I'm buying a gooseneck this year because i've gotten a bigger tractor and i'm not really comfortable pulling it on the bumper any more. My truck has the rails for a fifth wheel hitch in it, because i do use it. I've been looking at some of these gooseneck conversions they sell that pin on to the rails, around 150-200 bucks. My question is, this doesn't look very hard at all to make what are your all's thoughts on me making one? as far as how safe it would be etc..

 

I think you can make most anything. The issue of safety, however, is difficult to address. On the one hand, you can buy a tested model for not a great deal of money. On the other hand, you will have to determine how good a job you do and whether it is safe. For me it is an easy choice. The cost is not great enough to justify the potential risk. As a general rule, I think it is hard to "beat a man or company at their own game".

My two cents worth,

Steve

 

I have used one like this for about 4 years to pull a gooseneck roll off trailer that often gets loaded right up to the rating of the hitch. Never any issues at all. It is used pretty much daily and in some pretty rough terrain. It comes with 2 additional bolts that must be installed in the middle of each rail. That prevents the rails from lifting off the bed of the truck (the gooseneck hitch uses a narrower set of slots on the rails).

Husky Gooseneck Hitch for Fifth Wheel Rails - 25,000 lbs Husky Gooseneck HT31368

Edit: I'm not a welder, but it doesn't appear to be too difficult to make. However, for the price of these you'd be hard pressed to make one for that when you factor in the materials and your time. Also, purchasing one that has been engineered and using it within the ratings and guidelines may take some liability away from you in the event of a failure of some type. Food for thought.

 

Yeah, while I was at work I priced the steel and it was close to 60 dollars, and then I'd have to make it. I think it would be better to trust someone else's weld over mine, especially when it's been engineered and thought out no more than it costs. I'd rather be safe than have my trailer pass me on the road lol

 

Probably a good idea. Before my father-in-law passed he used to make receiver hitches for all our cars and trucks (and even built some of the trailers we used), but he was a Master Machinist and Master Welder, but even he would not touch the design or construction of any part of a gooseneck or 5er hitch.

 

Just bought this one here http://www.ebay.com/itm/Curt-16055-Gooseneck-Hitch-Ball-Plate-fits-Reese-rails-NIB-/301113252170?pt=Motors_RV_Trailer_Camper_Parts_Accessories&hash=item461bbf994a&vxp=mtr looks like it should do what I need, not to hard on my pocket either.

 

That looks identical to mine. Make sure you install the two extra bolts that should come with it. Also, I put two 5/8" shackles through the holes and left them there for the safety chains. It was a pain trying to get the chain hooks into the hole because of my rubber bed mat.

 

looking at where the holes are, doesn't look like a whole lot to bolt to. Is it just the sheet metal?

 

The carriage bolts will go through the square hole in the center of each rail. It should also come with a stiffening plate about 1/2" thick that will go under your bed. Correct, it isn't going through a cross member or anything, just the bed, but I guess that's enough. Mine has never budged. A hitch installer friend of mine said he has seen the rails twist without those installed and people towing make a quick stop.

 

Thanks for all of your help, I'll upload some pictures when I get it put in

 

Wow, I'd have thought they'd anchor to truck chassis. I've never looked at one up close but it never occurred to me that they'd only be attached to the bed.
I guess they are all done that way so it's ok.

When I bought my '85 year before last it had a heavy steel plate, maybe 3/4" x 12-16" welded across the top of two chassis side rails with a hole drilled through the bed and it for the ball. I just assumed that was a home made version of what you buy.

 

Only the center bolts are bolted to the bed. The other 4 bolts (2 on each rail) go through the bed and are anchored to the frame.

 

It all depends on what you want. My f250 parts truck has one that was put in by b&k trailers in Pasadena Texas

And its a12" wide 3/4" thick plate