Anyone out there have experience with putting a gooseneck on an F150? I don't usually see them on 1/2 tons, but I don't see why it wouldn't work better for me than a bumper-pull.

My tractor plus bush hog, chains, binders, fuel etc. weighs close to 5,000 pounds. I'm having a new 5.4 engine put in my 2001 F150 Supercrew 4x4, and I know that it'll handle the job power-wise.

But, my experience has not been good with trailer sway; it's VERY difficult to get the load balanced using a bumper-pull. I know that I could get a load distributing hitch, but I've been eyeing a gooseneck instead.

So, what do ya'll think, would a gooseneck be all-around better, or should I just go with a load distributing hitch? And, either way, should I put some airshocks on as well?

 

The primary reason for not seeing fifth wheels on 1/2 tons is that most payloads found on a goose neck trailer are too heavy for a 1/2 ton.

If you can pull that payload now on a standard trailer, I don't see why you can't do it with a fifth wheel. You should get less sway.

Air shocks would help, but you may not need them with the new trailer. If you did without for a standard hitch, you can probably do without now.

 

I've put many goose necks in 1/2 ton trucks over the past 15 years. I'll be the first to admit I do more in 2500 and 3500 trucks, but I still do a small amount of installs on 1500s.

Put 7 in this week. 2 were 1500s.

Here's what most people don't think about regardless of the truck's load rating. Let's say you have two trailers and both are loaded with 7,500 lbs. one is a gooseneck, one is a bumper pull. The gooseneck trailer will be much easier to pull than the bumper pull due to the weight distribution on the truck itself. Keep in mind one would still be well within the limits of the 1500 with these kinds of numbers.

If one is within the load ratings of a 1500 it's a win/win in the big picture. Absolutely nothing wrong with it.

For the record, I personally recommend one gooseneck and one gooseneck only. Use the B&W turnover ball and don't look back.

Buck

 

So why is it easier to pull? Simple, you are putting the pivot point right over the rear axle. This, takes any "lever" effect out of the equation, making any minor sway a non-issue. Plus with the tongue weight right over the rear axle, you take less load off the front wheels.

That said, you still need to load the trailer correctly, 12-20% on the tongue, because if you manage to get a gooseneck swaying, you are probably going to turn the load, the trailer and the truck over. We see at least one of these every year around hay bailing time when some newbie tries to be a hero and haul more than they should.