5th wheel to goose neck???

[MJO21]

My wife and I just bought our first camper. 2002 R-Vision Trail Lite model 5281-S. We will be towing it with our dodge 1500... For now. I have been reading that converting from 5th to gooseneck will save some weight. More importantly I would rather not have to mess with the in and out of the hitch when i am using my truck for other things.

The 5th wheel has an aluminum frame. I have heard people who "think they have heard that you can not goose neck an aluminum framed camper?

What do you think?

Thanks, Mike

[MJO21]

Do you think the "ultra lite" would be safer. ( dry weight 5100lbs). Or be more dangerous because "ultra lite" is lighter therefore weaker?

[sdetweil]

see the Andersen Ultimate Fifth Wheel hitch if you want to limit the impact on the FW

[BB_TX]

Some (many?) manufacturers claim they will void the warranty if you use a gooseneck adapter as the frame is not designed for it. And undeniably it does put additional torque forces to the frame.
But many people do use them. And I do not remember ever reading that someone had a frame failure due to using one.
SO. Consider all info before you decide to chance it.

[donn0128]

Use it and you will likely be doing some frame repairs within a year or so.

[Endricken]

Investigate the STAR Performance Kingpin Adapter (Gooseneck).
Google it.
I've used one successfully since 2007.

[mark5w]

I don't think that the wheel frame is made of aluminum but rather steel. The walls are what are probably made of an aluminum frame construction.
I'm not crazy about goose neck hitches but if you like em you can use it.

[SDcampowneroper]

Most certainly your camper is not aluminum 'framed' but aluminum superstructured. The frame is steel. Check it with a magnet.
Using a goose neck adaptor on a rig designed for 5th wheel adds a lot of leverage to the frame. The pin box attachment frame is not designed for that added stress. Warranty will be voided.
It is a PIA to have a 5er hitch in the bed of the truck, but I feel it is offset by the ease of hook up.