Forum Discussion

RetiredSquid's avatar
RetiredSquid
Explorer
Aug 12, 2015

X Full Timer---5th Wheel Virgin

Full timed in a 33 travel Trailer for three years. Hated towing that thing even with my Dodge 3500. Found the road is calling me again...

Bought a 2011 F250 Crew Cab 4x4, 8' Bed. Truck was a goose neck hauler out of texas.Truck had a B&W TURNOVERBALLâ„¢ - GOOSENECK HITCH in it before I bought it but it has been removed.

Looking for a 5th wheel now. Lots of questions.

Hitch- Been told my best option would be to put another TURNOVERBALLâ„¢ - GOOSENECK HITCH in the truck and have the 5th wheel I buy converted to a goose neck. Im told the pro's are less maintenance and a empty flat bed when I want it.

Im sure this is a better option than having the holes welded shut and a traditional 5th wheel hitch installed ????

Or the other option buy the turnover and the companion to go with it.

Next Question- I hated pulling that 33 travel trailer, never pulled a 5th wheel but I am told Black and White difference?? How much difference between 33' 5th wheel and 42' 5th wheel when towing? Wife wants a Bunkhouse and I dont want the added length of a bunkhouse.

Any Brands to avoid?

TX
  • NC_Hauler's avatar
    NC_Hauler
    Explorer
    Aug 12, 2015
    My own personal opinion, the 5er tows better than TT.....Going to a 42' 5er with a 3/4 ton truck, ( ie check out the GCWR, GVWR, RAWR to make sure your truck is up to the job) just make sure you do the math on the 5er you're wanting to purchase..and use GVW of the 5er, not the "dry" or "empty" weight to figure pin weight (20% of 5er''s GVW)...These weights are more real world of what you'll tow.

    IF you purchase a new 5er, do yourself a favor to bypass all bickering over which hitch and ask if you can tow their 5er with a GN set up.....Some manufacturers will void some or all of 5er's warranty, (frame and sidewall issues), if their unit is towed with a GN....just takes a phone call and you have the RIGHT answer.

    Several 5er hitches can be used with the GN ball, I think Curt makes one that mounts on the ball as well as B&W...Also the Andersen Ultimate 5er hitch mounts on the GN ball......you can check them out and see if any of these would work if it's not recommended that 5er you want be towed with a GN hitch

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