Fifthwheel or Gooseneck?

[WMonroe]

I am looking at buying a used camper, and it now has a Gooseneck adapter on it. It is welded on in 4 places but the owner said the welds could be ground off and then it would be back to a fifthwheel. Is there any disadvantages to the gooseneck adapter hitch? Why are all travel trailers fifthwheels, is it easier to tow with a fifthwheel?

Thanks

Will

 

[bmoeller]

I have heard tell that the adapter puts more stress on the trailer and pinbox.

 

[NVR FNSH]

Originally posted by bmoeller

I have heard tell that the adapter puts more stress on the trailer and pinbox.

If the adapter extends down from the 'normal' height of the 5th wheel hitch point then the adapter will increase the leverage on the trailer frame. May not be a good thing.....



Brian

 

[RustyJC]

Gooseneck adapters greatly increase the torques and moments applied to the pin box area of a 5th wheel frame - think "cheater pipe". Pin box and frame failures are not uncommon.



You might want to look at this iRV2.com thread regarding gooseneck adapters on 5th wheels.



Rusty

 

[WMonroe]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I think I will go with the fifthwheel hitch. What is the average price for one? Anything specific I should look at?

Thanks

Will

 

[klenger]

WMonroe



For me, the choice of 5er hitches came down to wanting a clean bed (no rails) when the hitch is removed. That left two options: The B&W Turnoverball gooseneck hitch with 5th wheel companion hitch, and the PullRite Super 5th with SuperRails. Since I never tow a gooseneck, I opted for the PullRite. Click link below for more info. If you aren't concerned about having the rails permanently mounted in the bed, then there are lots more options, Reese being one of the most popular. Plan on spending $500 - $1000 for new, used for maybe 1/2 that.



http://klenger.net/dodge/pullrite/index.html