Towing a 5th Wheel Trailer with 8 Inch Lifted 2008 Ford F-250 with Gooseneck Trailer Hitch

Updated 09/22/2014 | Published 09/21/2014

Products Featured in This Question

Convert-A-Ball Cushioned 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Adapter - 12" to 16" Tall - 20,000 lbs

(997)

$568.79

Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit

(823)

$87.80

Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit

(823)

$97.98

Question:

2008 F250 with 8 total inches of lift I want to tow with my GooseNeck ball instead of the fifth wheel My King Pin is FABEX 663 what do I need to do so I can tow with my truck.

asked by: Michael

Expert Reply:

The best adapter with which to tow a 5th wheel trailer using a gooseneck trailer hitch would be the Reese Goose Box # RP85FR. It fits the Fabex PB-600 series pin boxes. It fits in place of the stock pin box on the trailer and couples to a gooseneck ball. I have included a link to a video review for you to the right.

The issue is going to be, with any adapter, the 8 inch lift you have on the truck. You will need to have about 5 inches between the tops of the truck bed sides and the bottom of the trailer overhang. Otherwise the trailer can hit the truck or the pin box can hit the bed sides when turning.

The pin box on the trailer can be adjusted (usually) on the wings it mounts to but it will likely not be enough adjustment. You may find that you will need to raise the height of the trailer. To do this you can use an over/under conversion kit, # K71-384-00 for 2-3/8 inch round axles and double eye leaf springs, or # K71-385-00 for 3 inch diameter round axles and double eye leaf springs. For these to work the leaf spring stack needs to be mounted under the axle(s). One kit is needed per axle. You will gain height at least equal to the diameter of the axle.

The other option is to install taller hangers for the suspension. Please note that raising the height of the trailer will also raise the trailer center of gravity and make it more susceptible to sway.

expert reply by: Michael H