Hitch Type: 5W or Gooseneck?

[kingchip]

Just bought a Thor 2780BH 5er and need the hitch in the truck. I'm leaning hard towards a gooseneck conversion to reduce the crap in the bed. Any problems with doing this? I figured I should ask some veteran RVers first. Our first trailer. My wifes idea of roughing it is a 4 star hotel.

[quick26]

i have a gooseneck in my truck because it came with it, and currently i have a pull behind, but once i move up to a 5er i plan on getting the adapter.

Fifth wheel vs. gooseneck

[kingchip]

I guess what I'm asking is if there could be a problem towing with a gooseneck. A friend pulls one with the traditional 5th wheel hitch. When I told him I was thinking G'neck he said that I should NOT. Something about wind resistance. I'm not sure what diff that would make. I've pulled enclosed stock trailers full of deer, and never had a problem.

[quick26]

in my personall oppinion, i would think they have less depending on what you get. think about a regular pull behind, the wind goes over the cab in the bed and wam right in to a flat wall. on a 5er the nose of the trailer is usually angled and is tucked up tight behind the cab so the wind goes over the cab then up and over the trailer. i could be wrong on my theory but it makes sense to me.

[720Deere]

The style of hitch is not going to make a difference in wind resistance from the camper. I just bought a 5th wheel camper but have yet to pick it up. I settled on the B&W Turnover Ball gooseneck hitch with the Companion 5th wheel adapter. This is by no means the cheapest route to go, but it appears to be the most sturdy and versatile setup of it's nature.

After several weeks of research I could not find a single bad comment anywhere regarding the Companion adapter. If you adapt your 5th wheel trailer to fit a gooseneck hitch in the truck, the trailer will be allowed to twist on uneven ground and could contact the bed of your truck.

The full B&W setup cost me $995 delivered to my door. It's not cheap, but I guarantee you that I now have all the benefits of a 5th wheel hitch along with all the strength of the gooseneck hitch. I won't have any obstructions in my bed on a daily basis nor will I need to worry about a flimsy gooseneck adapter when I tow a 16,000 lb trailer.

If you read the entire thread that was linked previously, you will see that there are many options to do what you want to do. The prices range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. I should have my B&W installed by Thursday and will pick the camper up on Monday. I will be able to give you more details at that time.

[Dave]

The only problem you may have is clearance if you have a shortbox. Unless the trailer has the extended kingpin on it

[720Deere]

I don't have a shortbed so I forgot about that scenario. The shortbox won't work with the B&W, but it can be done with some of the other goose to 5er adaptors.

The sliding 5th wheel hitch if prefered for a shortbed, but there are other options.

[Evil Eye]

With a short bed and a gooseneck adapter, you'll have a lot less clearance and therefore turning and backing in could present some problems. Some swear by them, though!

Yep, with my extended pinbox, I can get to about 80 degrees before I get concerned and that's turning a very tight turn... I also have the slider hitch and haven't had to use it yet, but I've got it!

[kingchip]

I saw a gooseneck conversion with a 7 1/2" offset that should compensate for the short bed. Then I could stay away from the rail set-up.

[Evil Eye]

Hopefully, the ball is still centered over your rear axle... If not, I wouldn't do it. My