gooseneck vs fifth wheel hitch

Learjet wrote:

N-Trouble wrote:

Learjet wrote:
For me, when I was looking at the Andersen, that block that connects to the pin and is held tight by 4 set screw was more of a concern than anything else.

What is the strength of that part? If you look at the edges near the ball and near the 5th pin....just saying...I couldn't get past that part.

I had no problem with the base, since I have rails, but we never talk about that block.

I know I'm stirring that pot :)

Please produce any reports on the internet of people having issue with the set screws/aluminum block...

We can all "specualate" about a lot of things but without data it doesn't mean a whole lot.

And its not just 4 set screws that hold it on. The are also two "large" lag bolts that pass through the front and back of the pin.

You might want to re-read my post, I didn't say there had been failures. I offered what was a factor in making MY decision and what I perceive as being the weak area, or the area I didn't like.

Yes, I know the big bolts go through the pin, but all the pin weight sits on the 4 set screws?

I think a purposed built pin box with the base would be the cats meow. I know it would cost more.

What exactly is your concern with the set screws? What would a failure look like in your mind?

There are nearly zero cross sheer forces exerted on the set screws. All the forces are applied along the axis of the bolts directly onto the threads which each of them have a massive 3" of. 2-3Klb of pin weight is mice nuts of what 3" of threads across four of those screws are capable of withstanding.

I think this is why so many have an issue with the Andersen. They simply can't get their head around how something that looks the way it does can actually be strong. I absolutely get it...