Measurement needed for Kingpin to c-pillar trailer distance

[Sniffy]

Hi
I have a f450 with a long wheelbase and I'm putting on a used flatdeck with a currently mounted hide-a-ball gooseneck hitch. I has to be modified a bit by being shortened 2' to fit on my f450's frame. No problems clearing the cab and no box sides to worry about. The question that I have before I start hacking away is regarding the mounting of a 5th wheel hitch or ball and the distance from it to the bumper. I don't currently have a goose neck trailer but I need to know what the distance is between the hitch and the trailers C-Pillars (uprights) so that the truck deck's corners won't clip when I turn. Is there an industry standard for this distance? I currently have about 50"-54" straight back from the center of the axle to the bumper. This gives about 6' from hitch/ball center to the decks corners. Is this enough to clear the trailers uprights?
Thx., Jim

 

[davedj1]

I'm not sure about your flat bed. I know with a fifthwheel hitch you want the center pin just forward (2-4")of the centerline of the axle. I would think the goose hitch would be about the same place.

 

[M5farms]

if the hitch is built into the flatbed find the name of it and you should be able to go online a print the instructions . Its typically just forward of the axle like Dave said.

 

[GLyford]

I have heard of people having to clip the back corners of a flatbed to clear a goose when it swings.