Can a Toolbox be Used while Towing a Gooseneck Trailer with a 2001 Ford F-250 Short Bed

Updated 10/31/2013 | Published 10/30/2013

Products Featured in This Question

DeeZee Specialty Series Truck Bed Tool Box - Narrow Crossover Style - Aluminum - 5.75 Cu Ft - Silver

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Question:

I have 2001 F250 crew cab with a 6-1/2 foot bed and a folding ball gooseneck hitch. I need to install a larger tool box in the bed of the truck which will come close to the hitch. Can you tell me what the minimum clerance needs to be from the hitch/ball and the tool box to ensure proper operation?

asked by: Chris

Expert Reply:

The space needed in front of the gooseneck ball depends on how large the coupler is that fits over the ball. Remember that the coupler can not only rotate on the ball side to side but also tilt forward and back some so you would want to take some measurements without the box installed to determine about how much travel there is at the coupler and then get a box that will fit.

The other thing to be concerned about is when making tight turns. If the gooseneck trailer is squared off at the front and not a v-nose type then you will want the overhang to be 5 to 6 inches above the bed rails, or above the toolbox lid if it is a crossover style toolbox.

The narrowest box we have for your 2001 Ford F-250 short bed is # DZ6170N. It is 12 inches wide. You can measure from the front of the bed back 12 inches to see about where that will put the box and if that works with your coupler and hitch I would go with it.

expert reply by: Michael H