I have a 2004 GMC 2500HD crew cab short bed and am going to put a turnover ball hitch in the bed and get a gooseneck trailer to haul rigs, farm equipment, etc.

I am in the process of installing a crossbed toolbox in the truck that sits approximately 6-7 inches above the bed. I also thought of putting a headache rack in the truck also but that would move the toolbox back about 4 inches, which would give me approximately 5.5-7.5 inches between the toolbox and the front hole of the hitch in the bed (which is assuming the gooseneck arm is no wider than the 4" hole).

Do you think I have enough room for the headache rack? Or do you think it'll hit by moving it back those 4 inches?

Please, the more opinions the better!

Go look at the "show us your tow rig" thread and you'll see a picture of my short bed with a crossbed toolbox towing a gooseneck trailer. My toolbox is the largest Weatherguard makes and the dimension from front to rear is 27". I have about 4" between the back of the toolbox and the stinger for the trailer.

Ok, thanks. So have you never had any problems with your setup? Do you have to be extra careful?

The rack and toolbox combo I am looking at would extend back approximately 25-26" into the bed, not counting a small 1-2" crossbrace I plan on putting behind the toolbox that will be no taller than the bedsides.

Also, I compared some specs I found on the bed on your Ford vs. my truck and it appears your bed is around 3.25" longer than mine..

What are your thoughts? Without the headache rack the box will extend about 21" back into the bed, not counting the crossbrace...

The only time I have to be careful is when hooking up the trailer. Most people are paying attention then anyhow.

Bed length is really irrelevant. What's important is how far from the front of the bed the centerline of the ball will be.

Where is your hitch placed in your truck? I assume in front of the axle?

It would seem to me that with 4" if the truck leveled off and trailer was still on a downhill, or if the truck when up a hill while the trailer was still on level ground, or any other way you could make them "V" (crossing a ditch) it would seem it would get pretty close. Of course you would know more about that than I would....

I just don't want anything I have to always be worrying about, I'd rather just lose the headache rack and gain 4"....