Posted 2006-02-25 7:15 PM (#575) Subject: Can I pull a goose neck with this truck?
Bargin Shopper
Posts: 1988
Location: SC
I had posted this on BHW and was getting questioned about pulling a GN at all with a F150. It was sugested that I ask here. I have a 2002 F150 King Ranch 4X4 4dr 5.4L gas and am wanting to know if I'd have a problem pulling a GN with it having the Short 6' bed. " will it hit the back window?"
That brought questions of pulling a 16-18ft 3H GN with basic LQ's. I will only be hauling 1 or 2 horses long haul and just want the third slot for local trail riding/parades etc.. Should I be worried about haveing enough power/towing.
Posted 2006-02-25 7:42 PM (#576 - in reply to #575) Subject: RE: Can I pull a goose neck with this truck?
Posts: 363
Location: Albany, Oregon
QUOTE]Originally written by RunningBlood on 2006-02-25 5:15 PM
I have a 2002 F150 King Ranch 4X4 4dr 5.4L gas and am wanting to know if I'd have a problem pulling a GN with it having the Short 6' bed. " will it hit the back window?"
That brought questions of pulling a 16-18ft 3H GN with basic LQ's. I will only be hauling 1 or 2 horses long haul and just want the third slot for local trail riding/parades etc.. Should I be worried about haveing enough power/towing.
I would not...short answer...my concern would be not enough truck....maybe a stock/combo trailer with no living quarters. You need to study the numbers. How much can it carry and pull at the same time. They make tapered nose trailers and setbacks for the shortbox problem but the trailer you describe would be heavy I'm sure. The truck is what it is....I wish I had your interior in mine!!....NICE!! I sat in one the other day...liked it.
Posted 2006-02-25 7:58 PM (#577 - in reply to #575) Subject: RE: Can I pull a goose neck with this truck?
Posts: 0
I agree with xyzer on this.
I have an older 3/4 ton 5.7 liter gas and had a 3 horse aluminum gooseneck. That trailer made my truck look like a "tonka toy"! The trailer did not have LQ either and I sure could feel that heavy thing behind my truck! The 6' short bed is not a problem, mine is that and no problems. Won't have the turning radius of a long bed ,but I like the fact that I can park my truck just about anywhere.You could always purchase the gooseneck extention coupler made for short-bed trucks if that really bothers you. I would look at another truck for that big a trailer though.Good Luck
Posted 2006-02-25 8:02 PM (#578 - in reply to #575) Subject: RE: Can I pull a goose neck with this truck?
Bargin Shopper
Posts: 1988
Location: SC
Originally written by xyzer on 2006-02-25 8:42 PM
QUOTE]Originally written by RunningBlood on 2006-02-25 5:15 PM
I have a 2002 F150 King Ranch 4X4 4dr 5.4L gas and am wanting to know if I'd have a problem pulling a GN with it having the Short 6' bed. " will it hit the back window?"
That brought questions of pulling a 16-18ft 3H GN with basic LQ's. I will only be hauling 1 or 2 horses long haul and just want the third slot for local trail riding/parades etc.. Should I be worried about haveing enough power/towing.
I would not...short answer...my concern would be not enough truck....maybe a stock/combo trailer with no living quarters. You need to study the numbers. How much can it carry and pull at the same time. They make tapered nose trailers and setbacks for the shortbox problem but the trailer you describe would be heavy I'm sure. The truck is what it is....I wish I had your interior in mine!!....NICE!! I sat in one the other day...liked it.
The rear GVW is 3900 and trailer weight is about 3800. So with the GN being pushed and some of the weight on the rearend how much can I haul to stay within the weight range?
Thanks xyzer, That's was what got me too. I thought it would be harder for me to ruin the leather. I sat in a 2006 about two weeks ago and the leather wasn't as thick as the leather in mine.
Posted 2006-02-25 9:56 PM (#579 - in reply to #575) Subject: RE: Can I pull a goose neck with this truck?
Posts: 242
Location: La Crosse, WI - God's Country
Can you? Sure. Just stay within the max carrying weight of your truck and tires. I saw a guy a couple of years ago pulling a 4 horse aluminum trailer with an F150 - with only the 8.8" rear end!
Should you? Only you can answer that one.
Would I? No way. I'd look to a minimum of something like a 3/4 ton with the preference for a long bed.
Posted 2006-02-25 10:20 PM (#580 - in reply to #575) Subject: RE: Can I pull a goose neck with this truck?
Posts: 1563
Location: North Carolina
Originally written by laxpatrick on 2006-02-25 8:56 PM
Can you? Sure. Just stay within the max carrying weight of your truck and tires. I saw a guy a couple of years ago pulling a 4 horse aluminum trailer with an F150 - with only the 8.8" rear end! Should you? Only you can answer that one. Would I? No way. I'd look to a minimum of something like a 3/4 ton with the preference for a long bed. LAXPatrick
Posted 2006-02-25 10:38 PM (#581 - in reply to #575) Subject: RE: Can I pull a goose neck with this truck?
Bargin Shopper
Posts: 1988
Location: SC
Originally written by laxpatrick on 2006-02-25 10:56 PM
Can you? Sure. Just stay within the max carrying weight of your truck and tires. I saw a guy a couple of years ago pulling a 4 horse aluminum trailer with an F150 - with only the 8.8" rear end! Should you? Only you can answer that one. Would I? No way. I'd look to a minimum of something like a 3/4 ton with the preference for a long bed. LAXPatrick
The max towing is 7500lbs, The trailer is approx 5000lbs + two horses long haul over 50 miles at 1200 each total 7400lbs. With this set up I should be ok. Right?
Posted 2006-02-26 7:49 AM (#583 - in reply to #575) Subject: RE: Can I pull a goose neck with this truck?
Posts: 150
Location: Maryland
I wouldn't do it. I have an Exiss 3h with weekender. I pull it with a F250 SD CC 5.4l It does fine. Mountains a little more work for it. I did one time hook it up to my 1500 ram w/ 5.2. The truck just couldn't handle it safely. I'm also thinking about getting a diesel next. Just for the pulling power of them.
Posted 2006-02-26 8:37 AM (#584 - in reply to #575) Subject: RE: Can I pull a goose neck with this truck?
Posts: 40
The next time that you are near a goose neck trailer drop the tail gate and back into the trailer at a jack knife position or straight from the side and stop the truck before you hit the cab get out and see where the gosseneck is setting into your truck just be careful you will hit the cab if you back under it to far. Most of the old fifthweel campers you can't but most of the newer goose necks you can you may not be able to pull a 8' or a 102" wide trailer. They do make hitch extentions.
Posted 2006-02-26 8:44 AM (#585 - in reply to #575) Subject: RE: Can I pull a goose neck with this truck?
Posts: 1681
Location: PA
"The max towing is 7500lbs, The trailer is approx 5000lbs + two horses long haul over 50 miles at 1200 each total 7400lbs. With this set up I should be ok. Right?"You aren't including any tack, truck cargo, including people, hay, and tinkgs accumulated in the LQ. Even without these things, you are at the max. You need to have a 250 to be legal and safe! Also, if the GN has a square nose, you seriously risk hitting the cab. Even with a tapered nose you have to be very careful!
Posted 2006-02-26 8:44 AM (#586 - in reply to #575) Subject: RE: Can I pull a goose neck with this truck?
Posts: 937
Location: michigan
I had a 3H trailer with DR that I pulled with a 1/2 chevy. yes I could pull it but I had to fix the brakes several times a year. I know of a friend who pulls a 3H with a 1/2 and has for years. I don'tn know what problems they encounted but it wasn't bad enough to replace the truck with something bigger. That being said, I'd opt for either a smaller trailer or a larger truck. 3/4 is just plain old better at pulling and stopping. Its better to be slightly over trucked than under trucked.
Posted 2006-02-26 9:59 AM (#587 - in reply to #575) Subject: RE: Can I pull a goose neck with this truck?
Posts: 57
Location: Casa Grande Arizona
At the very least I would beef up the rear end. Add a spring or Airbags and that will help.
You will pull that trialer but I doubt that you will be very happy. The first hill you hit will change your mind and the funny part is going up will not be the reason you change your mind. When you start going down the hill and you start wondering if you can stop the trailer. That is when your next stop will be a dealship to get a 3/4-1ton diesel. It will be money well spent.
Posted 2006-02-26 1:14 PM (#588 - in reply to #575) Subject: RE: Can I pull a goose neck with this truck?
Posts: 634
Location: Tipton, IN
Ok, first you ave a short bed even when compared to a STANDARD 6 & 3/4 ft. bed. Even with a standard nine inch extender, yes there is a good possibility you will still hit the cab in a tight turn. Second, Ford relieves themselves of any liability by stating in their selector guide that it is up to the trailer mfg and you, and that they don't recommend it. Lastly, the 5.4 is not a towing machine in any way, shape or form. I had an 03 Superduty with the 5.4 and it didn't much like pulling my 3h w 8ft LQ. And braking with your truck will be marginal, and you will need to rely heavily on your trailer brakes. I personally wouldn't do it.
Posted 2006-02-26 11:16 PM (#589 - in reply to #575) Subject: RE: Can I pull a goose neck with this truck?
Posts: 201
Location: kirkland, wa 98034
Originally written by RunningBlood on 2006-02-25 5:15 PM
I had posted this on BHW and was getting questioned about pulling a GN at all with a F150. It was sugested that I ask here. I have a 2002 F150 King Ranch 4X4 4dr 5.4L gas and am wanting to know if I'd have a problem pulling a GN with it having the Short 6' bed. " will it hit the back window?"
That brought questions of pulling a 16-18ft 3H GN with basic LQ's. I will only be hauling 1 or 2 horses long haul and just want the third slot for local trail riding/parades etc.. Should I be worried about haveing enough power/towing.
I'd bet you don't have enough power for all that... I have a 3-horse slantload gooseneck with big tack area but no living quarters. It weighs 4000 empty. I pull it with a 99 Chevy 3/4 tone 4x4 Silverado LT with extra cab, shortbox and a 6.0 Liter. I often pull just my horse to meet up with friends, and the truck does great with that. Hauling 2 horses is not much different than one. But, that is only about 6500 lbs. The big test was last summer... I took 3 horses and the tack area fully loaded with camping gear, tack, hay, and had 3 people in the truck. I could not believe the difference when trying to get on the freeway, let alone getting over the mountain pass. I did not expect that load to impact the power the way it did. I would guess I was pulling 8500 lbs and had the weight of a full tank of gas plus 2 passengers and it was a bit of a struggle. If I pulled that big a load all the time, I'd get a different truck for sure.. I'd have to because the truck would eventually give out. So, with a 5.4 LIter and the living quarters, I'd think you were pushing the limits with 2 horses. How much does the trailer weigh empty? What's the towing capacity of your truck? Oh, and I have not had problems with the gooseneck hitting the cab, maybe because my gooseneck is tapered and not a full 7' wide, like some styles. *
Posted 2006-02-27 8:21 AM (#590 - in reply to #575) Subject: RE: Can I pull a goose neck with this truck?
Posts: 27
Location: USA
Runningblood, the trailer can be towed behind your truck but only if you make sure of two very important circumstances. First the gooseneck ball that you have installed in your truck must be installed 2 to 4 inches behind the center of the axle. Second, the trailer will have to be a v-nose type trailer. This will be the only way that you can pull the trailer without getting into the cab of your truck. You still have to be very cautious when backing though. Do not go over an 18' in length trailer either. Other than that, trailer weight is going to be the issue. If the trailer is to heavy you will have to put load helper springs or air bags on the truck. However, for long term use of pulling with that particular vehicle you need to ask your Ford dealer if the transmission will hold up to that kind of strain.
Posted 2006-02-27 9:42 AM (#591 - in reply to #575) Subject: RE: Can I pull a goose neck with this truck?
Posts: 216
Location: Northern IN.
Not the best idea I've ever heard to put the hitch "2-4" behind center of axle". It's only a 1/2 ton to begin with. It's a good sized trailer and you're gonna start "stressing" several componets of that truck. I've read talk of extra springs or air bags... that will only bring your ride height up, it won't give ya bigger, heavier bearings, axles, brakes, sway control, pulling power, or piece of mind--all things that this out fit would be lacking. I'm afraid I'm with the "nae's" on this one! I'd be truck shopping! in the words of Forrest Gump-"that's all I have to say about that"
Posted 2006-02-27 10:44 AM (#592 - in reply to #575) Subject: RE: Can I pull a goose neck with this truck?
Posts: 363
Location: Albany, Oregon
Originally written by Oakley on 2006-02-27 6:21 AM
Runningblood, the trailer can be towed behind your truck but only if you make sure of two very important circumstances. First the gooseneck ball that you have installed in your truck must be installed 2 to 4 inches behind the center of the axle. Second, the trailer will have to be a v-nose type trailer. This will be the only way that you can pull the trailer without getting into the cab of your truck. You still have to be very cautious when backing though. Do not go over an 18' in length trailer either. Other than that, trailer weight is going to be the issue. If the trailer is to heavy you will have to put load helper springs or air bags on the truck. However, for long term use of pulling with that particular vehicle you need to ask your Ford dealer if the transmission will hold up to that kind of strain.
TURNOVER BALL™ GOOSENECK EXTENDER
FOR USE ON SHORT BED PICKUPS
INCREASES CLEARANCE BETWEEN TRUCK CAB & FRONT OF TRAILER
ALLOWS MORE CLEARANCE BETWEEN TAILGATE AND LOWER PORTION OF TRAILER
ADDS 4" OF TURNING CLEARANCE
PART NO.
DESCRIPTION
LIST PRICE
BW-4085
If you do anything do this! The pin weight is still ahead of the axle. Think really light on you trailer and maybe a 2-horse with a sleeping bag in the nose.
Posted 2006-02-27 11:11 AM (#593 - in reply to #575) Subject: RE: Can I pull a goose neck with this truck?
Posts: 565
Location: Michigan
I agree with Broken Bit, I wouldn't pull a GN trailer with that type of truck. I've never seen one yet pull a GN either. Not that the engine couldn't handle one but its the short bed and style that would have me worried. Even if you put one of those pop-up gooseneck extender hitches in the back, the turning radius would still be too close to the cab. That style of truck is more for pulling bumper pull snowmobile trailers or a horse trailer, that's it. To me they are more of a SUV type truck. Better to be safe and knowledgeable than sorry in the end.
Posted 2006-03-02 5:02 PM (#594 - in reply to #575) Subject: RE: Can I pull a goose neck with this truck?
Posts: 20
Location: TN
Hi all..We are currently pulling with a 2005 Ford F-150 Lariat. We have a two horse gooseneck all aluminum and it isn't enough truck.. No living quarters, etc...just a basic 4' DR. The wind seems to blow it around and I just flat don't like it. Should never have talked hubby out of the 1 ton for gas reasons. Very unhappy with acceleration and we aren't near any hills! Bad idea. Would not be comfortable on a long haul.
Posted 2006-03-10 1:20 PM (#595 - in reply to #575) Subject: RE: Can I pull a goose neck with this truck?
Posts: 2
Location: Akron , Ohio
I am sorry, but having all of these weights said here I think that you answered your own question. Why push the limit.
I think that you are crazy to haul with that vehicle. You are saying that you are only 100lbs under your limit? You are nuts to do that. If you are not at least 500 lbs. under your limit you are really putting yourself and your truck and animals at risk. That is too close of a margin.
You have not even included tack or equipment? I have a 2003 F-150 thta is the FX4 model with 5.4 litre v-8 but it is the highest towing capacity at 9800 lbs. I am getting a gooseneck hitch installed for a 21' two horse gooseneck and I need to have the gooseneck EXTENDER hitch put on.
If the picture you included is truly your truck and it is indeed a late model...then you r bed is NOT 6' , they only come in a 5'5" bed on the supercrew cabs. Unless they changed the dimensions on the newer 2004-2005 models without me knowing...you are 7 inches shorter than a regular short bed and you HAVE to have the extension to haul a gooseneck.
With my truck and my new trailer I am at the following weights:
Truck limit 9800 lbs~
Trailer is 46oo lbs. /
2 horses @ 1200 lbs. each = 2400 lbs /
500 lbs of tack and equipment maximum
I am at 7500 lbs. which is 2300 lbs. under my weight limit.
Even with a third horse in it, which I can carry in the front box stall conversion as this trailer is what they call a 2+1 straight load with a side unload ramp and it can carry a third horse up front...I would be at 8700 lbs.
This is even still 1000 lbs UNDER my MAXIMUM towing limit.
You are really pushing it with yours. ??? If you had the FX4 Ford 150 it woul dbe fine but yours just isnt enough towing power.
Posted 2006-03-12 12:29 PM (#597 - in reply to #575) Subject: RE: Can I pull a goose neck with this truck?
Posts: 1701
Location: New Mexico
Originally written by Oakley on 2006-02-27 8:21 AM
Runningblood, the trailer can be towed behind your truck but only if you make sure of two very important circumstances. First the gooseneck ball that you have installed in your truck must be installed 2 to 4 inches behind the center of the axle.
My trailer ball is in the correct place and I have never come close to hitting my cab.
Can I pull a goose neck with this truck?
