towing

dogsanddonks wrote:
so what are the advantages to a big 'ol 5th wheel in your bed?

Mine's air ride. Love it.

Many manufacturers will void warranty if used with a goose neck hitch. Some folks will argue with it but the frame structure needs to be able to handle the additional flexing that comes with a goose neck hitch. Generally can tow heavy trailers with a 5th wheel. Just how many 18 wheelers does one see pulling goose neck trailers. Air ride available with 5th wheel. Less for and aft motion then with 5th wheel. There are more reasons but this is a laptop with small keyboard.

Design is one a GN trailer is designed to handle the forces of the longer lever, the 5er pin box is not.

Goose neck of 10,000# GVWR two horse slant trailer.



38' TH 5th wheel triple axle with conversion.

My FW came with a hitch. Couldn't afford to not use it :)

DO whatever you desire..it's your trailer.


Course just because an item is available via the aftermarket doesn't mean it is needed, better or even correct to use.

But it's your trailer

If it is a new trailer you might want to check whether it will affect warranty or not. Lots of discussions about this in the past.
But lots of people do use them apparently with no problems. I would guess something like 10-15% of 5ers I see have gooseneck adapters.
5th wheel hitch is easier to hook up. Just get within an inch and half or so and back into it and it will self align and latch. Most have front to back and side to side tilt. And there are a number of 5th wheel hitches available with no bed rails and that can be lifted out leaving the bed flat.

OK I'm not an engineer so I have to ask.

Why does a goose neck hitch put more stress on the trailer than fifth wheel hitch?

The point where all the pulling (and stopping) force is applied is at the base of the adapter which some distance below the location of the king pin where the force is normally applied. That creates a lever effect. And torque is force times the length of the lever. Basically a multiplier of force. Think of a cheater bar used with a wrench to loosen a tight bolt.
That extra torque (twisting force) is transferred to the pin box and subsequently to the frame.

This is one reason. I went the B&W hitch with the Companion. I can use my trailer for tractor, goose neck, quickly change over to my Companion to tow my fiver or remove both for a flat bed to carry something in my truck bed.