Gooseneck Vs. Fifth Wheel

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.

mkirsch wrote:
Take a look at the Andersen Ultimate Fifth Wheel hitch. It's the best of both worlds.

Rather than putting the gooseneck adapter on the trailer's pinbox where it acts like a cheater pipe on a wrench, the Andersen hitch mounts to your existing gooseneck hitch in the box. You attach a small adapter to the kingpin on the trailer. Now you have the flexibility of a gooseneck without putting excessive stress on the trailer's frame.

I know, I know... There are some people out there who use gooseneck adapters on their fifth wheels and claim that they have "no problems." They also haven't encountered that "Murphy" situation, such as the trailer sunk in the mud where it would be subjected to a hard pull.

Here's what happens when you put a cheater pipe on a wrench and submit it to a hard pull:

I like your sig:B

Take a look at the Andersen Ultimate Fifth Wheel hitch. It's the best of both worlds.

Rather than putting the gooseneck adapter on the trailer's pinbox where it acts like a cheater pipe on a wrench, the Andersen hitch mounts to your existing gooseneck hitch in the box. You attach a small adapter to the kingpin on the trailer. Now you have the flexibility of a gooseneck without putting excessive stress on the trailer's frame.

I know, I know... There are some people out there who use gooseneck adapters on their fifth wheels and claim that they have "no problems." They also haven't encountered that "Murphy" situation, such as the trailer sunk in the mud where it would be subjected to a hard pull.

Here's what happens when you put a cheater pipe on a wrench and submit it to a hard pull:

Another thing to consider is that with a gooseneck ball hitch, you may be required to use safety chains.

tinner12002 wrote:
There is one gooseneck setup that some manufacturers, from what I hear, will not void your RV warranty. I can't recall who makes it, but again check with your manufacturer, not your dealer as they will tell you about anything.
The one I'm talking about actually bolts to the hitch mounting points on your RV after taking original hitch off. Just looked it up...Reese Goosebox.

There are still several manufacturers that won't accept the Reese Goosebox either...as I stated, and you also...call the manufacturer and get the correct answer form them...it'll be the right one.

There is one gooseneck setup that some manufacturers, from what I hear, will not void your RV warranty. I can't recall who makes it, but again check with your manufacturer, not your dealer as they will tell you about anything.
The one I'm talking about actually bolts to the hitch mounting points on your RV after taking original hitch off. Just looked it up...Reese Goosebox.

Doc Rose wrote:
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/ suggestions?

Last two posters gave best answer, I'm in full agreement with them.

It would behoove you also to use the unit's GVW instead of a 'dry weight"...it's far more realistic because no one tows dry or empty..also gives you a better idea of pin weight. (9approx 20% of GVW).

Easiest answer to your question, call the manufacturer of the 5er and ask THEM if they'll
honor their warranty if you tow the 5er with a GN..Just cost a phone call and you get the right answer straight from the horses mouth so to speak. That's pretty much the pro's and con's...If manufacturer states it's ok to use a GN and it won't void some of your warranty, go for it...if they DON'T recommend towing their 5er with a GN, then it's your call and your decision if you want to take a chance with possible frame or delamination issues.


Jim

Sine you have the goose neck ball mount already in the bed, you also have the pucks for the fifth wheel hitch. Like mentioned above, a goose neck adaptor may void your frame warranty on your new trailer.

If you are talking about adding a gooseneck adapter to the FW pinbox, it may not be a great idea. Check with the trailer manufacturer, as to warranty, and their thoughts on trailer frame strength.

If you have the factory puck system in your Ram, why wouldn't you want a FW hitch made for it? That is going to be a heavy trailer when loaded. You will want a solid hitch.

Jerry