Gooseneeck vs. 5th Wheel?
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 147
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Gooseneeck vs. 5th Wheel?
I have a 33' 5er with a gooseneck adapter. Has worked just fine. I did this when I got the camper because my truck was already equipped with the gooseneck reversable ball.
But at times the ride on the highway seems to be quite bouncy. Nothing dangerous, just annoying at times.
So I'm wondering if the 5th wheel type plate connection provide a smoother or less bouncy ride compared to the gooseneck?
But at times the ride on the highway seems to be quite bouncy. Nothing dangerous, just annoying at times.
So I'm wondering if the 5th wheel type plate connection provide a smoother or less bouncy ride compared to the gooseneck?
Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 837
Likes: 2
From: Minnesota
Usually goosenecks run higher GCWR's than fifth wheels, just another way of doing the same thing although there may be some physics involving the height of the connection that I don't understand.
I had a "chucking" (back and forth jerking) with my fifth that was REALLY annoying, especially on roads with a lot of tarred cracks. I looked at fancy hitches, etc. but ended up tucking three 60# sand bags way up front under the bed to add a couple % (from ~18% to ~20%) to the hitch weight. Doesn't bother me much anymore.
I also had a lot of spring slap since my hitch weight almost, but not quite, put me on the overloads. I added some HMWPE spring perch boosters front and rear so that when I'm hooked up I engage the overloads and I get a better ride .... so much so that my wife commented on "What did you do to the truck to make it ride so much better?" Now that's BIG points!!
I had a "chucking" (back and forth jerking) with my fifth that was REALLY annoying, especially on roads with a lot of tarred cracks. I looked at fancy hitches, etc. but ended up tucking three 60# sand bags way up front under the bed to add a couple % (from ~18% to ~20%) to the hitch weight. Doesn't bother me much anymore.
I also had a lot of spring slap since my hitch weight almost, but not quite, put me on the overloads. I added some HMWPE spring perch boosters front and rear so that when I'm hooked up I engage the overloads and I get a better ride .... so much so that my wife commented on "What did you do to the truck to make it ride so much better?" Now that's BIG points!!
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,753
Likes: 5
From: Stillwater, OK
a fifth wheel hitch has a much higher pivot point.
This won't make the ride any smoother, but the movement of truck and trailer will work a little better.
Another thing to look at would be a cushion hitch for your trailer.
This won't make the ride any smoother, but the movement of truck and trailer will work a little better.
Another thing to look at would be a cushion hitch for your trailer.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 753
Likes: 0
From: Mesa,AZ
also if necessary with a 5th wheel hitch someone can ride in the back if you have two way communication between truck and trailer. I would never do this unless it was an emergency but I do have the option.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,384
Likes: 1,868
From: Frederick, MD
Just be sure to check all the state laws, riding in a 5th or TT is not allowed in every state.
Two way comm's is mandatory.
