Hello all;

I have been looking at doing something like this to my trailer. I am currently needing to flip the axles to level the trailer. Fortunately I understand the need to weld new mounts on the top of the axle to maintain the proper brake functionality and camber designed into the axle. Back to the point, I have also been looking into the converting the trailer to a gooseneck hitch. (long story on my reasoning) The real conclusions that I have come to with my reasearch is that the adapata-kits that latch on to the kingpin of the fifth wheel are very scary! If you have ever seen one of those change angle when someone goes from reverse to forward you know what I mean. The other option, and the one I am looking into, involves dropping the entire lower kingpin assembly and replacing it with a gooseneck hitch. On my trailer there is a steel box aproximately 12" by 12", that is welded to the frame of the trailer, the kingpin is mounted on a second steel box that slides up into the first one. This entire lower box will be replaced if I make the change. My current thoughts see this as the best approach as everything will be solid and well supported . I believe this style will not weaken the hitch significantly as a well designed gooseneck hitch can be rated up to a 30,000 lb trailer.

Thoughts?

 

Seek professional help. Sounds way too risky for message board advice. You might check with Marv's Trailers over on Folsom Blvd. They do trailers, hitches and metal fab.

 

Actually, I have been talking to some profesionals. I am still trying to get it all sorted out. As we all know, everybody has their silver bullet for a problem. I have not decided that this is the way to go, I am just looking at options. I think I just might check with that trailer place for additional information.