Towing Fifth Wheel

There is no advantage as far as I cam see. But one BIG disadvantage. That is the possability of voiding yoir frame warrenty.

It's easier to hook up a 5th.

donn0128 wrote:
There is no advantage as far as I cam see. But one BIG disadvantage. That is the possability of voiding yoir frame warrenty.

X2 - but make that "probability" for voiding your frame warranty if you install a gooseneck adapter on a fifth wheel RV. Many people do it and get by with it, but the stresses on the pin box and frame are quite different than with a standard fifth wheel hitch.

Rob

I've never been around a gooseneck that clanks and clunks like some fifth wheel hitches, so they're very smooth. They also give you more bed space because you don't have a hitch in the bed. Some worry about gooseneck adapters on fifth wheels, though, and in theory I don't disagree. My dad has had his smallish Nash fifth wheel on a gooseneck adapter for more than 20 years with no issues, however.

I use a rail mount Andersen hitch which eliminates the leverage downside of the gooseneck adapter, and it seems like a good compromise. I don't think it's any harder to hitch than a fifth wheel hitch and it's very solid and totally smooth. I'm happy with it.

Gooseneck allows more pivoting when on uneven surfaces. That's why most horse trailers and race haulers are gooseneck.

I do recall reading somewhere that some frame/RV mfgrs. do not allow using a gooseneck. If you want to use one, just get the necessary approval from the mfgrs.

phillyg wrote:
I do recall reading somewhere that some frame/RV mfgrs. do not allow using a gooseneck. If you want to use one, just get the necessary approval from the mfgrs.

And be prepared to spend some money to strengthen the frame to handle the added stresses.

If one purchases a used 5er that has no warranty left, tow with whatever you want,it's yours..IF purchasing a NEW 5er/TH, I would recommend one just make a phone call to the manufacturer and ask THEM what their take is on towing with a GN, seeing as how they'll be the one that will have to handle warranty repairs IN CASE something were to happen, i.e. cracked frame, delamination.....but that won't happen...take a chance

Nothing wrong with ball/coupler just dont use a GN adapter. Better choice is to use something like the Andersen Ultimate 5er connection which raises the ball to the same level as a conventional 5er hitch.

Or the Pullrite adapter that does the same thing.

If you're looking at purpose built 5th wheel vs gooseneck trailers there's really no difference in how they pull. Only how they hitch/unhitch.