New to 5th wheels, not new to RVing (2 diesel pushers a few years ago).We are in the process of buying a 2022 Solitude (40') 378MBS. We just purchased a 2019 Dodge Laramie 3500 dually with 8' bed.The pickup has a ball for a gooseneck.So my question is, should we go with a gooseneck or 5th wheel hitch?Pros and cons for each. Not too concerned with cost differential.I'm not sure about terminology, but I think the pickup has the "puck" system. There are 4 holes in the bed surrounding the ball.As you can see, I'm a real newbie to hitches.Thanks in advance for all inputs.BTW, we are selling the house and going fulltime RV.Edit: After reading thru some related topics, I assume I have the puck system and should go the 5th wheel hitch route instead of the gooseneck.

Check with trailer warranty, some don't cover with a goose neck. I have the factory M20 which is the Ram version of the Curt hitch. Works for me.

Yes, a good quality FW hitch for OEM pucks is what you need.Here is the one you need. B&W 3600... See it, read about it, at E-trailer.Jerry

A ball that sits at bed level will apply a great deal of leverage to the trailer frame. A 5th wheel hitch sits 12-18" above the bed reducing the lever arm formed.The trailer may or may not handle it but it will certainly put more stress on the frame.

Look at the Reese Goose Box. It's probably approved by Lippert for use with your frame. It has an air ride with 2 shocks which gives ours a really nice ride. Nothing but a small ball to deal with when you unhook.Another option is a Trailer Saver conventional style hitch with an air ride. We've had one of those also and they work as advertised. We've also had a B&W. A very good hitch. Lot's of choices, mostly good.

Many people do like a gooseneck hitch. But if you do choose that then go with the Goosebox as it is approved by Lippert so as not to be a problem with frame warranty. You do have to use safety chains with gooseneck hitches in some states since it is a ball hitch. And they are a little bit harder to hookup since you have to be more precise in the alignment of the ball and hitch.Most people use a conventional 5th wheel hitch. The air ride hitches are considered the best as far as ride since they they have air bags to soften the road shock. Downside is the costs. Some use a standard hitch with an air ride pin box to soften the road shock. Less expensive than the air ride hitch.As far a 5th wheel hitches, each brand has their fans. B&W, Reese, Pullrite, Curt, etc. All are good hitches and you can't go wrong with any of them as long as you don't go with their lowest price models. Hookup is easier than a gooseneck since the 5th wheel hitch is self aligning. If you are within an inch or so the pin will slide into the hitch slot and stop when it is fully in.

5th wheel hitch or gooseneck for new 5er | Good Sam Community

Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Feb 27, 2022
I won't criticize Hensley they are quality, but I spent a whole lot less and have a great ride with quality to boot. I have 6k pin.

.
ol_Bombero-JC
Explorer
Feb 26, 2022
Cptnvideo wrote:
New to 5th wheels, not new to RVing (2 diesel pushers a few years ago).
We are in the process of buying a 2022 Solitude (40') 378MBS. We just purchased a 2019 Dodge Laramie 3500 dually with 8' bed.
The pickup has a ball for a gooseneck.
So my question is, should we go with a gooseneck or 5th wheel hitch?
Pros and cons for each. Not too concerned with cost differential.
I'm not sure about terminology, but I think the pickup has the "puck" system. There are 4 holes in the bed surrounding the ball.
As you can see, I'm a real newbie to hitches.
Thanks in advance for all inputs.
BTW, we are selling the house and going fulltime RV.

Edit: After reading thru some related topics, I assume I have the puck system and should go the 5th wheel hitch route instead of the gooseneck.

BEFORE - you "accept" the *advice* on any internet forum - to use a goose neck or not - check with the mfgr's TECH line (don't rely on
a salesperson/dealer). The mfgr is THE authority!!

Then decide on what kind of (or brand) of hitch YOU prefer.
Again - don't rely on posters saying "I have the XXXX, which is wonderful". Do your homework!

:W...:W

.
Cptnvideo
Nomad
Feb 26, 2022
ReneeG wrote:
TXiceman wrote:
Cptnvideo wrote:
Well, we bit the bullet and ordered the BD5. Yikes, $3500 delivered to a local freight company.

You will not regret the Trailer Saver.

Ken

Hensley is a top notch company with equal customer service.

Good to know. We were expecting to spend around $2500 for a 5th wheel hitch. But like the old adage - you get what you pay for.
ReneeG
Explorer
Feb 26, 2022
TXiceman wrote:
Cptnvideo wrote:
Well, we bit the bullet and ordered the BD5. Yikes, $3500 delivered to a local freight company.

You will not regret the Trailer Saver.

Ken

Hensley is a top notch company with equal customer service.
ReneeG
Explorer
Feb 26, 2022
chiefneon wrote:
Howdy!

I used a Trailer Saver for many years of fulltiming. When I purchased my latest truck I decided to go with a Reese Bose Box instead another 5er hitch. Been using it now for over three year and would not go back to a 5er hitch. It’s nice to be able to use the truck bed itch out having to remove a large heavy 5er hitch.

“Happy Trails”
Chiefneon

The BD3 TrailerSaver disassembles easily for removal by one person, yet is strong.
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Feb 26, 2022
MFL wrote:
^^That is a nice way to put it, but not true. The trucks are not all equal, and neither are the hitches. Will most get the job done? Yes, some better than others!

Always like to get a good price, on the best product, rather than a cheap price/product.

Everyone needs to make their choice, which works best for them.

Jerry

Well said my friend.
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Feb 26, 2022
BB_TX wrote:
What’s better Ford, GM, of RAM? Answer they are all equally good. Same answer for all the name brand hitches. Just a matter of which you like better and/or get a better price on.

Hitches are NOT equally good. Sure some cost less.
TXiceman
Explorer II
Feb 26, 2022
Cptnvideo wrote:
Well, we bit the bullet and ordered the BD5. Yikes, $3500 delivered to a local freight company.

You will not regret the Trailer Saver.

Ken
Cptnvideo
Nomad
Feb 25, 2022
Well, we bit the bullet and ordered the BD5. Yikes, $3500 delivered to a local freight company.
chiefneon
Explorer
Feb 25, 2022
Howdy!

I used a Trailer Saver for many years of fulltiming. When I purchased my latest truck I decided to go with a Reese Bose Box instead another 5er hitch. Been using it now for over three year and would not go back to a 5er hitch. It’s nice to be able to use the truck bed itch out having to remove a large heavy 5er hitch.

“Happy Trails”
Chiefneon