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Judithgap's avatar
Judithgap
Explorer
Mar 02, 2014

Gooseneck Hitch Question

Please forgive but I am still learning about Fifth Wheel trailers.
I have a 2014 F350 4x4 SRW that I ordered with the factory gooseneck setup. I don't understand how the gooseneck ball hitch attaches to a Fifth Wheel.
Is there a different setup on the hitch of the trailer that attaches to a gooseneck ball?
Thanks

9 Replies

  • I have a new F350 with the hitch prep. I should pick up the truck this week. I've have made plans for the b&W. I will use the 5th hitch as I don't have a trailer with ball. However; if I need to pull one this hitch will allow it. We go to a RV park in Colorado that has 400 parking spots. Many of the people come from Texas, Oklahoma, and etc. Thus many are in need of both. Some have the 5th wheel adapters to a ball. It seems to work, but I don't like the looks of it. Again if you don't want the B&W turn over ball hitch and go to the goose neck adapter, check with trailer manufacture.
  • Judithgap wrote:
    Please forgive but I am still learning about Fifth Wheel trailers.
    I have a 2014 F350 4x4 SRW that I ordered with the factory gooseneck setup. I don't understand how the gooseneck ball hitch attaches to a Fifth Wheel.
    Is there a different setup on the hitch of the trailer that attaches to a gooseneck ball?
    Thanks


    If you are new to fifth wheels, then you would be better off NOT using a conventional gooseneck adaptor. Besides the reasons already listed, visibility when hooking up and needing to use safety chains are two other big reasons. The elevated height of a standard fifth wheel hitch and the wide jaws, makes it much easier to align than centering over a ball that you can't see from the driver's seat. If you want to use a ball mount, then the Andersen Ultimate hitch is the best choice since it elevates the ball to the same height as the king pin and results in less stress on the fifth wheel frame.
  • Judithgap wrote:
    I thick this is what I am looking for. It is an adapter that attaches to the trailer itself to use the gooseneck ball.
    http://www.etrailer.com/dept-pg-Trailer_Coupler-sf-Gooseneck_and_Fifth_Wheel_Adapters.aspx


    If you have a new trailer, make sure the manufacturer will still warranty the trailer frame with the adapter installed. Many will not, as it adds extra stress to the pin box area. Search gooseneck adapters here and you will see this is a subject that comes up a lot. Chris
  • Judithgap wrote:
    I thick this is what I am looking for. It is an adapter that attaches to the trailer itself to use the gooseneck ball.
    http://www.etrailer.com/dept-pg-Trailer_Coupler-sf-Gooseneck_and_Fifth_Wheel_Adapters.aspx


    if you're interested in this type of setup just be aware that there have been some concerns raised about it. Two i remember are 1) may void the frame warranty and 2) may put too much stress on the pin box structure leading to frame cracking. There may be others. Personally, i don't know the validity of either, but i would do more research before going in this direction. There have been numerous threads on this forum on this topic so you should be able to find more info thru the 'search' function. May also want to contact the frame manufacturer of your trailer to get their input.
  • The Ford factory hitch prep will accomodate a 5th wheel hitch or a gooseneck ball. There is one larger hole in the center of the bed for the gooseneck ball (an optional piece of equipment) and 4 smaller holes, two on each side of the center hole for a drop in 5th wheel hitch, also an optional piece of equipment.

    Reese, B&W, and Pullrite all make 5th wheel hitches to fit the Ford factory hitch prep. And all are very good hitches.
  • I thick this is what I am looking for. It is an adapter that attaches to the trailer itself to use the gooseneck ball.
    http://www.etrailer.com/dept-pg-Trailer_Coupler-sf-Gooseneck_and_Fifth_Wheel_Adapters.aspx
  • No problem FWIW, my brother just bought a b&w it looks to be a well made unit I have one of their tow and stows it looks and works well. I have never heard a bad thing about them.
  • You are correct about the 4 round pucks.
    I appreciate the feedback and will check out the web site.
  • I think your truck also has 4 round Pucks in the bed near where the frame rails of the truck are you buy a b&w or Maybe a reese to go into those. B&W also makes a hitch to hook to their turnover ball, I don't see any reason it won't work with your gooseneck ball. You can also get an adapter to put on the pinbox to convert to a goose neck but you should check with the trailer mfgr to see if it will or not void your warranty.

    Check out B&w's website www.turnoverball.com