Is An Offset Gooseneck Ball Required With A Short Bed Truck?

Updated 07/16/2026 | Published 07/13/2026

Products Featured in This Question

MORryde GooseTech 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Pin Box for Trailers Under 11.5K w/ Lippert 1621

(7)

$1487.82

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

(385)

$174.75

Question:

Is a 4”-6” ball extender required on a shortbed 2023 Ram 2500 for turning clearance?…I am replacing a BW Companion 5th wheel setup for the new Moryde goose Tech … Thx

asked by: Jim

Expert Reply:

Hi Jim!

Good call going with the MORryde GooseTech! These work very well and people are really liking them so far. Now to get to your question. Required? No. Recommended? Yes.

So what I mean by that is it isn't always a requirement. A lot of 5th wheel campers/trailer have tapered noses these days and you can typically get away with not needing to move the pivot point back. However, doing so will definitely give you more turning clearance and it is almost always something I recommend with a short bed truck. Especially if the nose of your trailer/camper is not tapered and is more of a flat surface. With that said, I would grab the following part:

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

B&W only makes these up to 4" of offset, but even that will help give you a good amount of clearance. I also included an image of this installed in a 2022 Ram 2500 with a similar 5th wheel to gooseneck set up for you to check out. Oh and I am also assuming you have the B&W Turnoverball gooseneck hitch installed since you said you are replacing a Companion, so just let me know if you have the factory pucks and I can find a different option that will fit those.

What kind of 5th wheel did you install that MORryde on?

expert reply by: Lazer S

B&W 4" Offset Ball BWGNXA4085
(click to enlarge)

Jim

7/16/2026

Thanks for the response Lazer S…I do have the B&W Turnoverball setup…I will take your advise and purchase that 4” extension for definite peace of mind…I purchased the goosetech from etrailer two weeks ago and hopefully going to install it this weekend on our 2024 Keystone Arcadia…always appreciate the input and expertise from yall…thanks!

Lazer S.

7/16/2026

@Jim Cool camper! The front of those is on the flatter side, so definitely get the offset ball. It will make turning a lot less stressful. And good luck with the install! Hopefully you have some helpers, these things are heavy! Let me know if there is anything else I can help with down the road! ^___^