Gooseneck towing....suspension thoughts?

[MasterChief]

Read through some of the threads on people towing and was wondering if anyone had installed a gooseneck hitch in a raptor. (I know the negative comments this will generate....I'd say I probably have a 50% chance of being banned from the forums for asking). Its just I got a nice free trailer, I would only tow with it once in a blue moon. I'd estimate a 8-10k lb weight with a car on the trailer. Wondering thoughts on suspension modifications such as air bags or new springs and if so, what are the top recommendations?

 

[FireFighterHill]

Buy a used F-250 and leave the Raptor alone.

 

[RaptorSteve]

Is a gooseneck a 5th wheel? Raptor addendum says no.

 

[Bryson]

dont tow a goose neck

 

[Steele16]

I think it would be a much better alternative to a bumper pull... Just get a turnover ball system

 

[6.2]

yeah, id say thats a huge no no. thats a lot of weight for a raptor

and you wont get banned. dont worry about that man. we arent like that over here

 

[SPRSNK]

Alright..I'll chime in with something other than a yes or a no. I have towed 10-12k with my SCrew. I put about 3-4k miles on the truck doing so. Now to keep in mind of a few things:
1. Bumper Pull
2. Weight distribution hitch
3. I was starting to bend my frame
4. Could safely only go 60mph.
5. 18 wheelers passing me would push me off the road or into another lane.
6. Enclosed trailer
7. Side winds suck ass. Good luck with that. I had to slow down to 45mph.

Quite simply, you are trying to do to much with the Raptor. You would (possibly) get past the frame bend because of the gooseneck (which I hate..I would convert the bastard to a 5th wheel) but you have all of the other factors like the Raptor doesn't weigh enough to to stabilize the load you are pulling, the suspension is not built to take that load nor is the truck. My suggestion is to trade that gooseneck in for a good flatbed bumper pull with a weight distribution hitch.

 

[grievesk]

We have put a gooseneck in a Raptor. The B&W fits. I was not there for the install but our shop guys got it put on without much complaint, so it must have worked fine.

Not saying I approve, and it definitely wasn't mine, but it can be done.

 

[Nv Guy]

Your trying to pull a wagon with a race horse. Buy an F 250-350 if you want to pull a gooseneck.

 

[JP7]

Keep in mind the Ford Ranger has a better tow rating...