Is 4-1/2 Inches Of Bedside Clearance Enough Using a Sundown Gooseneck Trailer

Updated 06/25/2019 | Published 06/22/2019

Products Featured in This Question

4" Offset Ball for B&W Turnoverball Gooseneck Trailer Hitches

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$167.28

Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit

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Correct Track Trailer Alignment and Lift Kit - Tandem Axle

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Stromberg Carlson 4000 Series 5th Wheel Louvered Tailgate with Lock for Ford Trucks

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Question:

Your diagram shows 5-6 inch clearance between goose neck and truck bed. I found a good 2016 F250 but my Sundowner gooseneck has support beams that only have 4.5inch clearance from top of tailgate/truck sides. Would that crush my truck on tight turn/rough or hilly terrain?? All newer trucks beds too high. Only have 3inch clearance between my lean-to and rooftop AC unit so cant block trlr axels.

asked by: Jennifer W

Expert Reply:

Although we do recommend 5-6" of clearance between the top of the bed rail on the truck and the bottom of the loft on your trailer, the 4-1/2" you have would properly be alright as well but you would need to be careful over steep grades. As you mentioned, the only option to help improve this would be to lift the trailer for which we have over/under kits like part # K71-385-00 or leaf spring hanger spacers like part # RR23QX.

If you have issues with steep grades while in a straight line then you could also install a 5th wheel tailgate, the Stromberg Carlson 5th Wheel Tailgate part # VG-97-100 or part # VG-97-4000 as well. This may also allow you to couple the trailer without lowering the tailgate down.

expert reply by: Conner L