First Gooseneck Experience EVER and w/ the 2500...

[Aluminati79]

In short, we're owners of an 8-year-old Belgian draft cross horse, who also is a chestnut mare. Yes, she has a mind of her own. But we are really close to purchasing a gooseneck trailer to cart her to shows. I've never towed a gooseneck before, only bass/fishing boats, and that was 20 years ago. I'm curious to know everyone's experience towing horse trailers, specifically goosenecks. Here's some of the questions I have:

- I have the factory gooseneck puck system in the bed. I also have the 6'4" bed. Is it better to get the standard hitch ball that drops into the center puck or an offset hitch ball that sits maybe 4-6" back? I'm just concerned with back window clearance, but I think that will only come into play for jacknife and you'd have to not be paying attention to really do that.
- Siderail clearance, will that be an issue?
- General driving characteristics and things to watch out for

We live in eastern PA and the trailer we are looking at resides in MD, right past Newark, DE. So I will be coming home 95, 495, Blue Route and 476 Turnpike, so some busier roads to deal with. Thank you all for your help and insight!

 

[flan]

I have a gooseneck dump trailer, no clearance issues to speak of. I know that’s not helpful but what I can tell you is I can thread the needle with any of my bumper pull trailers but man i suck at backing up the gooseneck lol. It’s a different experience. Going forward is nice and easy. I think the only way you’re going to know if you need the offset is to try your specific trailer first.

 

[ShadowJ]

No need for offset with true gooseneck trailer. You are correct that it would only come into play on a jackknife scenario, and only if horse trailer is built like a 5th wheel trailer with storage or something over the neck. I would suggest a shocker gooseneck set up though as the bounce/pogo on rough roads will drive you nuts.

 

[whitexc]

I have a gooseneck dump trailer, no clearance issues to speak of. I know that’s not helpful but what I can tell you is I can thread the needle with any of my bumper pull trailers but man i suck at backing up the gooseneck lol. It’s a different experience. Going forward is nice and easy. I think the only way you’re going to know if you need the offset is to try your specific trailer first.

Funny you say that about backing over the axle pivots. It really is different.

OP, I agree about the offset. See how it goes.


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