Posted 2005-04-09 12:17 AM (#23599) Subject: Newer 4x4 F350 and older gooseneck trailers
Elite Veteran
Posts: 736 Location: Western WA
I have a 2001 4x4 F350 and am shopping for a used three horse gooseneck. I have heard some of the older goosenecks are too low for the newer F350 (I think 99 and newer). I have never owned a gooseneck trailer before. I have a couple of questions:
1) How much clearance should there be between the bottom of the gooseneck and the truck bed rails?
2) Anyone know of any specific trailer brands/models that do not work with the newer, taller, F350?
I know pretty much any trailers 1999, 2000 or newer have probably had the gooseneck height raised to address this problem, but I am considering one trailer in particular that is a 1997 but has basically been in storage, used 1-2x a year for the last 4-5 years and is in fantastic shape. Its 300 miles away from me and would appreciate input on potential compatability problems before I start seriously shopping.
Posted 2005-04-09 7:23 AM (#23606 - in reply to #23599) Subject: RE: Newer 4x4 F350 and older gooseneck trailers
Veteran
Posts: 157 Location: Perkiomenville, PA
I had the same problem. Changed the springs to go under the axles and that raised the trailer 4 or 5 inches. Only difference is a bigger step up for my horses, but plenty of truck clearance now. An easy fix!
Posted 2005-04-09 6:22 PM (#23619 - in reply to #23599) Subject: RE: Newer 4x4 F350 and older gooseneck trailers
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 489 Location: CA
I think the minimum height between truckbed rails and gooseneck bottom is recommended to be 7in. More is better. I have a 2001 Dodge 4X4 and an older trailer. I had the truck lowered and still have a slight slant in the trailer. I'm taking the trailer in for its annual check-up/tune next week and I'm having it raised.....Still not sure how we're going to do it 'til we all look carefully. The Dodge dealer did the lowering for free, but I'll have to pay for the trailer to get raised. My advice is to measure carefully and not have to deal with this!!! Good luck with your purchase. This site has wonderful info to help you.
Posted 2005-04-10 12:45 AM (#23633 - in reply to #23599) Subject: RE: Newer 4x4 F350 and older gooseneck trailers
Expert
Posts: 2953 Location: North Carolina
Originally written by headhunter on 2005-04-09 1:17 PM
I have a 2001 4x4 F350 and am shopping for a used three horse gooseneck. I have heard some of the older goosenecks are too low for the newer F350 (I think 99 and newer). I have never owned a gooseneck trailer before. I have a couple of questions: 1) How much clearance should there be between the bottom of the gooseneck and the truck bed rails? 2) Anyone know of any specific trailer brands/models that do not work with the newer, taller, F350? I know pretty much any trailers 1999, 2000 or newer have probably had the gooseneck height raised to address this problem, but I am considering one trailer in particular that is a 1997 but has basically been in storage, used 1-2x a year for the last 4-5 years and is in fantastic shape. Its 300 miles away from me and would appreciate input on potential compatability problems before I start seriously shopping. Thanks!
Be careful of the trailer years. I have a 2000 Sundowner. It was a bit too short for my 2001 GM 3500. A 2500 may squat a bit more. I blocked the trailer axles to get the trailer level.
You might ask the present trailer owners to measure the distance from the bottom of the neck-over to the ground with the trailer level on the jack (I'll assume the parking lot is level, you shouldn't) You're looking for at least 62 inches. Any less, you should investigate how to lower the truck or raise this particular trailer.
This is to get 5-7 inches of clearance between the neck-over and the top of the tailgate. You may get away with less if you're very careful and always watch the top of the tailgate in your mirror. Or get a flatbed for the truck.
Newer 4x4 F350 and older gooseneck trailers
