Posted 2007-09-21 3:53 PM (#68238) Subject: Coupler position on GN?
Regular
Posts: 92
Hi, all,
This is our tow vehicle:
2001 Ford F-250 Turbo Diesel XLT
Crew cab
7 ft. bed (short bed?)
GVWR: 8,800
Wheelbase: 156 in.
We're going to get a turnover hitch installed in this truck for a new GN trailer; so far it's only been used to haul a 2H BP. Before I order our new 4 Star 3H GN trailer, I'm wondering if the coupler should be moved forward on the GN or if it will be OK in the standard location? If we upgrade our tow vehicle at some point it will likely be to an F350 dually ... it would be nice if the coupler position were correct for the next truck as well as the current one ... if that's possible. I don't know much about this sort of thing, as I'm sure is painfully obvious! Any advice much appreciated as always.
Posted 2007-09-21 4:16 PM (#68239 - in reply to #68238) Subject: RE: Coupler position on GN?
Veteran
Posts: 196 Location: WI
I don't follow.....the coupler is an integral part of the trailer. I don't believe repositioning it is an option.
Now, the GN ball will most likely be mounted in a location that is determined by the manufacturer of the hitch. Mine is a B & W, and when I put it in, it goes where it goes because that's how it goes.
After all that is said, there are devices out there that can move the trailer farther back from the cab. B & W makes such a thing sets the trailer 4" back from the cab. http://www.valleyvet.com/hitch-related/Turnover-Ball-Gooseneck-Extender I've heard that this one doesn't work well with drop-in bedliners.
There are also offset couplers, which you replace your stock coupler with that will put the trailer farther from the cab. http://www.mrtruck.net/popup.htm
Posted 2007-09-21 4:45 PM (#68244 - in reply to #68239) Subject: RE: Coupler position on GN?
Regular
Posts: 92
Originally written by Hank on 2007-09-21 2:16 PM
I don't follow.....the coupler is an integral part of the trailer. I don't believe repositioning it is an option.
It's an option at the 4 Star factory, Hank - not something that can be done by the owner later. Which is why I only want it done if it's really necessary ... maybe I don't want to do it because it might affect resale later. Thanks for posting the aftermarket options; if the trailer needs to sit back farther that may be the way to go. I'll look into those!
I'm getting conflicting opinions as to whether a 7 ft. bed is really a short bed. My friend's husband says it's a short bed and my husband says it's a tweener, 6 ft. being short and 8 ft. being standard. (??) And I have no idea what that means WRT to the GN trailer position except that if it really is a short bed it could affect my turning radius and I'd have to watch out for the back of the cab on tight turns.
Posted 2007-09-21 7:49 PM (#68248 - in reply to #68238) Subject: RE: Coupler position on GN?
Member
Posts: 44 Location: Odessa, MO
With the 7ft bed you won't have any troubles with turning after they install the hitch.. I have a 6ft bed and didn't have to change a thing.. So once who ever install the hitch for you that where it will be and you won't need to change anything..
Posted 2007-09-22 10:33 AM (#68262 - in reply to #68238) Subject: RE: Coupler position on GN?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 720
In that F-250, there were only two beds- short & long. 6.5' I believe, and 8'.
And if I'm not mistaken, you actually will have two positions for the B&W in the bed. There's the standard one that is more forward, and an optional one most don't use that is farther back.
And IMHO, I wouldn't alter the 4 Star neck. But I would order the option to get it 8' long.... That way it'll likely clear the tailgate on the longbed.
Coupler position on GN?
