Do You Need To Worry About Turning Clearance With A Shortbed Truck And A Gooseneck Trailer?

Updated 05/23/2022 | Published 05/22/2022

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Universal Fifth Wheel Base Rails with Installation Kit - Carbide Black Finish

(203)

$179.95

Curt Above-Bed Gooseneck Trailer Hitch for Fifth Wheel Rails - 3" Offset - 25,000 lbs

(510)

$193.42

B&W Turnoverball Underbed Gooseneck Trailer Hitch w/ Custom Installation Kit - 30,000 lbs

(4677)

$599.00

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

(352)

$165.00

Question:

I already have the fifth wheel and gooseneck hitches from previous trucks. When using the gooseneck do I need to be concerned about lack of turning radius with the short bed?

asked by: Steve D

Expert Reply:

Yes, since you have a short bed truck, you are still going to need to concerned about clearance with your gooseneck trailer.

Without knowing what type of 5th wheel/gooseneck setup you have, I can't say for sure what you'll need, however if you have a set of industry standard base rails like the Curt Universal Fifth Wheel Base Rails with Installation Kit # C16200, you can use the:

-Curt Above-Bed Gooseneck Trailer Hitch for Fifth Wheel Rails # 16055.

This will help combat the clearance issue as it has a 3" offset which will push the connection point for the gooseneck 3" towards the rear.

Or

If you have a setup like the B&W Turnoverball Underbed Gooseneck Trailer Hitch w/ Custom Installation Kit # BW77FR, you can use the:

-4" Offset Ball for B&W Turnoverball Gooseneck Trailer Hitches # BWGNXA4085.

This is the same as # 16055, however it has a 4" offset, and it is designed to work with the B&W Turnoveraball system.

I also recommend using this formula to determine if you have enough clearance to make a 90° turn with a gooseneck hitch installed:

(A + B) - C = Clearance
A = Distance from the gooseneck ball to the truck cab
B = Offset used
C = Width of the nose of the trailer divided by 2.