give you the 8 inch range of adjustment.

Both of these adjustable couplers would replace your current coupler and would have to be welded to your gooseneck trailer.

The Fifth Wheel to Gooseneck Trailer Hitch Adapter, part # AM3100, you have referenced is an adapter that would convert a fifth wheel king pin on a fifth wheel trailer to a gooseneck coupler on your vehicle.

I am including a link to a FAQ page on gooseneck trailer information.