Tony_Berry
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Re: Yet another gooseneck/fifth wheel adapter thread
VoodooMedicineMan wrote: The other thing I changed was the solid pin to one that has movement fore and aft, I can't remember the name of it. You changed the adapter or something on your camper? Is the adapter you have the same manufacturer/model as the one linked? Nice horns Thanks. One on each side and they are LOUD!967Views0likes0CommentsRe: Yet another gooseneck/fifth wheel adapter thread
VoodooMedicineMan wrote: I have that adapter for four years and it works fine. That's the response I was hoping for. Someone who actually uses one and for some length of time. Thanks for commenting. The only problem is hooking up is harder. My truck has a very high cab. I can see my ball quite clearly. In fact, in my case, I suspect it would be harder to hook up a fifth wheel because it is closer to the nose of the trailer and might be obscured unless I had an extended/offset pin.967Views0likes0CommentsRe: Yet another gooseneck/fifth wheel adapter thread
NMDriver2 wrote: Having a gooseneck adapter does not magically increase the force required to move, stop, or turn the 5er. The force applied at the pin does not change. Sure it does. More specifically, the direction of force, and where that excess is dissipated, changes. Simple leverage physics. Stretch your arm straight out with a bowling ball in your hand. You will exert a level of force on your wrist. Attach that bowling ball to a length of broomstick and hold it out. That force will be greatly exaggerated at your wrist.967Views0likes0CommentsRe: Yet another gooseneck/fifth wheel adapter thread
I was typing a response as you were... sayoung wrote: Is the ball a permeate mount or a turnover and is the bed flat or is ball in a recess trough ? It is a permanent mount in a trough. They do have an extension for the AUH if your ball is in the recess. I guess that would be a consideration. I'll do some more research. The problem with the AU is the sheer amount of space it consumes whether being used or stored. It doesn't appear it would fit in one of my toolboxes. I don't want to necessarily give up safety for portability, but it is a factor.967Views0likes0CommentsRe: Yet another gooseneck/fifth wheel adapter thread
mkirsch wrote: One thing you need to understand here is that this forum comprises only a small percentage of all RVers out there, and that absence of anecdotal evidence is not evidence of anecdotal absence. :lol: Unfortunately, I completely understand your point. If you understand basic physics and how cheaply RVs are manufactured, you would have concerns about the extra leverage one of those adapters puts on what amounts to a barely-adequate frame. I have an understanding of physics and I have seen how cheaply RV's can be built. There are alternatives such as the Reese Goosebox, which is designed to adapt a gooseneck to a 5th wheel, and approved by Lippert, who manufactures a good portion of the frames for these trailers That would be a consideration if I had a fifth wheel and I wanted to pull it on a somewhat regular basis. This adaption request is really just a last resort option for infrequent use. Something I can throw in the toolbox and can help on a moments notice if requested. the Andersen Ultimate series of 5th wheel hitches, which go at it from a different angle. I looked into that. I'm not sure it would work for me. My ball is below the flat surface of the bed. The AU appears to sit on the flat surface and doesn't have provisions for the ball mount to extend far below the level of the flat surface. I think the consensus is "go for it"... with caution and awareness. Got it.415Views0likes0CommentsRe: Yet another gooseneck/fifth wheel adapter thread
fj12ryder wrote: I don't think that occasional usage to move a 5th wheel would incur damage to the trailer. If a need-to-move arose I think you'd be fine. Regular usage...possibly another story. That was my thought as well. Plus I am a very conservative driver... that 4400 would yank the king pin out of a trailer if I gunned it. Low gearing and massive torque. It has air brakes, so I could probably rip it out the other way slamming my brakes. Those are going to be the sensitive actions... acceleration and braking. Done carefully, I should be okay. That is a cool truck, where did you come by it, if I might ask. Equipment auction out of state. It was being auctioned as having 4x4, which was an option on the 4400, so it seemed valid. I bought it online and when I drove to pick it up, I noticed it wasn't 4x4. I ended up keeping it anyway as I got it for a decent price and other than 4x4, it was exactly what I wanted. It has an Eaton rear locker which does surprisingly well in slick stuff (mostly mud around around), so it has some ability to avoid getting stuck. My F-550 would get stuck in wet grass. It was 2WD and terrible in slick stuff.348Views0likes0CommentsRe: Yet another gooseneck/fifth wheel adapter thread
gbopp wrote: I can't help you with your question. But, that is a cool truck. Thanks. My previous truck was an F-550 with an air ride fifth wheel pulling a 40' Alfa Toyhauler. Gave up the toyhauler and F-550 since we were done full timing and spend most of our time at home now. The 4400 pulls my Bobcat and stuff around. Registered as a private farm truck. Clicky for the Adapter Thanks. Most forum software converts the links for me. I went back and "linked" them all.350Views0likes0CommentsYet another gooseneck/fifth wheel adapter thread
There have been plenty of threads and discussions already, but I want to approach from a different angle as I didn't find my answer in the current threads... http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/29411839/ http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/29443693/ http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/29450264/ http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/29507411/ http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/29597336/ http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/29693859/ And on and on. I am debating an adapter such as this: https://www.ebay.com/itm/182895667420 My truck is a International 4400 Class 6 low profile. It has a tradesman bed and a gooseneck mount. It has rear air suspension, but I wanted the extra cushioning of an air ride hitch/adapter. This will minimize the jolts to the trailer on the y-axis, but not necessarily the stress on the x-axis. I would have to do some moderate fabrication to install a more standard fifth wheel... custom brackets, custom rails, etc. I have the tools and experience to do that, but it would be some work and I don't intend to pull a fifth wheel on a regular basis. In fact, I haven't really needed to pull one to date. I want the ability to help someone move a camper in a pinch... flood, fire, to/from the shop, in the event they don't have a means to do so. More of a option than something I'd use daily, weekly or even monthly. Does anyone have verified stories of failures and how they failed? Poor quality adapter? Improper installation? Accident of tow vehicle? What factors (besides x-axis stress) may have contributed to the failure?3.3KViews0likes23Comments
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