I am considering replacing my 31' TT with a larger 5th wheel rig. My TV is a 2013 GMC 2500HD Duramax that the former owner installed a B&W Gooseneck ball type hitch that leaves the bed open without any hardware to get in the way of loading the truck. Obviously, I have to invest in a hitch but I'm unsure of which way to go. Most 5th wheels don't use the gooseneck hitch and from what I've read, it's used mostly when pulling flat bed or livestock trailers. I'm not sure why. Since I already have the gooseneck I'm thinking I might as well use what I have. Anyone have any opinions about gooseneck versus 5th wheel hitches? I'm not sure which way I should be going with this. I know it's going to be expensive either.

There are a few 5th wheel hitch manufacturers that make 5th wheel hitches that attach to the ball in the bed of your truck. Highly recommend use one of these.B&WPullriteAndersen

I prefer gooseneck ball style hitches to fifth wheel hitches because they're smoother, better on uneven terrain and they're idiot-proof in terms of whether they're hitched properly. On a fifth wheel I think an Andersen type setup is superior to mounting a gooseneck adapter in terms of the stresses placed on the pinbox and trailer frame. I use the rail mount version but most guys who run the turnover ball style seem happy with them too.

Andersen Ultimate 5th Wheel Adapter, or B&W 5th Wheel companion... I have the gooseneck ball in my truck and use the Andersen to connect to the 5th wheel. This way I get a completely flat and empty bed when the 5er is not in use.Note that these are different than the "gooseneck adapter" that is basically an extension pole from the fifth wheel hitch to the gooseneck ball.. those type of adapters can put excess strain on the 5er frame and can void frame warranty.

I agree with Spud, any of the three, would be a better choice than using an actual gooseneck adapter that is not really designed for a FW frame.The later model trucks, such as yours, can suffer a bit of bed deflection/denting, due to these hitch platforms using the truck bed for partial support.Jerry

There are 5th wheel hitches that leave a clean bed.As for which is best the big guys use the 5th wheel for many reasons.As for the goose-neck being idiot proof why are safety chains required in most states?

Gooseneck versus 5th Wheel hitch | Good Sam Community

RCMAN46
Explorer
Jan 04, 2017
There are 5th wheel hitches that leave a clean bed.

As for which is best the big guys use the 5th wheel for many reasons.

As for the goose-neck being idiot proof why are safety chains required in most states?
MFL
Nomad II
Jan 04, 2017
I agree with Spud, any of the three, would be a better choice than using an actual gooseneck adapter that is not really designed for a FW frame.

The later model trucks, such as yours, can suffer a bit of bed deflection/denting, due to these hitch platforms using the truck bed for partial support.

Jerry
gkainz
Explorer
Jan 04, 2017
Andersen Ultimate 5th Wheel Adapter, or B&W 5th Wheel companion... I have the gooseneck ball in my truck and use the Andersen to connect to the 5th wheel. This way I get a completely flat and empty bed when the 5er is not in use.

Note that these are different than the "gooseneck adapter" that is basically an extension pole from the fifth wheel hitch to the gooseneck ball.. those type of adapters can put excess strain on the 5er frame and can void frame warranty.
IdaD
Explorer
Jan 04, 2017
I prefer gooseneck ball style hitches to fifth wheel hitches because they're smoother, better on uneven terrain and they're idiot-proof in terms of whether they're hitched properly. On a fifth wheel I think an Andersen type setup is superior to mounting a gooseneck adapter in terms of the stresses placed on the pinbox and trailer frame. I use the rail mount version but most guys who run the turnover ball style seem happy with them too.
spud1957
Explorer
Jan 04, 2017
There are a few 5th wheel hitch manufacturers that make 5th wheel hitches that attach to the ball in the bed of your truck. Highly recommend use one of these.

B&W
Pullrite
Andersen

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