I am looking at The Goose hitch by Reese, it looks like I can swap that out with a pin box on the same rails? Anyone have experience with it?

Are there any other options you would reccomend?

I'm looking for a dual use system for a F250 CC SB. I should probably go with a slider, but will that be compatible with a goose plate?

Right now I want the goose hitch and rails, but I want the option of expanding to a 5th wheel without re-working my whole installation.

Are the rails above the bed or under the bed?

 

Don't know the answer to all your questions. It is best to go with a slider though since you have the short bed.

Every once in awhile it comes in handy.

I have a reese signature series 18K slider. I is a hidden hitch so the bed of the truck is flat when I have it removed.

 

I am not sure if I am following your question. I, and my dealers, carry a Goose in our trucks when we go to repo auctions and have our standard hitch in place. If what we buy has a goose neck already on it, which is somewhat common, we simply change out our hitch. Our rails are above the bed. Its a very easy swap and if you shop around, you can pick it all up for now a great deal of money.

That is not to say anyone else's options are not good. We have simply found our choice is simple and reliable. Do be mindful you will have to be careful with your short bed so as not to crunch your cab when turning.

Good luck with whatever you choose,

Steve

 

Here is a link to the hitch I was referencing (The Goose is what it is called) Reese The Goose 25K Above-Bed Gooseneck Hitch 58079

It is a bed mounted ball for a goose neck trailer that mounts on 5th wheel bed rails.

In a "slider" configuration are the rails the slider portion or is the 5th wheel pin box? I guess I don't know whether or not the rails are what slides or something that is attached to the pin box that allows just the BOX to slide when it is installed. The difference would be if the rails allow the "sliding" then I would assume the goose neck plate/ball would slide the same as a 5th wheel pin box does. If the 5th wheel pin box is what allows the slidng than that function would only be possible on the 5th wheel pin box, not the goose neck plate/ball.

Right now I just want the ability to hook up to a goose neck. I don't want to install one of the reversable ball hitches or a permanent goose neck hitch because I can't swap it out with a 5th wheel.

It sounds like the plate referenced in the link above will allow me to mount it, albiet above the bed, on the same rails that a 5th wheel hitch mounts to. This would be the ideal scenario if the mounting rails are BELOW the bed. That way nothing is protruding and I can still use my bed. Then, when I need to use the hitch I can just pop it in place, hook up, and away I go. If there is a way to get this goose neck adapter to slide too that would be the ideal scenario, but I don't think its critical. I don't think I'll be pulling any trailers that are flat up top any time soon.

 

I looked at the link. It would appear so. This is not the actual manufactor Reese that has made this product. But looks like it would work.

 

I have this part, but it does not do any sliding when pinned to the rails.

Steve

 

Gotcha.

I did a little investigating and it looks like the rails mount to the frame under the bed. Then there are "access holes" that are bolted through the bed with a cap on top. When you put the hitch plate on you pop the caps off, drop the plate in, and lock it in with pins. Is this about how it works? That seems like a really easy install.

As to the 5th wheel hitch - I think I had some terms mixed up. The "pin box" is on the trailer, correct? The part that holds the king pin? Then I guess the hitch in the truck is just a hitch or receiver?

In any event, I guess the 5th wheel hitch is what "slides". If it hard mounts to the access holes in the bed the hitch would have to be what moves (when needed).

 

If you're not looking to get a slider, check out the B&W turnoverball and Companion 5th...

 

I have both the gooseneck and kwik slide. the goose neck attaches solidly(o slide) to the bed rails. and the fifthwheel hitch is attached to the slider, which in turn is anchored to the rails.

 

My old truck was stolen last month and I just purchase a new to me truck and I plan on installing a B&W turnover ball in the truck and then install an adapter that clamps to the king pin. The adapter comes in various configurations (straight or with offsets of varying dimensions) for shortbeds here is the link 5th Wheel Adapter. Approx. total cost installed for me in AZ is $1200.00. with this the bed is clear also the B&W is rated at 30K I believe.