How to Measure to Determine if Short Bed Truck Can Tow Gooseneck Trailer

Updated 11/16/2020 | Published 11/13/2020

Question:

Hey All, I’ve got a super duty shirt box 6’8” box. Purchasing a race trailer with gooseneck and square front with no relief for short bed. Have the bandw hitch. Trailer is 44’. Would you recommend the 16” offset. My slider for 5th wheel I got from you is awesome, wish they made a slider in a gooseneck. Any estimation on how close to a 90 I can make? Thanks in advance

asked by: Matt

Expert Reply:

Generally it's hard to tow a gooseneck trailer with a short bed truck if the trailer has a square nose but there is a way to measure a few things to know for sure.

To determine if you can safely make tight turns, there is a formula you can follow.

Measure the distance from the center of the gooseneck ball to the back of the truck cab. Call this measurement A. Next, measure the width of the trailer overhang and divide by 2 to get half, measurement B. If A is 4 inches or more than B then you can safely make 90 degree turns.

We do not have an offset adapter that would make a significant difference.

expert reply by: Jameson C