Community Forums

kurtdnellson · 09-25-2013, 08:41 PM

We are considering moving from a tag along to a 5th wheel. I do not want to sacrifice my truck bed so I was wondering is it feasible to convert a fifth wheel hitch to a gooseneck? Does anyone have information or advice on this?
Thanks in advance.

TXiceman · 09-25-2013, 08:53 PM

Several manufactures make a G/N adapter to add to the 5er. The short answer is DO NOT use one. Most manufactures will void your frame warranty if you use the G/N adapter.

The adapter puts added stresses on the pinbox area of the trailer. You can do a search for goose neck adapters and get a lot of reading.

Look at the way a typical G/N trailer is built and then look at the frame of a typical 5er.

The easy way to have the clean bed is to use a B&W Turn-Over Ball hitch with the Companion 5th wheel hitch. I know several people that use them and are quiet happy.

JIMNLIN · 09-25-2013, 09:27 PM

The GN adapters are popular with folks that use them and not so popular with folks that have never used them.

Some 5th wheel RV makers frames are strong enough to with stand the extra leverage from using the adapter. check with the trailer mfg first for their input.

Some 5th wheel makers do not recommend using a GN adapter.
Some folks go ahead and use them after the warranty has expired with no problems. Just be aware of the issues.

Check out the Reese Goose Box Pin Boxes - Reese

RustyJC · 09-26-2013, 03:44 AM

There are any number of 5th wheel hitches that offer a clean bed floor when the 5th wheel hitch isn't being used. I have used the B&W Companion 5th wheel hitch for the last 11+ years. There's lots of reasons why a 5th wheel trailer should use a 5th wheel hitch - try a search here on iRV2 on Gooseneck Adapter for lots of historical discussion.

Rusty

jenandjon · 09-26-2013, 05:13 AM

I have one for the same reason you want one. B&W turn over ball. When I do it again Im geting the adapter with the air ride bag. I cant remember the brand right now. That seems the way to go.

jesilvas · 09-26-2013, 05:19 AM

Reese makes a GooseBox that replaces the whole pinbox.
Or for the same price, you can get the B&W companion hitch, and get a better ride.

I think the people who like the GN adapters have never seen body/frame separation and tried to fix it. Ask me what I've done to fix it.

BCooke · 09-26-2013, 07:20 AM

While not a a direct answer. If you are looking new, an Open Range Light with the King Combo hitch may do the trick.

LadyFitz... · 09-26-2013, 07:34 AM

Anderson Hitches makes two fifth wheel hitches that will leave your truck bed free: one mounts to rails and the other to a gooseneck ball (if you use one of the invertible or removable gooseneck balls, the bed will be completely unobstructed when not in use).

SWD · 09-26-2013, 02:41 PM

I just purchased a used FW a few weeks back. Since I already had an Atwood pop up ball in my box I decided to go for a convert-a-ball with cushioning. Took me 45 mins to install. Works fine. Not all adapters are created equal.

TXiceman · 09-26-2013, 03:46 PM

The "Goose Box" has the same leverage and over stress problems as the standard goose neck adapter. Same old thing, just a different package and coat of paint.

It is pretty simple engineering problem to see the problems that a GN adapter causes.

As for no problems, I have seen two high end trailers with the noses torn apart fixing damage caused by pulling with a GN adapter.

So if you value your trailer, do not use a GN adapter unless it is rated by the manufacturer for use as a GN.

ken

dbear · 09-26-2013, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TXiceman

The "Goose Box" has the same leverage and over stress problems as the standard goose neck adapter. Same old thing, just a different package and coat of paint.

It is pretty simple engineering problem to see the problems that a GN adapter causes.

As for no problems, I have seen two high end trailers with the noses torn apart fixing damage caused by pulling with a GN adapter.

So if you value your trailer, do not use a GN adapter unless it is rated by the manufacturer for use as a GN.

ken

But if the Goose Box is the "World’s first OE approved gooseneck adapter, Endorsed by Lippert Components, Inc. for their frame systems", and your trailer has a Lippert frame, how can there be a problem? Why would using a Goose Box be any different than using any 5er hitch equally endorsed by Lippert?

RustyJC · 09-26-2013, 04:27 PM

This question always comes up. As is all too typical, Lippert's position is based on dollars, not sound engineering. See HERE - excerpt quoted below:

Quote:

GOSHEN, Ind., Aug. 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --Lippert Components, Inc., a subsidiary of Drew Industries Incorporated (NYSE: DW) and a leading supplier of components for the RV industry, announced today that it has been designated the exclusive supplier to the RV industry of Cequent Performance Products' innovative new patent pending Reese® "Goose Box™" adaptor for gooseneck hitches.

Rusty

dbear · 09-26-2013, 04:34 PM

Quote:

...thorough testing of the Goose Box, which demonstrates that it is compatible with our RV frame. As a result, the proper installation of a Goose Box pin box will be acceptable under our RV frame warranty...The airbag technology used in the Goose Box reduces the stress transferred to the RV frame. The combination of the airbag, dual shocks and rubber bumpers used in the Goose Box provides multi-directional shock absorption for a smoother driving experience...

So again I ask, how can there be a problem?

SWD · 09-26-2013, 04:55 PM

I have yet to see a clearly documented account where a gn adapter has caused issues on a fw. Here say and rumours dont count. Pictures along with documented evidence does.