I need to get a newer truck and have been researching Ford 350's SRW LB from 2012-2016 6.7 Powerstroke. I was looking at a 2015 and it's 4 inches taller at the top of the bed sides than my 2004 GMC 2500 LB (gas engine). I have a 2014 Lakota 3C9. It's lower than a lot of other trailers and I'm worried about clearance. I was also looking at a LB. Am I barking up the wrong truck tree? Should I be looking at a different brand that might give me more clearance? Is there one? Also I was looking at a diesel. This is just going to be used for pulling and not my everyday vehicle I'm now wondering if the cost is worth it? My max weight on the trailer is 130000 lbs so considering the 3500, is that overkill? I don't ever remember hauling 3 horses, and keep it to a minimum. I appreciate ANY advice.
Posted 2019-03-19 3:25 AM (#172263 - in reply to #172254) Subject: RE: Truck - Trailer gooseneck clearance - Truck advice
Veteran
Posts: 170 Location: Minnesota
if your trailer - as stated - max at 130,000#; the 3500 is not enough truck. If you mean 13,000#, the 3500 is the way to go. All of the newer trucks have high sides. You can go with a flat bed - my choice - or block the trailer at least 3" and you may still have some issues.
Posted 2019-03-19 4:54 AM (#172264 - in reply to #172254) Subject: RE: Truck - Trailer gooseneck clearance - Truck advice
Veteran
Posts: 102 Location: Waaaaay back Slaughter Hollow
You will never regret being overtrucked, only undertrucked.
All pickups today seem really tall for gooseneck trailers. I went the flatbed route with my newest truck with no regrets. I hook to multiple trailers and have no issues with height. The other option is to raise your trailer by blocking the axles, which has been discussed on many threads here.
Posted 2019-03-28 10:26 AM (#172293 - in reply to #172254) Subject: RE: Truck - Trailer gooseneck clearance - Truck advice
Veteran
Posts: 150 Location: Le Claire IA
Thank you all for answering. I did type to many zero's and my trailers full weight is rated 13,000 pounds. The front of the trailer is tapered somewhat so I suppose that helps with front to rear window clearance. I am worried about clearance from the top of the trucks bedsides to the bottom of the bed area on the gooseneck. I believe that is why the flatbed is suggested. Yesterday I did find out the truck I was looking at had bigger tires and it's gone anyway. The one before that had a lift kit so I'm still looking. Thank you everyone. I have seen some Super Dutys that aren't very tall. I don't know what the difference is maybe it's an older truck. I'm not sure.
Posted 2019-04-07 6:19 AM (#172308 - in reply to #172261) Subject: RE: Truck - Trailer gooseneck clearance - Truck advice
Member
Posts: 23
I had the same problem with trailer clearnce, checked into all options, block the axles raised the trailer to 4-6" in the rear, tough to get in. Flat bed F350 diesels detuned and stiffer suspension. Can order a 2wheel drive and solve the height problem or rebuild.
Posted 2019-04-11 10:01 AM (#172314 - in reply to #172254) Subject: RE: Truck - Trailer gooseneck clearance - Truck advice
Veteran
Posts: 108 Location: Lawrence KS
I have a friend that pulls a 3 Horse Lakota 10' shortwall with a 2010 F350 diesel 4x4 and he does not have any clearance issues. The trailer is stock height.
Posted 2019-04-28 6:08 AM (#172355 - in reply to #172254) Subject: RE: Truck - Trailer gooseneck clearance - Truck advice
New User
Posts: 3
We haul a 2011 Platinum with a 2008 Duramax dually... in pasture parking I’d feel better with a little more clearance but generally we get along ok. We had a little bump around stock but it was way too short for the truck.
Eventually we plan on a flatbed. The trailer has a ramp on it and blocking it would make it way too steep.
Posted 2019-05-14 1:43 PM (#172379 - in reply to #172254) Subject: RE: Truck - Trailer gooseneck clearance - Truck advice
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 402 Location: Valentine, NE
IF YOU GO WITH A FLATBED, make sure you let your insurance company know. Our 2016 Ford F450 ($60k value) with a flatbed, the insurance is 30% cheaper than our 2012 Dodge 3500 ($32k value) due to the flatbed on the Ford.
Posted 2019-05-14 3:01 PM (#172382 - in reply to #172379) Subject: RE: Truck - Trailer gooseneck clearance - Truck advice
Elite Veteran
Posts: 802 Location: Tenn/Ala.
Spin Doctor - 2019-05-14 1:43 PM IF YOU GO WITH A FLATBED, make sure you let your insurance company know. Our 2016 Ford F450 ($60k value) with a flatbed, the insurance is 30% cheaper than our 2012 Dodge 3500 ($32k value) due to the flatbed on the Ford.
I wonder if that is all the difference. Some years ago our Co fleet had Fords and Dodges. All same year, same basic 1 ton DRW trucks. Dodges cost less money. But their full coverage insurance was 30-40% higher than the Fords. Best reason the insurance Co could give was higher incidence rating.
Truck - Trailer gooseneck clearance - Truck advice
