Hooking Up 5th Wheel Trailer to Lifted Truck with Gooseneck Hitch

Updated 08/28/2019 | Published 08/27/2019

Products Featured in This Question

B&W Companion Gooseneck-to-5th-Wheel Trailer Hitch Adapter - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs

(591)

$1099.00

Question:

Hi have 2005 Ford 350 1 ton will ball setup in the bucket. The truck has a 4 inch lift. Top of box to ground is 60 inches and bottom of box to ground is 39 1/4. I am looking to buy a 5 wheel and trying to figure out what I need for setup. I have heard a Reece goose box would work for the front but it feels like I would not have enough clearance in the back. I am looking to buy a 40 ft toy hauler. I appreciate feedback and guidance as not a clue as to what I need. Thank you. All.

asked by: Ken

Expert Reply:

We recommend having at least 6 inches of clearance between the overhang of a 5th Wheel trailer and the top of the truck's bed rails. Maintaining this space can be a bit harder with a lifted truck but there are certainly ways to try and adjust for this. Also keep in mind that you're exact need will depend on the overhang height of the particular trailer you decide on.

A Reese Goose Box like # RP85FR that you mentioned may allow for enough clearance but it's hard to know for sure without having the trailer's height. This particular unit will extend down around 22 inches from where it bolts to the pin box on the trailer. You should also be able to adjust it using different mounting holes if needed for more clearance.

The Goose Box is a great option for towing a 5th wheel trailer with your gooseneck hitch but it's not really going to increase bed rail clearance compared to other options. If you happen to have a B&W Turnoverball Gooseneck Hitch another good solution is the B&W Companion 5th Wheel Hitch # BWRVK3500, which will drop right into the Turnoverball gooseneck ball hole. The height on this hitch can be adjusted from 16-1/4" tall to 18-1/4" tall to improve your clearances.

If you can tell me what brand gooseneck hitch you have installed I will be happy to recommend a similar option if available.

Another potential solution if you find that bed rail clearance is an issue after getting the trailer is to lift the trailer itself so that it better matches the truck's height. You can do this in a number of ways depending on how the trailer is set up including flipping the axle so the leaf springs are above it, using longer hangers for the suspension, or using specific lift blocks if the trailer has Torflex axles.

I have attached a couple of links that will take you to our available trailer lift options that you can look through as well.

expert reply by: Chris R