Posted 2009-12-02 10:29 AM (#113844 - in reply to #113769) Subject: RE: is this truck/trailer combo a good one?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 714
Location: Minnesota
I have an 01' F350 CC SB that worked great with my 7' wide trailer. When we traded up to the 8' wide trailer last fall we used it, but worried about turn ability. Pulled the trailer into my yard turning as tight as I could until the nose was 1/2" from the rear window. Got out my protractor and measured my turning radius. Fifty degrees! Way to many places that you couldn't make that turn. Looked at the extender hitch to put on my trailer, but decided the long box would be the better option. More room to haul stuff too.
Kept the SB and had to use it once this fall to go to a trail ride. Park in the pasture with 75-80 other vehicles. Couldn't make the turn to park.
RV camper trailers with 5th wheel hitches usually do work with SB trucks because on most campers the hitch is tapered back.
Posted 2009-12-02 11:21 AM (#113846 - in reply to #113844) Subject: RE: is this truck/trailer combo a good one?
Member
Posts: 9
Location: Northeast
well shoot - it seems like sometimes there is a turning issue and sometimes there isn't depending on the make/model of truck and trailer. wish there were someone on here who had the exact set up. will just have to see.
Posted 2009-12-02 11:33 AM (#113847 - in reply to #113769) Subject: RE: is this truck/trailer combo a good one?
Location: Where the wind comes sweepin' down the plain...
If the truck and trailer both are what you are looking for, go for it. The extended coupler is less than $300 online. The B & W hitch extender is only $129 online. If you need them.
Posted 2009-12-02 12:04 PM (#113848 - in reply to #113769) Subject: RE: is this truck/trailer combo a good one?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 420
Location: Florida
Gina, The issue is generally with the user. Kind of between the seat and the wheel issue. If you know what I mean. True the Dodge Mega Cab might be the only exclusion but you should expect no issues. Everyone no matter what trailer and truck can crush the side or back window if they do not pay attention. You will be fine. In my opinion do not get a setback hitch adapter. Again just my opinion.
Posted 2009-12-02 12:59 PM (#113853 - in reply to #113848) Subject: RE: is this truck/trailer combo a good one?
Member
Posts: 9
Location: Northeast
Originally written by BlazingCreekBar on 2009-12-02 1:04 PM
Gina, The issue is generally with the user. Kind of between the seat and the wheel issue. If you know what I mean. True the Dodge Mega Cab might be the only exclusion but you should expect no issues. Everyone no matter what trailer and truck can crush the side or back window if they do not pay attention. You will be fine. In my opinion do not get a setback hitch adapter. Again just my opinion.
Posted 2009-12-02 2:20 PM (#113857 - in reply to #113769) Subject: RE: is this truck/trailer combo a good one?
Expert
Posts: 1351
Location: Decatur, Texas
Go for it, just do not let anyone distract you mainly when backing up while turning and DO NOT MAKE SHARP TURNS! Will hit before you know it. And most 4 Star trailers I have seem does mot have a tappered nose they have a flat front so it will be closer.
Posted 2009-12-02 9:43 PM (#113873 - in reply to #113769) Subject: RE: is this truck/trailer combo a good one?
Member
Posts: 33
Location: Bloomington, IL.
Something to think about when buyimg an extender, If you picture the truck jack knifed at 90* the extender in the bed will move the trailer closer to the tailgate. Picture the same senaro with the extender on the trailer if it is a square front trailer it will be closer to the cab than with the bed extender. However with a tapered nose it may move the trailer back enough to be a wash. Just something to think about before you buy. Rod
Posted 2009-12-03 11:16 AM (#113896 - in reply to #113769) Subject: RE: is this truck/trailer combo a good one?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 714
Location: Minnesota
One way to test what your turn radius is would be to actually hook up the trailer if the truck has a hitch in it already. If not, figure out where your ball would be, place a block of wood in that location then try backing up to the trailer from different angles. I didn't like the odds with my short box thats why I got a different truck. For some that is not an option. It just so happened that is was for me because I was already in the market to replace my 1/2 ton truck.
By the way, I wish I could have bought a Chevy Duramax but the ones I looked at were priced ABOVE book price by about 20%.