Gooseneck Vs. Fifth Wheel
Just starting out full time RV living. I have a 2015 Ram turbo diesel 6.7 with a Gooseneck hitch built in. I'm purchasing a toy hauler under 15,000lbs dry. I'd like to use the Gooseneck,pros/cons/ su...
Forum Discussion
The key issue is where the pivot point is.
If it matches a standard 5th wheel hitch (pivot point approx. 4-5 inches below the pin box), it should be fine. (Essentially a standard 5th wheel hitch secured to the gooseneck ball)
If it's all the way down at the truck bed (approx. 12-16 inches below the pin box), it's applying a moment arm approximately 3-4 times greater for the same loading. (an adapter that functions like a standard gooseneck hitch)
Some frames are designed to handle this extra loading. Others are not. If you look at gooseneck farm trailers, they typically come with large beams supporting the gooseneck. Those are not typically present on a 5th wheel frame.
If it matches a standard 5th wheel hitch (pivot point approx. 4-5 inches below the pin box), it should be fine. (Essentially a standard 5th wheel hitch secured to the gooseneck ball)
If it's all the way down at the truck bed (approx. 12-16 inches below the pin box), it's applying a moment arm approximately 3-4 times greater for the same loading. (an adapter that functions like a standard gooseneck hitch)
Some frames are designed to handle this extra loading. Others are not. If you look at gooseneck farm trailers, they typically come with large beams supporting the gooseneck. Those are not typically present on a 5th wheel frame.
