Posted 2018-10-05 4:43 PM (#171921) Subject: Is my setup level enough?... Extend a goose questions
Member
Posts: 6
Hey everyone. Please see my setup attached. 2018 F250 short bed with a shadow LQ 2018 as well. My set up is unlevel when hooked up. Right under the door it measure 17 inches to the ground. In the very back it’s 8 inches. Is this to dramatic and will it cause problems on my rear axle? I currently have 8 inches of clearance from the trailer to the top of my bed so not much more room to bring it down. Does it look like I need a lift on the trailer. Also the dealer installed a extend a goose to help with tight turns. It looks like it was installed wrong... he swears it’s right. He claims it off sets the trailer to one side so it’s easier to drive? Hasn’t anyone else heard this or is this crap? Thanks for the help everyone!
Posted 2018-10-06 6:50 AM (#171924 - in reply to #171921) Subject: RE: Is my setup level enough?... Extend a goose questions
Regular
Posts: 88
Location: Washington
It looks like it could stand to be more level. You will be putting extra load on the back trailer axle and tires. How much clearance do you have between your tailgate and the bottom of the trailer? I think 7" or so above the tailgate is good but I would do some research on that number. You were probably after clearance from the cab more so than extra height when the extender was installed. A new trailer is likely designed with a better clearance built in. I looked at that hitch on B and W's website and there doesn't look like any option on how it's installed but I'm not really buying the dealer's story.
Posted 2018-10-06 12:24 PM (#171925 - in reply to #171921) Subject: RE: Is my setup level enough?... Extend a goose questions
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 333
I have not heard that a trailer should be offset to the line of travel. Can you post a photo? the more experienced GN folks then could be the judges. I have only hauled bumper pulls, but I sure as heck would want the truck, hitch and trailer unsymmetrical when viewed from the top..
Posted 2018-10-08 6:36 AM (#171936 - in reply to #171921) Subject: RE: Is my setup level enough?... Extend a goose questions
Elite Veteran
Posts: 720
The level doesn't look too bad. Are there horses and full gear in the trailer in this picture? That makes a difference too. Also- I've seen some Shadow ads that state they are using spring axles. If that is the case on yours, the level is fine. It is the torsion axles that don't equalize and thus cause issues on the rear axle loading.
Extender- no that isn't the best way to do that. Yes- there are often issues getting them straight because the trailer mfg put their holes in differing places, and so the step back guys are stuck trying to match different patterns. But I call BS on your dealer's explanation. That is just plain wrong and isn't a sign of an experienced trailer shop. Just my opinion. (You may need to drill proper holes in the trailer's neck for the coupler.)
For what it is worth- that looks like a 7'W trailer. The step back when properly installed doesn't hurt anything, but it isn't generally considered "needed" on a 7'W trailer. Can be helpful yes, but not required.
Posted 2018-10-08 12:15 PM (#171941 - in reply to #171921) Subject: RE: Is my setup level enough?... Extend a goose questions
Member
Posts: 6
Thanks for all the updates. I'll tell you where I am at so far.
With the Leveling I got with my friend this weekend and we dropped the gooseneck about an inch. So it helped a little bit. Clearance over the top of the bed is 6.5 inches. With no tack,horse, or grey/black/fresh water. Going to measure one more time with horse loaded before trip this weekend.
In regards to the gooseneck I just got off the phone with B&W and they said the holes on the trailer are wrong and won't line up to the extend a goose. They recommend "expanding" the holes on the trailer.
What do you guys think? Expand the holes on the trailer in order to line it up properly or drill new hole right below? Will this weaken the integrity of the trailer? My next call is to shadow to discuss options without voiding warranty.
Like to note that B&W did say that they "off set" wouldn't hurt the trailer but just cause it to track unevenly behind the trailer a little.
Posted 2018-10-08 6:34 PM (#171945 - in reply to #171921) Subject: RE: Is my setup level enough?... Extend a goose questions
Expert
Posts: 2953
Location: North Carolina
Off setting the trailer from the center of the truck will make driving it harder. Every curve, the truck has to hug the outside to keep the trailer wheels within the lane. On right hand curves, you'll run the right side trailer tires off the road.