Difference between 5th and gooseneck??
Thread Starter
|
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,754
Likes: 1
From: Indianapolis
Difference between 5th and gooseneck??
I know what the obvious difference is, one's gotta a plate and kingpin, and the others just a better way to hold more weight with a ball- my question is, why do about 95% of campers that are built to be towed by somethng mounted in the bed are 5th wheels? Is this a "law" thing, or is it for comfort, or why? Seems the only thing I ever see with a goose neck is a horse or car trailer. How come they're not 5th wheel?
Just curious 'cause my truck came with a pop-up gooseneck ball, and would one day I'd like to get a 30+ foot trailer to pull it with, was wondering if I can put a gooseneck on it, or do I spend the extra $ and get the 5th wheel in the bed.
Just curious 'cause my truck came with a pop-up gooseneck ball, and would one day I'd like to get a 30+ foot trailer to pull it with, was wondering if I can put a gooseneck on it, or do I spend the extra $ and get the 5th wheel in the bed.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,756
Likes: 38
From: Nampa, ID
Thank you for your service, Marine.
I'd check with the manufacturers of both, if possible. I don't tow with either, I have travel trailer, but it might have to do with maximum weight ratings or something like that.
I'd check with the manufacturers of both, if possible. I don't tow with either, I have travel trailer, but it might have to do with maximum weight ratings or something like that.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,498
Likes: 3
From: Windsor, Colorado
I have both, a goosneck is fine for loads without high profiles. The 5th wheel is much more stable with tall loads. as far as weight, they both will handle it. I think most gooseneck ***** are rated for 30k, not sure on a flip up.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,496
Likes: 3
From: Simpsonville, KY
Most goosenecks are actually rated for more weight than your average fifthwheel. The standard gooseneck (popups included) are rated for 30k, the average fifthwheel is 15-25k (of course you can get bigger).
The gooseneck allows for more wiggling, more clearance, and more wobble, making it FAR prefered for offroad travel. The fifthwheel doesn't allow any tilt (standard ones... you can get ones that do allow tilt) making it more stable.
Goosenecks put more strain on the trailer neck due to their design, so you can't really swap back and forth. Fifthwheel trailers can't handle the stress of being towed by a gooseneck ball, don't ask me why, I don't know. All I know is that they need reinforcing before they can safely have an adapter installed.
You can put a fifthwheel hitch on a gooseneck popup, at least with B&W hitches. You just pop out the ball and install the fifthwheel.
The gooseneck allows for more wiggling, more clearance, and more wobble, making it FAR prefered for offroad travel. The fifthwheel doesn't allow any tilt (standard ones... you can get ones that do allow tilt) making it more stable.
Goosenecks put more strain on the trailer neck due to their design, so you can't really swap back and forth. Fifthwheel trailers can't handle the stress of being towed by a gooseneck ball, don't ask me why, I don't know. All I know is that they need reinforcing before they can safely have an adapter installed.
You can put a fifthwheel hitch on a gooseneck popup, at least with B&W hitches. You just pop out the ball and install the fifthwheel.
Thread Starter
|
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,754
Likes: 1
From: Indianapolis
Thanks everyone for the info. I can get a used once 15k Reese 5th wheel w/o thr rails for only $100, but since I don't have a trailer yet, the wife said no 
.
Oh well, when we finally do get a trailer, and I gotta fork out an extra $500 for a 5th wheel, she'll understand my forward thinking...... for $100, would ya'll buy it?
. Oh well, when we finally do get a trailer, and I gotta fork out an extra $500 for a 5th wheel, she'll understand my forward thinking...... for $100, would ya'll buy it?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,496
Likes: 3
From: Simpsonville, KY
Nah... it'd be hard to find one that will install perfectly in your truck. And what if you buy a 14k trailer? Then a 15k hitch would be cutting it close, and maybe a 20k would be a better choice. And remember finding parts for a used hitch can be difficult. If it was complete and installed, sure... but just half, and used? I think I'd wait, myself.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,353
Likes: 1
From: Nothern Indiana
Rail kits are about 100 bucks so keep that in mind also. Thats not a bad price on a used 15k hitch . Brand new 15k is about 300 bucks with the rails so you will save about 100 bucks now. A 20k is about 800 bucks so keep in mind when you get that trailer how big it is .
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,754
Likes: 1
From: Indianapolis
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,496
Likes: 3
From: Simpsonville, KY
Uhm... that's not true at all 
Goosenecks and fifth wheels, which allowing for most of the same benefits, certainly have different niche markets where their attributes are better put to use. They are not equal, they do have different areas where one is better than the other.
Goosenecks and fifth wheels, which allowing for most of the same benefits, certainly have different niche markets where their attributes are better put to use. They are not equal, they do have different areas where one is better than the other.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 8,147
Likes: 1
From: Joppa, Maryland
I had a question along the same lines if the op doesn't mind..
is there any clearance issues with a gooseneck on a shortbed truck?
I want to get a shortbed truck for better mobility but I will be hauling a gooseneck car trailer. I know some 5th wheel campers have clearance issues and I wasn't sure.
is there any clearance issues with a gooseneck on a shortbed truck?
I want to get a shortbed truck for better mobility but I will be hauling a gooseneck car trailer. I know some 5th wheel campers have clearance issues and I wasn't sure.