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Jonnypip · 02-28-2016, 08:20 PM

I was looking at Anderson 5th hitch ,but I need a goosenech if I go that way.any comments

Old-Biscuit · 02-28-2016, 09:14 PM

Thought the Anderson Hitch came with an adapter to convert king pin to gooseneck

If not it is available as accessory

Whitewolf · 02-29-2016, 11:08 AM

LOTS of discussion here an other places about using a gooseneck to pull a 5r. Some info is based on information and some on passion. Personally, I pull with a Goosebox by Reese. It's the only thing approved by Lippert frames at this time that I know of.

Good luck.

SkiSmuggs · 02-29-2016, 11:30 AM

Get the gooseneck ball, get the Andersen Ultimate gooseneck mount model. Then install the 32 lb Andersen when you tow your fiver and take it out to pull a gooseneck trailer. The adapter shown above comes with the Ultimate to set your pin box up for the Andersen.
I wasn't clear if your were asking if you need a gooseneck on your fiver or not.

Bob1340 · 02-29-2016, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jonnypip

I was looking at Anderson 5th hitch ,but I need a goosenech if I go that way.any comments

Perhaps you understood the Anderson only mounts to a gooseneck ball? It can be had in 2 models. Those that mount to a gooseneck ball and those that mount to standard rails. I am fairly certain the rail mount is only available in steel. The gooseneck mounted units can be had in steel or aluminum. I have done searches but never seen anyone who disliked the hitch. Lots of folks who have never used one bad mouth them though.

Jabem4 · 02-29-2016, 04:38 PM

I am in the same boat. Andersen ultimate or Reese goose box. I am having the Reese hide a goose installed but need to decide on the hitch. About 250.00 difference but with the goose box there is no hitch to contend with at all. What I am not sure about is the safety chains on the goose box. I read somewhere that they are not needed on the goose box, not sure about that one though.

Jabem4 · 02-29-2016, 04:40 PM

White wolf, do you like the goose box? I was curious about the adjustability,

SkiSmuggs · 03-01-2016, 05:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jabem4

What I am not sure about is the safety chains on the goose box. I read somewhere that they are not needed on the goose box, not sure about that one though.

I believe chains are required for goosenecks in most states, but only a few states require them for the Andersen because it is ball and socket rather than a gooseneck.
I just got my rail mount Andersen and plan to get the safety chain kit this spring. If they seem to be a pain, I will just carry them in case I am stopped where they are required. If not a pain, I'll use them most of the time.

Whitewolf · 03-01-2016, 02:51 PM

Jabem4-

I do like the Goosebox. Hooking up can be 'interesting' as with all ball hitches. :face palm: I like the ride quality. Chucking is at a minimum. I plan on installing Joy Rider shocks when I get it out of storage this spring. Besides reducing wear and tear on the 5r, I think it'll give us a even better ride. I like the clean truck bed when not towing. I like the quiet while towing.

As far as adjustability, are you talking about getting it set up? Reese recommends 7+" space between the top of the side of the bed and the bottom of the 5r. I've got 6+" and have no problems. When the dealer installed the Goosebox they had it at 4". When I questioned that, the answer was "that's where we always set it. Long story short, they replaced the entire bottom of the overhang. Then lowered the Goosebox 1 set of holes to give more clearance.

The Goosebox is a ball hitch. As SkiSmuggs said, most states require chains. Since the Goosebox and the Anderson are ball hitches, they will require chains in most states.

In my opinion, chains are a moot point under our configuration. Most 5rs' have a tongue weight somewhere in the 2000lb range. It'd be pretty hard to pop that off.

I've done a couple of mods.

I reversed the hookup for the chains. I installed I-Bolts in the Goosebox (holes already there). Then use a snap hook on the end of the chain. That way I don't have to climb into the truck bed to hook up the chains. I plan on getting coiled cables (as others have) to replace the chains this year.

I also extended the release cable. Again so I'm not climbing in the bed to release the Goosebox from the ball when unhooking. Easy peasy.

Sorry for being so wordy, but bottom line, if we ever get a new unit, the Goosebox is going with me. I even kept the original pin box to put back on.

Whitewolf · 03-01-2016, 03:00 PM

Found this on safety chains. Rules change and as the document says, it's for reference only.

http://www.expediter.com/natm%20pdf%...Laws-Table.pdf

Jabem4 · 03-01-2016, 05:24 PM

Thanks Whitewolf, I finally made the decision and went with Andersen. I put a lot of thought and research into it and came to the conclusion that the Andersen would fit the bill for now. I like the idea if I ever, which will probably be never, tow someone's camper or they borrow mine it's just a matter of changing the pin coupler on the Andersen. Time will tell if it was the right decision.

Whitewolf · 03-02-2016, 05:26 AM

Research and thought are important in any decision. I think you made a wise choice.

Bob1340 · 03-02-2016, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jabem4

T
I like the idea if I ever, which will probably be never, tow someone's camper or they borrow mine it's just a matter of changing the pin coupler on the Andersen. Time will tell if it was the right decision.

I look at it that way as well. If you drop it off at the dealer you can just remove a couple bolts and let them have the trailer.

But---

A dealer close to me uses a fork lift to move trailers. It has a fifth wheel hitch and a 2 5/16" ball on it so it could be he could move a trailer with the Anderson adapter on it no problem. I think most dealers have this.