Hey guys I have a question for those who tow campers. I am looking at getting a 5th wheel camper in the next year or so. But I am not a huge fan of the 5th wheel hitch taking up so much space in the bed. And from what I have read they are pretty heavy to be dragging in and out.

I looked online and saw that you can get gooseneck adapters a convert them. I like the fact with a gooseneck you can use a hideaway hitch. And still have your whole bed to use.

Has anyone used or have a 5th wheel camper with the gooseneck conversion? Do they tow the same? Any issues with them? What are the pros and cons with both set ups? Thanks for the help.

 

Here's one that'll fit onto a hideaway -
lightweight too. I'm getting a rail version before 2014 camping season.

 

Advantages and disadvantages when doing what you propose. Not all fivers stand up well structurally to be goosenecked so research this topic thoroughly. The traditional fiver hitch breaks down into two parts so even an old dog like me doesn't have much trouble handling it. Weight depends on the brand, but as you correctly note, some folks prefer the goosenecks.

Steve

 

Thanks for the info. I will be doing my research before I do something. I am just curious as to any problems associated with doing that type of conversion. Since you say that there are 5er hitches that are easy to take in and out. Then I won't rule out a 5th wheel hitch.

 

The structural problem is the gooseneck adds some leveraged force to the pin box cause a break at the bedroom slide-out in the sidewall opening in some fifth wheels. Many posts to this forum have noted manufacturers regard the use of a gooseneck adapter as outside of warranty coverage if something should go wrong that could be traced back to it.

I can't tell you how common a problem it is statistically, although I have seen it somewhat frequently when I work on fifth wheels on the dealers' lots. Not trying to say it happens to all of them as it clearly does not and I do not know how to predict in which cases it will cause a problem. Just something to keep in mind.

As your post suggests, there are some features that gooseneck users regard as a convenience.

Steve

 

Thanks for the info. I think I will disregard the gooseneck adapter then.

 

good call as one of the 'features' of the gooseneck on a 5er would probably be an awful ride and transmission of that to the tow vehicle...

 

BTW, that Anderson hitch is NOT a gooseneck!

 

My inlaws ran a adapter for a few years and one summer I noticed that the pinbox was pointing up at a really funny angle. We proceded to remove the skin under the overhang to find almost every weld broke on the frame. I can honestly say they had about another 100 miles and they would have lost the whole trailer on the highway. After seeing that I will never run a gooseneck adapter on any fifth wheel of mine..

 

A B&W Turnover Ball hitch is an excellent hitch choice in that you have a permanent frame mounted hitch that can be used to haul a gooseneck trailer or with an adapter pin and their Companion hitch, haul a 5th wheel trailer. Then if you ever upgrade to an '11 or newer SD, you can get the Ford option, a new B&W base and roll on. The beauty of that B&W Companion 5er hitch is that it, when removed (two pieces at ~60 or so pounds each) leaves the bed totally open, no rails in the way.

The 'original' version, 18,000 pound capacity:http://s70.photobucket.com/user/Irel...1-1-1.jpg.html





The latest version, 20,000 pound capacity using the same head unit on the better chassis supported Ford option:


It is not an inexpensive way to go, but I have never heard of any problems using this system such as heard/seen on other brands.

 

Thanks the help and ideas guys.

 

I know it's been a few days, but I have the same setup as Ireland with the Companion 5th wheel. It takes less than 10 minutes to install/remove once you get used to it and is a fantastic way to go for a 5th wheel. The turnover ball by B&W is excellent also.