5th Wheel vs. Gooseneck

[engine31]

Hi all just a quick question we are about to embark on the purchase of a 5th wheel which will be a new adventure for us. We have towed everything small to large but all bumper pulls. At a sales lot yesterday the guy said we will put a gooseneck in your bed. I did a little bit of research but decided to come here to seek out the best advice.

Thanks

[slider45]

C Schomer wrote:
I built my RV bed for fifth wheel hitch and gooseneck ball. When I had both kinds of trailers I was constantly switching back-and-forth so I put a king pin post on my gooseneck trailer so the fifth wheel hitch worked for both. That was the best of both worlds… The easiest hitching for both trailers and no gooseneck adapter problem on the fifth wheel RV.

I will mention this setup to my uncle. He also has two trailers and he's tired of switching. We'll just finish installing the new suspension and truck tires on his F250 this week before we can work on the hitch.

[OverNightSensat]

BB_TX wrote:
If you are buying new, Lippert frames approve a Goosebox adapter (has shock absorbers and air bag) but not rigid adapters.

That is incorrect information. I have a Lippert Gooseneck Connect that does not void Lippert's warranty. https://store.lci1.com/gooseneck-connect-21k-2020043670

Pulled my 45' toyhauler 6 thousand miles so far, no problem.

[TXiceman]

spoon059 wrote:

TXiceman wrote:
Goose neck trailers are specifically built to be pulled by a goose neck ball. Adding an after-market adapter to a 5th wheel trailer does not make it suitable to tow from a goose neck ball.

Ken

Reese Goosebox

The GooseBox is nothing more than a glorified adapter with an air bag. I would not put on my RV even though Lippert guarantees it. Lippert now owns Reese.

Ken

[valhalla360]

Cptnvideo wrote:
Question: When going over uneven railroad tracks or something similar, can the gooseneck style hitch allow the trailer to tilt enough sideways to damage the pickup bed rails?

Sure.

The issue with a gooseneck lowers the hitch pivot point. That creates a larger lever arm on the hitch for acceleration and braking forces where the hitch connects to the trailer frame.

If it was designed to accommodate those forces, it can be fine.
- If you look as typical gooseneck trailers, they have big heavily built beams to take those forces.
- If you pull the skin off your average 5th wheel, the frame is far less robust.

Also, keep in mind, if you drive mostly on smooth roads with very gentle acceleration and deceleration, that will reduce the loads on the frame substantially, so if someone says they got away with a gooseneck for years, doesn't mean you won't hit a pothole during a panic braking and crack your trailer frame day one.

Check with the manufacturer and if they say they will warranty damage related to a gooseneck, you are probably fine. If not, you roll the dice and take your chances.

PS: There are 5th wheel hitches that attach to a gooseneck ball (rather than rails) thus raising the pivot point such that it's similar to a standard 5th wheel hitch. Those should be fine.

[Cptnvideo]

Question: When going over uneven railroad tracks or something similar, can the gooseneck style hitch allow the trailer to tilt enough sideways to damage the pickup bed rails?

[spoon059]

TXiceman wrote:
Goose neck trailers are specifically built to be pulled by a goose neck ball. Adding an after-market adapter to a 5th wheel trailer does not make it suitable to tow from a goose neck ball.

Ken

Reese Goosebox

[TXiceman]

Goose neck trailers are specifically built to be pulled by a goose neck ball. Adding an after-market adapter to a 5th wheel trailer does not make it suitable to tow from a goose neck ball.

Ken

[C_Schomer]

I built my RV bed for fifth wheel hitch and gooseneck ball. When I had both kinds of trailers I was constantly switching back-and-forth so I put a king pin post on my gooseneck trailer so the fifth wheel hitch worked for both. That was the best of both worlds… The easiest hitching for both trailers and no gooseneck adapter problem on the fifth wheel RV.

[Thermoguy]

My truck has a B&W turn over ball - essentially a gooseneck hitch. To haul my 5th wheel, I have a B&W companion, that uses the gooseneck hitch to attach to the truck. So, depending on the conversation - did you say you wanted a hitch without rails or to keep your bed clean when not using?

What is your truck?

[JIMNLIN]

Depends what is meant by a gooseneck in the bed. More than one style of GN type hook ups out here for a 5th wheel type rv trailer..
Need more onfo on what the sales guy was talking about.

[camp-n-family]

You can put a goose neck hitch in the bed and use a hitch on it like the b&w companion or an Anderson. Most rv pin boxes aren’t strong enough for a goose neck adapter and manufacturer warranties won’t support it.

[BB_TX]

If you are buying new, Lippert frames approve a Goosebox adapter (has shock absorbers and air bag) but not rigid adapters.

Many people prefer gooseneck hitches, some because they are used to them from hauling stock or construction trailers. They may be a little harder for you to hook up as it may hard to see the ball in the bottom of the bed. And being a ball it has to be lined up pretty close. A 5th wheel hitch is more forgiving. And in general a gooseneck, being a ball hitch, requires safety chains similar to a bumper hitch.

[MFL]

Asking this type question will get best replies in the fifth wheel section of the forum.

While you aren't giving enough info, as to what your TV is, here is some things you might add.

What year, make, and model is your tow vehicle? What size, length and GVWR is the fifth wheel you are considering? Why do you want a gooseneck ball installed in the bed, and what hitch are you considering?

Using a gooseneck adapter is not usually the best choice, and will void your warranty on many new FWs.

Jerry

[phillyg]

Make sure the RV mfgr. allows a gooseneck without voiding your frame warranty.