Difference between Fiver and a Gooseneck?

[Scollins]

My knowledge of hitches is quite limited, and I've always wondered what the differences are between a fifth wheel hitch and a gooseneck hitch? Can anyone help shed some light on the subject for me? I don't really have any plans to get a trailer of either style in the near future, just curious... ...


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Scott Collins
'98 Ram 2500 4x4 12 Valve Cummins.
Renton, WA

 

[illflem]

Scott,a 5th wheel is pretty much what the name implies. It's a flat plate with a V cut into it with a locking device that a pin on the trailer slides into. The weight of the trailer is spread over the 5th wheel plate. A goose neck connection is just a trailer ball mounted in-between the wheels in the middle of the bed. Many times folks will call a 5th wheel,a gooseneck,I'm not sure if this is right or wrong. The advantage of a 5th wheel is that the trailer weight is spread over more area and they are easier to hook up to because the V provides a bigger target. Disadvantage is that you have a big plate in your bed which can be harder to remove than a gooseneck ball and take up more room if you want to use your bed,some newer 5th wheel plates do remove more easily though. I use a gooseneck to haul 25k loads with no problems,it's up to the individual.

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95' 25004X4,AT,Driftwood,Banks Stinger,Warn fender flairs and running boards(Play truck)95 3500,5 speed,Driftwood,Banks&Phscotty,34,000 GCVW apple and tractor hauler(work truck)

 

[dmurdock]

You know what they say about pictures...


Fifth Wheel
#ad


Goose Neck
#ad



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'01 Eth 3500 dually, no mods planned except maybe an amsoil filter & guages. See My Truck and also be sure to read What tools & methods to use for an easy 1st oil change!!!
"Be happy you don't get all the government you pay for. " -W. C. Fields

[This message has been edited by dmurdock (edited 12-14-2000). ]

 

[illflem]

Only thing is in that gooseneck picture the framework looks like it goes on top of the bed. My framework is under the bed,the ball is the only thing showing above.