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Ford and Chevy "standard box" and goosenecks

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jillian
Reg. Aug 2005
Posted 2010-10-11 10:58 AM (#125646)
Subject: Ford and Chevy "standard box" and goosenecks


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I have been looking at trucks (2010/2011 Chevy/GMC/Ford 150/1500).  I currently have a 3HBP, but would someday like to get a 3H GN with a small maybe medium gooseneck not to exceed 8000lbs loaded. 

Can the "standard bed" (not the "short bed") on the 150/1500 support a regular GN without extra adapters or do you have to go to a "long bed"?

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Gone
Reg. May 2005
Posted 2010-10-11 1:15 PM (#125651 - in reply to #125646)
Subject: RE: Ford and Chevy "standard box" and goosenecks


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I prefer a long box with an extended cab or crew cab. Your wheel base is longer, more stability. I'm not an expert but if you are spending money on a new half ton truck and you know you are going to eventually get a gooseneck, I'd opt for buying a 3/4 ton. They really don't cost that much more and you will have a stronger rear end along with bigger brakes.

Edited by Gone 2010-10-11 1:17 PM
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hogtownboss
Reg. Sep 2008
Posted 2010-10-11 11:03 PM (#125668 - in reply to #125646)
Subject: RE: Ford and Chevy "standard box" and goosenecks


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Originally written by jillian on 2010-10-11 10:58 AM

I have been looking at trucks (2010/2011 Chevy/GMC/Ford 150/1500).  I currently have a 3HBP, but would someday like to get a 3H GN with a small maybe medium gooseneck not to exceed 8000lbs loaded. 

Can the "standard bed" (not the "short bed") on the 150/1500 support a regular GN without extra adapters or do you have to go to a "long bed"?

Well yes and no....  The gooseneck hitch itself will fit right in and in most cases it will be the same hitch for the short bed and long bed.  Where you will have to be carefull is when buying a trailer for the short box truck.  You will HAVE to have a tapered nose trailer or a set back adapter for the gooseneck.  Trailers with the flat nose will get into the cab when turing if you do not have the set back adapter.

I agree with GONE on the truck.  For the few bucks more step up to the 3/4 truck, bigger brakes, bigger springs, BETTER COOLING for the engine and that should be enough by its self you talk you into it.

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PaulChristenson
Reg. Jan 2007
Posted 2010-10-12 5:42 PM (#125689 - in reply to #125646)
Subject: RE: Ford and Chevy "standard box" and goosenecks


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For the shorter beds in life... http://mrtruck.net/popup.htm
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mingiz
Reg. Jul 2004
Posted 2010-10-12 8:20 PM (#125705 - in reply to #125646)
Subject: RE: Ford and Chevy "standard box" and goosenecks



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I have a ford  and I got the SB1 popup hitch extender for my Exiss 3h 8ft lq and no problems from it. Good add on for the price
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jillian
Reg. Aug 2005
Posted 2010-10-27 8:38 PM (#126340 - in reply to #125646)
Subject: RE: Ford and Chevy "standard box" and goosenecks


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Thank ya'll so much!  Are goosenecks easier to back into a spot than bumper pulls?

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Painted Horse
Reg. May 2005
Posted 2010-10-28 8:41 AM (#126350 - in reply to #125646)
Subject: RE: Ford and Chevy "standard box" and goosenecks



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You still need to have some experience towing a trailer.  A GN will have a longer wheelbase and the pivot point is over the axle vs the bumper. So it's a little slower to respond to turning imputs.  If your problem is that your existing trailers seems a little squirrelly when backing, or quick to jack knife. Then yes the Gooseneck will seem easier to back. But it will be a bigger trailer and you will hae to account for that extra size. In general as you move up in trailers, you often move up in size of the tow truck.  A small bumper pull behind a sport UTE is much faster to change directions than a CrewCab F350 Long Bed with a big GN.

GN in general are much more stable to tow. You will feel more confident towing a GN.  There is less swaying or Tail waging the dog with a GN.

A little practice with the trailer and you wil become comfortable backing it into tight spots.

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Rebecca
Reg. Jan 2007
Posted 2010-10-28 5:01 PM (#126376 - in reply to #125646)
Subject: RE: Ford and Chevy "standard box" and goosenecks


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Hi all! I have a very similar question. Ford Super Duty trucks come with 2 different box lengths I believe. Can you pull a GN trailer, for example, mine will be a Sundowner GN (still to be purchased to replace the large 40' LQ I just sold) with the shorter box Ford super duty (2011 if that makes a difference?) I just found teh perfect truck on great sale with extra incentives and discounts and 0% financing but dont want to buy that if I can't pull a GN trailer with the short bed....thanks in advance for your input!!!!
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Painted Horse
Reg. May 2005
Posted 2010-10-28 6:14 PM (#126380 - in reply to #125646)
Subject: RE: Ford and Chevy "standard box" and goosenecks



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Yes you can.   It may require the extended ball if your trailer is very square on the front.  If you have a "V" Nose or Tapered front to the trailer. You may be just fine with the normal hitch.  Once you get the truck and trailer together you can see what clearances you have and if you need to spend the money on the extend a hitch. 
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GRNMCHNEDAZE
Reg. Mar 2010
Posted 2010-10-29 7:53 AM (#126399 - in reply to #125646)
Subject: RE: Ford and Chevy "standard box" and goosenecks


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You'll be fine. Riding friend is pulling a square nosed featherlite GN with a 2007 Chevy 2500 short box. Can't go a full 90* and always has a spotter in tight places. He has no issues.

Just be careful

 I've never had to go a full 90 in any situation.  

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Cowgirl-h
Reg. Feb 2010
Posted 2010-10-29 10:01 AM (#126409 - in reply to #125646)
Subject: RE: Ford and Chevy "standard box" and goosenecks


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One thing that no one's mentioned is how much more difficult it is to hook up a gooseneck alone if you have a short box!

In the past my husband's trucks were all Ford 350s with the crew cab and regular box. I could hitch up my Featherlite gooseneck alone without difficulty because I could see the truck's ball from the cab. So it was simply a matter of backing into position. But this fall hubby bought a Dodge 3/4 ton with what they call a crew cab (quite a bit shorter than the Ford crew cab) and a shorter box. I'm not sure if Dodge calls this size box a "short box", but it certainly is quite a bit shorter than the Fords I'm used to. The first time I went to hook up the horse trailer, I just about had a heart attack! Due to the shorter box, it is completely impossible for me to see the ball as I'm backing the truck. This might be okay if I had a helper, but I almost never have anyone at home when I hook up. I had to get out of the truck everytime i backed up a few inches, see where I was at, climb back into the truck, back a bit further, get out again, etc multiple times!!! It made the job much more difficult. And i can only imagine how frustrating that will be, especially if I've got an emergency, am in a rush, or trying to hook up at a crowded show! Just a thought, but as a woman driver I do find this a problem.

For years I pulled a bumper pull stock trailer, and was pretty good at backing it up. When we got the gooseneck, I went through a learning curve in figuring everything out. It takes longer for the gooseneck to respond, so I have to give myself extra room to maneuver. Otherwise the feel is quite similar. Now that I've had it for a year I'd guess I'm back to being confident with backing it up. The improvements with a gooseneck are enough that I'd put up with the minor differences in backing, anyhow. I love how the gooseneck gives you that big dressing room upfront. We did our 4' dressing room into a tiny weekend package, and I LOVE!!!!! being able to stay in my trailer at shows. Plus, the gooseneck is very stable on the truck, and normally I could almost forget its there. There is no wobbling or feeling that you're being pulled by the trailer, like you can get with a bumper pull.

I can understand why you'd consider a short-box trailer if you're trying to get your unit a bit shorter. There is no doubt that our new truck with the shorter crew cab, and the shorter box, takes up less space to park, and probably turns quicker. But there are pros and cons with both, and personally I would stick with the long box when push comes to shove. The small difference it makes in parking will quickly be outweighed with the extra problems of hooking up. Of course, if you always have help, or someone will always do it for you, then it probably doesn't matter!



Edited by Cowgirl-h 2010-10-29 10:04 AM
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Rebecca
Reg. Jan 2007
Posted 2010-10-29 10:06 AM (#126410 - in reply to #125646)
Subject: RE: Ford and Chevy "standard box" and goosenecks


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Posts: 25
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Location: Dekalb IL
Thanks for the info. I'm confident in my abilities to be able to hook up the trailer, I could always get the long bed hooked up to my previous 2 gooseneck trailers on the first try. So this might take 2 or 3 times backing up but i'm sure i'll get the knack for it. I've only ever had GN trailers and I wouldn't EVER pull a bumper pull trailer so I"m already used to everything that goes along with those from parking to turning to backing etc. I'm not trying to get a short box truck but the one that I found will be over $10K off the new price with incentives and 0% financing and teh Ford partner discount program so it would be worth the savings I think but wanted to make sure it will work with a Sundowner GN. thanks again
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headhunter
Reg. Oct 2004
Posted 2010-10-29 10:10 AM (#126411 - in reply to #126409)
Subject: RE: Ford and Chevy "standard box" and goosenecks



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Originally written by Cowgirl-h on 2010-10-29 10:01 AM

One thing that no one's mentioned is how much more difficult it is to hook up a gooseneck alone if you have a short box!

In the past my husband's trucks were all Ford 350s with the crew cab and regular box. I could hitch up my Featherlite gooseneck alone without difficulty because I could see the truck's ball from the cab. So it was simply a matter of backing into position. But this fall hubby bought a Dodge 3/4 ton with what they call a crew cab (quite a bit shorter than the Ford crew cab) and a shorter box. I'm not sure if Dodge calls this size box a "short box", but it certainly is quite a bit shorter than the Fords I'm used to. The first time I went to hook up the horse trailer, I just about had a heart attack! Due to the shorter box, it is completely impossible for me to see the ball as I'm backing the truck.



I am so short I can't see the ball in my full 8' bed F350. I put a bungee cord across the bed over the ball so I know where the ball is when hitching up. I can almost always back under the trailer on the first try.
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PaulChristenson
Reg. Jan 2007
Posted 2010-10-29 12:03 PM (#126422 - in reply to #126409)
Subject: RE: Ford and Chevy "standard box" and goosenecks


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Originally written by Cowgirl-h on 2010-10-29 11:01 AM

One thing that no one's mentioned is how much more difficult it is to hook up a gooseneck alone if you have a short box!

In the past my husband's trucks were all Ford 350s with the crew cab and regular box. I could hitch up my Featherlite gooseneck alone without difficulty because I could see the truck's ball from the cab. So it was simply a matter of backing into position. But this fall hubby bought a Dodge 3/4 ton with what they call a crew cab (quite a bit shorter than the Ford crew cab) and a shorter box. I'm not sure if Dodge calls this size box a "short box", but it certainly is quite a bit shorter than the Fords I'm used to. The first time I went to hook up the horse trailer, I just about had a heart attack! Due to the shorter box, it is completely impossible for me to see the ball as I'm backing the truck. This might be okay if I had a helper, but I almost never have anyone at home when I hook up. I had to get out of the truck everytime i backed up a few inches, see where I was at, climb back into the truck, back a bit further, get out again, etc multiple times!!! It made the job much more difficult. And i can only imagine how frustrating that will be, especially if I've got an emergency, am in a rush, or trying to hook up at a crowded show! Just a thought, but as a woman driver I do find this a problem.

For years I pulled a bumper pull stock trailer, and was pretty good at backing it up. When we got the gooseneck, I went through a learning curve in figuring everything out. It takes longer for the gooseneck to respond, so I have to give myself extra room to maneuver. Otherwise the feel is quite similar. Now that I've had it for a year I'd guess I'm back to being confident with backing it up. The improvements with a gooseneck are enough that I'd put up with the minor differences in backing, anyhow. I love how the gooseneck gives you that big dressing room upfront. We did our 4' dressing room into a tiny weekend package, and I LOVE!!!!! being able to stay in my trailer at shows. Plus, the gooseneck is very stable on the truck, and normally I could almost forget its there. There is no wobbling or feeling that you're being pulled by the trailer, like you can get with a bumper pull.

I can understand why you'd consider a short-box trailer if you're trying to get your unit a bit shorter. There is no doubt that our new truck with the shorter crew cab, and the shorter box, takes up less space to park, and probably turns quicker. But there are pros and cons with both, and personally I would stick with the long box when push comes to shove. The small difference it makes in parking will quickly be outweighed with the extra problems of hooking up. Of course, if you always have help, or someone will always do it for you, then it probably doesn't matter!

If all else failed you could install one of these gizmos on your trailer... http://www.sidetrackerhitch.com/gooseneck.html
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Cowgirl-h
Reg. Feb 2010
Posted 2010-10-29 3:33 PM (#126431 - in reply to #125646)
Subject: RE: Ford and Chevy "standard box" and goosenecks


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I've tried a few tricks (such as laying a rope across the target) to make it easier to hook up my gooseneck now that we have the shorter box trailers, and they do help. But none of them are as handy and simple as plain old being able to see the ball!!! And being able to back up the truck and hit the target the first time is fine if you can see the target, but not quite so simple if you can't see it!

I might have to invest in an actual "ball finder" type gadget to make my life easier.

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PaulChristenson
Reg. Jan 2007
Posted 2010-10-29 6:07 PM (#126433 - in reply to #126431)
Subject: RE: Ford and Chevy "standard box" and goosenecks


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Originally written by Cowgirl-h on 2010-10-29 4:33 PM

I've tried a few tricks (such as laying a rope across the target) to make it easier to hook up my gooseneck now that we have the shorter box trailers, and they do help. But none of them are as handy and simple as plain old being able to see the ball!!! And being able to back up the truck and hit the target the first time is fine if you can see the target, but not quite so simple if you can't see it!

I might have to invest in an actual "ball finder" type gadget to make my life easier.

http://www.hitch-up-mirror.com/agora/agora.cgi?p_id=00015 Hitch Up Mirror - Gooseneck Model * Monster 12" Acrylic Convex Mirror * Built to mount on a 4 1/2" diameter round gooseneck shaftWeighing in at just over three pounds, the gooseneck mounted Hitch Up Mirror is a very cost effective and easy to use model. Its base is made up of three black powder coated steel tines with LDPE plastic sleeves inserted onto them. The base is mounted on your gooseneck by simply pushing it on from the front. The tines have been designed to bend slightly during insertion, so that the mount will hug the shaft like a little bear cub does when it's up a tree. The result is a mount which provides an excellent grip and stability for your mirror, while being highly adjustable and very fast to put on and take off. http://www.hitch-up-mirror.com/images/Gooseneck/SideView.jpg

Edited by PaulChristenson 2010-10-29 6:10 PM
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summit_bound
Reg. Apr 2010
Posted 2010-11-01 8:51 PM (#126534 - in reply to #126433)
Subject: RE: Ford and Chevy "standard box" and goosenecks


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Posts: 37
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Location: Minnesota
I am pulling a gooseneck with my "regular" (it's pretty short) box GMC 2500 HD. The nose of the trailer (4-Star) comes within inches of the back window of the truck when I've got the thing really cranked, but there is enough clearance. It really depends on the truck and trailer combo that you have, as others have said.As far as hitching it -- I went out and got a really strong magnet. It's disc-shaped with a hole in the center into which you can screw any number of hooks or rods. I found a long dowel at the hardware store to fit snugly into it. I position the magnet right in the center of the ball with the dowel standing straight up. It's really a cinch. From the driver's seat, I can see exactly where the ball is because I can see the dowel sticking up. As soon as the gooseneck bumps the dowel when I'm backing up, I know I'm really close. Usually I just need an inch tweak front or back. This was a cheap and easy solution. I love being able to hook up without asking for help.
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lesliemal
Reg. Sep 2007
Posted 2010-11-01 9:22 PM (#126535 - in reply to #125646)
Subject: RE: Ford and Chevy "standard box" and goosenecks


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I second the bungee stretched across the top of the bed but also add a cable tie in the center actually marking the ball. Works like a charm. If you have a tool box in your bed, put an extra long cable tie on the bungee. I am short and this really works for me. I pull with a long bed F350 but did pull with a short bed/extended cab for a while and I have NEVER been able to see the ball EVER from the driver's seat. Always used the bungee trick.
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ridingarocky
Reg. Aug 2008
Posted 2010-11-01 10:10 PM (#126539 - in reply to #125646)
Subject: RE: Ford and Chevy "standard box" and goosenecks



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There is a new gadget out called the I-ball and it is a wireless camera and plug-in monitor.. helps you see with a ball-level view of where your hitch is in relation to the ball... Seems like it was @ $140.. I've been thinking of springing for one.. i can usually hitch OK, but like horses, my Murphey's Law kicks in when I am stressed or really need to hurry
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PaulChristenson
Reg. Jan 2007
Posted 2010-11-01 10:31 PM (#126541 - in reply to #126539)
Subject: RE: Ford and Chevy "standard box" and goosenecks


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Originally written by ridingarocky on 2010-11-01 11:10 PM

There is a new gadget out called the I-ball and it is a wireless camera and plug-in monitor.. helps you see with a ball-level view of where your hitch is in relation to the ball... Seems like it was @ $140.. I've been thinking of springing for one.. i can usually hitch OK, but like horses, my Murphey's Law kicks in when I am stressed or really need to hurry
http://www.iballhitchcam.com/
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genebob
Reg. Nov 2007
Posted 2010-11-02 9:45 AM (#126558 - in reply to #125646)
Subject: RE: Ford and Chevy "standard box" and goosenecks


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When we used our F350 CC SB it had a rollup box cover that went into a box on the front of the box much like a tool box. Even @ 6'4" I couldn't see the ball. I used the bungee cord and to make it easier to get lined up, I laid a piece of lathe in the box in line with the ball. I would hit the spot on the first try almost all time.
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sdlepalpm
Reg. Nov 2008
Posted 2010-11-03 6:45 AM (#126604 - in reply to #126539)
Subject: RE: Ford and Chevy "standard box" and goosenecks



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My husband now uses the home made bungee cord hook up idea and I never have to get yelled at any more when it is time to hook up!  We have a long bed, extended cab Dodge and he hits the ball everytime now.
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sandal
Reg. Nov 2008
Posted 2010-11-15 12:13 PM (#127089 - in reply to #126411)
Subject: RE: Ford and Chevy "standard box" and goosenecks


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Posts: 8

Great suggestion for those of us that are vertically challenged. 

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Painted Horse
Reg. May 2005
Posted 2010-11-15 7:36 PM (#127119 - in reply to #125646)
Subject: RE: Ford and Chevy "standard box" and goosenecks



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Most of the new trucks come with options for back up cameras. Most of the cameras only focus on the bumper ball. But you can add a 2nd or 3rd camera to them ( usually with a 3rd party product called "Lockpick")  With this 3rd party you can turn through your cameras and have one on the bumper, one in the bed focused on the GN ball and a 3rd in your horse trailer if you so choose.

I use the one focused on my bumper almost daily.

 

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kentuckyrain
Reg. Apr 2008
Posted 2010-11-15 9:10 PM (#127129 - in reply to #126431)
Subject: RE: Ford and Chevy "standard box" and goosenecks




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Location: Kentucky
Originally written by Cowgirl-h on 2010-10-29 4:33 PM

I might have to invest in an actual "ball finder" type gadget to make my life easier.

A plunger sitting on top of the ball works pretty good!

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