Gooseneck to 5th wheel adapter

[SteveR58]

I have a ford f-350 that has a gooseneck hitch in the bed (hideagoose) and I am considering buying the Bulldog 9481 5th wheel hitch adapter to use hauling a 5th wheel but wanted to know if anyone has used the adapter and had any experience using it. I really don't want to have to remove the gooseneck hitch to install a 5th wheel hitch and end up with holes in the bed. Thanks in advance for any thoughts from someone that has used one or the B&W. Steve

[SteveR58]

Not sure why this went off the deep end of gooseneck adapters versus 5th wheel adapters as I simply specified a specific adapter that is a gooseneck to 5th wheel adapter that is in the bed of the truck. No one said it would void a warranty on the new 5th wheel and in fact the dealer was very interested in it for other people. Anyway it does not void my warranty according to the dealer and since it is a 5th wheel hitch in the bed the trailer is stock 5th wheel. Thanks All and if you want to start a thread on the pros and cons of gooseneck hitches you might want to start a new thread or one of the many older threads.

[laknox]

krazymatt wrote:

laknox wrote:

krazymatt wrote:
So I hate to bring up an old topic but I'm looking at a used 5th Wheel with a Gooseneck adapter. Actually the GS adapter was my plan regardless due to truck bed use and convenience. Warranty isn't an issue but I don't understand how the gooseneck hitch puts more "stress" on the frame when a 5th wheel hitch puts both the truck and trailer frame under extreme stress when trying to maneuver into or out of on a non level surface like a forest dry camp spot when the gooseneck adapter allows more freedom??? Of course the other issue is damaging the camper or bed rail if it pivots too much.

When you need to break a stuck bolt loose, what do you do? You grab a longer wrench or a cheater pipe for more leverage. In normal towing, NMDriver is right, you won't see much difference. It's when you hit a bump or pull over a rise in the ground that you'll get the greater stresses. You've now got about an 18" long "lever" trying to twist the pinbox, which puts much more strain on the underlying frame. Look at =any= gooseneck trailer and notice how the hitch area is beefed up and gusseted. No FW trailer is built as heavy as this. IMO, this isn't an issue with smaller FWs, say 25' and less, but for heavier rigs, it's just not smart. Now. if you get something =in writing= from the manufacturer stating that their frame will not have any problems, that's a different story.

Lyle

I understand what you're saying. For normal towing I don't see a problem unless you chained the 5er to a fixed object and yanked and jerked on it. Yes gs trailers have extreme gussets and heavy steel but then again they're made to tow backhoes and livestock. The ranch adapter I'm looking at is rated at 30,000lbs. If it was such a big deal I don't think Andersen would be in business. The trailer im getting is a 2003 so I could care less about warranties. Thanks

With most manufacturers voiding warranties on new FWs if an adapter is used, that =should= tell you something. It's not the adapter that's the weak link, it's the underlying frame of the FW. An Anderson hitch doesn't have the problem in that it moves the ball up nearly to the level of the king pin, so you have much less leverage on the pin box. Several mfrs specifically allow the Anderson because of this. When frames on the vintage FW you're looking at were breaking under NORMAL towing, why chance adding any stress to the equation. There are any number of threads on here, with pictures, showing what happened to peoples' FWs when the frame failed, including a couple on FWs on their first or second trip out. Our roadways in many locations are in such poor condition that you don't have to "chained the 5er to a fixed object and yanked and jerked on it" as you said, to cause problems; just tow down the freeway for a couple thousand miles.

Lyle

[SteveR58]

Just thought I would provide an update to the 5th wheel hitch adapter since I started this thread and see a lot of comments both pro and con.

The hitch adapter Bulldog 9481 seems to be well built and thought out. Obviously you have to take into consideration just what gooseneck hitch you have in your bed as it will only work with certain hitches and that is by design. This design comment was added when people started using it on other gooseneck hitches and had to modify the hitch pin for various reasons.

The instructions were done well and it was a easy assembly process and when it was completely assembled we placed it in the bed and locked it in just like a gooseneck hitch. You are then required to tighten a nut to obtain a certain torque on the gooseneck pin so that no one can release the gooseneck lever. Good idea. The second nut is to lock the pin you just tightened so that even if it came loose the other one would be a backup. Anyway I just made a 980 mile haul with a 5th wheel with no problems from the adapter and it was just like having a regular 5th wheel hitch in the bed.

And it looks like one too!

Thanks all for the help

[Dayle1]

krazymatt wrote:

I understand what you're saying. For normal towing I don't see a problem unless you chained the 5er to a fixed object and yanked and jerked on it. Yes gs trailers have extreme gussets and heavy steel but then again they're made to tow backhoes and livestock. The ranch adapter I'm looking at is rated at 30,000lbs. If it was such a big deal I don't think Andersen would be in business. The trailer im getting is a 2003 so I could care less about warranties. Thanks

Weight rating of the adaptor is not the issue, the fiver frame is not rated for the extra leverage. So your unit is out of warranty, but IF the extra leverage does cause problems, repairs will cost about $5000. Doesn't seem to be worth the risk, considering the cost. Andersen states that some fivers don't have frames strong enough for the adaptor, but can't tell you which ones are OK. The trailer manufacturers can't tell you because it is not their design. And with the quality inconsistency in the RV industry, other owners can't tell you even if they have the same brand, model and year unit.

Finally, Andersen does understand the problem and that is why they designed the Ultimate hitch, which would be worth your consideration. The Ultimate is an elevated ball mount that attaches to the existing in floor ball socket. Because it is elevated, it is easier for the driver to see the ball for hitching. And being raised, it does not add significant leverage like other GN solutions. It is also the lightest, cheapest solution and they now have an aluminum version that is even lighter.

[krazymatt]

laknox wrote:

krazymatt wrote:
So I hate to bring up an old topic but I'm looking at a used 5th Wheel with a Gooseneck adapter. Actually the GS adapter was my plan regardless due to truck bed use and convenience. Warranty isn't an issue but I don't understand how the gooseneck hitch puts more "stress" on the frame when a 5th wheel hitch puts both the truck and trailer frame under extreme stress when trying to maneuver into or out of on a non level surface like a forest dry camp spot when the gooseneck adapter allows more freedom??? Of course the other issue is damaging the camper or bed rail if it pivots too much.

When you need to break a stuck bolt loose, what do you do? You grab a longer wrench or a cheater pipe for more leverage. In normal towing, NMDriver is right, you won't see much difference. It's when you hit a bump or pull over a rise in the ground that you'll get the greater stresses. You've now got about an 18" long "lever" trying to twist the pinbox, which puts much more strain on the underlying frame. Look at =any= gooseneck trailer and notice how the hitch area is beefed up and gusseted. No FW trailer is built as heavy as this. IMO, this isn't an issue with smaller FWs, say 25' and less, but for heavier rigs, it's just not smart. Now. if you get something =in writing= from the manufacturer stating that their frame will not have any problems, that's a different story.

Lyle

I understand what you're saying. For normal towing I don't see a problem unless you chained the 5er to a fixed object and yanked and jerked on it. Yes gs trailers have extreme gussets and heavy steel but then again they're made to tow backhoes and livestock. The ranch adapter I'm looking at is rated at 30,000lbs. If it was such a big deal I don't think Andersen would be in business. The trailer im getting is a 2003 so I could care less about warranties. Thanks

[laknox]

krazymatt wrote:
So I hate to bring up an old topic but I'm looking at a used 5th Wheel with a Gooseneck adapter. Actually the GS adapter was my plan regardless due to truck bed use and convenience. Warranty isn't an issue but I don't understand how the gooseneck hitch puts more "stress" on the frame when a 5th wheel hitch puts both the truck and trailer frame under extreme stress when trying to maneuver into or out of on a non level surface like a forest dry camp spot when the gooseneck adapter allows more freedom??? Of course the other issue is damaging the camper or bed rail if it pivots too much.

When you need to break a stuck bolt loose, what do you do? You grab a longer wrench or a cheater pipe for more leverage. In normal towing, NMDriver is right, you won't see much difference. It's when you hit a bump or pull over a rise in the ground that you'll get the greater stresses. You've now got about an 18" long "lever" trying to twist the pinbox, which puts much more strain on the underlying frame. Look at =any= gooseneck trailer and notice how the hitch area is beefed up and gusseted. No FW trailer is built as heavy as this. IMO, this isn't an issue with smaller FWs, say 25' and less, but for heavier rigs, it's just not smart. Now. if you get something =in writing= from the manufacturer stating that their frame will not have any problems, that's a different story.

Lyle

[krazymatt]

Mootpoint wrote:
I wouldn't tow a rig with a gooseneck hitch set-up unless the trailer was originally built for it. JMHO.
Best solution and relatively easy, Anderson, it will keep the pull angle on the box in the correct position.

This seems like it's a never ending argument in the 5er world. I truly believe the warranty void issue is just another method of getting out of a warranty for the factory. In this day in age insurance companies and vehicle manufacturers are all about looking for ways out of their promises. It doesn't necessarily mean the world is going to end if you violate the issue. In my case I will be using the truck for other purposes so a 5er hitch isn't in the picture for me. Plus I don't have a loader or forklift to remove the heavy 5er hitch frequently. My 5er is a 2002 with no warranty so I'm just going tow it normally with the GS hitch and hope for the best. My friend has been towing his 5er like that for years with no issues except the trailer hitting the bed on an occasion or two when he was trying to get into a spot.

[krazymatt]

NMDriver wrote:
A gooseneck adapter does not put more stress on the pin or frame of a 5er. You can not add stress beyond that needed to move the 5er. Once it moves the stress drops. All hitches must use the same stress to move the 5er pin. One hitch does not magically change the inertia of the 5er more than another hitch.

A regular 5er hitch will put more stress if it is forced beyond the angles it was designed for. A gooseneck is a better hitch, particularly for rough country travel.

BTW instead of hi-jacking this guys forum you should ask your question as a new post, since the "internet engineers" will be poo pooing the gooseneck endlessly. I will not respond to this particular topic but if you want more info start a new discussion or PM me.

Thanks, I'll drop you a PM. A new topic will likely get the "use the search" whiners started.

[Mootpoint]

I wouldn't tow a rig with a gooseneck hitch set-up unless the trailer was originally built for it. JMHO.
Best solution and relatively easy, Anderson, it will keep the pull angle on the box in the correct position.

[NMDriver]

A gooseneck adapter does not put more stress on the pin or frame of a 5er. You can not add stress beyond that needed to move the 5er. Once it moves the stress drops. All hitches must use the same stress to move the 5er pin. One hitch does not magically change the inertia of the 5er more than another hitch.

A regular 5er hitch will put more stress if it is forced beyond the angles it was designed for. A gooseneck is a better hitch, particularly for rough country travel.

BTW instead of hi-jacking this guys forum you should ask your question as a new post, since the "internet engineers" will be poo pooing the gooseneck endlessly. I will not respond to this particular topic but if you want more info start a new discussion or PM me.

[krazymatt]

So I hate to bring up an old topic but I'm looking at a used 5th Wheel with a Gooseneck adapter. Actually the GS adapter was my plan regardless due to truck bed use and convenience. Warranty isn't an issue but I don't understand how the gooseneck hitch puts more "stress" on the frame when a 5th wheel hitch puts both the truck and trailer frame under extreme stress when trying to maneuver into or out of on a non level surface like a forest dry camp spot when the gooseneck adapter allows more freedom??? Of course the other issue is damaging the camper or bed rail if it pivots too much.

[Endricken]

I really enjoyed my Star Performance Kingpin Adapter, the glider motion was great. But eventually (after 5 years and VERY ROUGH roads) it was too strong for my pinbox and started bending the flat plate the kingpin is welded onto. So I conservatively replaced the Pinbox with the new Lippert Goosebox. I don't think its quite as good at reducing chucking as my old Adapter and it has to be aired up (the airbag) and greased after "every" tow. Wish I still had the Star Performance Kingpin Adapter. However the Goosebox doesn't use safety chains so thats one convenience tradeoff.

Of all the Gooseneck converters I'vs seen in almost every RV park, have yet to encounter another Star Performance Adapter or a Goosebox...

[jerem0621]

Excellent! Can you come back after you get the unit and provide a review? I think you will be the first forum member to report using the Bulldog High-Rise fifth wheel.

Thanks!

Jeremiah

[SteveR58]

Thanks all for the answers and concerns. I have decided to go with the bulldog adapter because it seems capable of doing the job and sits in the truck and not on the trailer. I did look at the B&W as well but price wise the bulldog seems fit for the towing capacity of the truck I have which is a meager 12300lbs max weight. I may have been a little vague as to the type of adapter so sorry. Just did not make it clear. Thanks again and just sold the class A so time to start looking! 🙂