I am about to install my RKI box in my swb 2500. I thought about also installing an RKI headache rack, but it will require me to move the toolbox back 4 inches. I am concerned that the arm of the gooseneck hitch might hit the box if I go up a hill with the truck while the trailer is on level ground. Is anyone here running a swb with a crossbed and headache rack, or an extra wide toolbox? Even those with normal boxes please reply with your opinions!!

I'm pretty sure that you can have a tool box in the back there and not run into any trouble with the gooseneck...however, with a headache rack installed...I don't think it'll work. My buddy had a 99 chev and tried this, and wrecked a delta box because of it. He had to build his own box so he could use his plate. I know mine with a tool box and slip tank won't work, the plate would be behind the rear axle so much I'm sure it would tow terrible. Good luck!
J-HEFF

I am thinking about going with one of those B&M turnover hitches, and I think they put the ball about 44.5 inches from the rear of the bed, which is forward of the middle of the wheelwells.

By slip tank do you mean like a "L" transfer tank?


How much space do you think I will need for forward articulation of the "arm"?

I have the turnover and a tool box no clearance issues, also they make extenda ball that may help. Look under turnover ball accesories http://www.turnoverball.com/

Good luck

I have the turnover and a tool box no clearance issues, also they make extenda ball that may help. Look under turnover ball accesories http://www.turnoverball.com/

Good luck

I assume it is an above the rail crossover box? What brand? What length box do you have? How far does it extend back into the bed? Thanks for your help

I ended up going with a low profile single lid tool box (about 1.5" above rail). Worked fine with my headach rack, set the tool box back 6".

BTW, I hate single lid crossover tool boxes. You always torque the lid and have to walk around and close it on both sides. Arrrghhh!

Glad I don't have the pickup bed problem anymore!

P.S. My 5th wheel rails and goose neck ball are mounted 3" forward of the rear axle. Pretty much a standard all installers use.

Mine is an RKI box, which is about 7.5-8.5 inches on top of the rail. The box would sit approximately 24 inches back into the bed from the front of the bed. (the box would end about midway up the wheelwell).

It appears at best that I would have five to six inches from the back of the toolbox to the front of the 4" gooseneck hole in the bed.

My box sits in the bed and the lid is a little over the top of the bed rails it does not sit on the bed rails, I will try and get a measurement from the back of the bed later tonight, it almost touches the wheel wells maybe an inch or two short.

Duck, there is 13" from the box to the center of the ball, 44" from the tailgate to the center of the ball, the box is about 2 1/2" above the bed rails and about an 1" 1"1/2 from the front of the wheel wells

i have long bed with an L shaped transfer/and piggy back tool box.got them at tractor supply,but preety sure the are deezee.had a hidden hitch hide a ball installed for my gooseneck.dont have any problems with this.would say there is at least foot and a half clearence,if not more.

My truck is a short bed, and it looks like with the headache rack and toolbox I would have 6.5" of clearance between the front of the hole in the floor and the toolbox. Also, the box sits 7.25" high on top of the bedrails.

Y'all think this is to close??

DuckhunterInTN

Being from the mountains of East Tennessee myself, I don't see how this would be enough room to keep from crushing the toolbox, especially if you're talking a farm trailer, where you'd be loading/unloading on- and off-road. Given where I've taken trailers before, I wouldn't do it.

Assuming that the height of the box from the floor of the bed is 24", a little trigonometry tells me that the maximum grade difference you can have between the truck and the trailer is 15 degrees or so (in round numbers). I dare say that you'll experience more than that at some point along the way...

DuckhunterInTN

Being from the mountains of East Tennessee myself, I don't see how this would be enough room to keep from crushing the toolbox, especially if you're talking a farm trailer, where you'd be loading/unloading on- and off-road. Given where I've taken trailers before, I wouldn't do it.

Assuming that the height of the box from the floor of the bed is 24", a little trigonometry tells me that the maximum grade difference you can have between the truck and the trailer is 15 degrees or so (in round numbers). I dare say that you'll experience more than that at some point along the way...Hey that is some good info there, thanks! You are exactly right, this will be a farm trailer. It will see more off-highway and around town use than highway driving.

15 degrees isn't that much, especially considering you can cut that number in half when you cross a ditch and have the truck going up a ditch while the trailer is heading into the ditch...

I may take a few more measurements this weekend and post them. It would be great if you could tell me the degrees of travel I would have in a few more scenarios.... :ro)


BTW, good to hear from another Tennessean!