Jhendrick1043 wrote:
Thanks to everyone for their input and experience. I can see that I have allot to research before making the switch from a travel trailer to a 5th wheel RV. Since I have a number of years until retirement, my additional thought on moving up to a 5th wheel was to take it to out of the area jobsite campgrounds / state parks vs., staying in a hotel. One additional question was with respect to mounting a 5th wheel bed receiver. Does the hitch mounting hardware / rails need to lay directly on the truck bed? I have a 2014 RAM 3500 Big Horn 8ft. bed, but have a 3/4" thick corrugated bed liner + 1/4" thick bed mat for protection against heavy steel parts or gear boxes that might get thrown back there. I have the factory RAM gooseneck / 5th wheel hitch installed, and have measured & cutout the holes in the bed liner & mat for the center gooseneck ball & 4 - 5th wheel mounts. Currently, the liners have the deck elevated 1". Also, is there any merit to looking into gooseneck adapters for 5th wheel RV's that would have the RV ride on the gooseneck ball as it does when hauling the gooseneck trailer? I also have Timbren rear rubber suspension boosters that add additional stability and weight handling during towing, and a 24" wide X 48" long job box by the rear window. Thanks once again to all.- Regards, Jeff
The goose next adapter would be a easy way out for you . But in my opinion you would be putting your trailer and truck in a bind.Some trailers don't like that set up. Screws pop loose, welds crack. Plus the ride inside the trailer. You need to think on long term in my opinion. What will make the trailer last a long time without you paying to have something repaired that you could have avoided to start with. If you are a unlucky person like I am and end up with a trailer that gets the welds cracked and screw heads popping. I sure do like when I get to my destination at the end of the day. And open up my 5th wheel and nothing has moved. And that includes behind the axles. That is the rough riding part of the trailer. Now, if you have to slam on the brakes for some reason . Yes, things will move in the trailer . But the way I have mine set up , under normal driving . I have no problem with things moving in the 5th wheel.
