Hitch question?

walleye guy · 07-13-2008, 02:02 PM

I have a ball that pops up in the box of my truck for towing. I don't know what its called? (gooseneck) Ya, I'm and idiot.... lol It says 30,000 on the ball. Anyways I am looking at buying a 5th wheel camper and a guy I talked to told me that there is a type of 5th wheel hitch that will work with the ball in the box instead of having to attach a seperate 5th wheel hitch. Anyone know what I'm talking about. Let me know where I can find one and what the thing is called. Thanks

Johnasara · 07-13-2008, 02:08 PM

They make adapters to go from a fifth wheel hitch to a gooseneck. You should be able to find one at a RV shop. it connects to the camper so you do not have a contraption in the bed.

**deeretracks** · 07-13-2008, 02:09 PM

It works real well. My dad changed his over and he loves it.

Todd E · 07-13-2008, 02:45 PM

Click this link. This is what you are talking about. All info I have read indicates they are safe and reliable. Advantage is that you would not have to purchase a hitch, could use what you already have, and wouldn't have a big hitch in the bed(like me) taking up space. Mine is a slider hitch and is very heavy. Thus mine stays in the bed all the time.

There are other brands out there. Google gooseneck extension and look for better prices.

Gooseneck Extension - Camping World

mga60t · 07-13-2008, 03:24 PM

but what if you have a short bed and pull a 5th wheel ? How would you make sharp turns etc without a slider hitch?

New2DMax · 07-13-2008, 04:02 PM

I have a sliding hitch, but the original owner had a combination of the sliding hitch and an extended pin box. I have yet to slide the hitch back with any of the moves I have had to make so far. Had this rig for over a year.

I have been considering converting the fifthwheel to gooseneck, but the only draw back is the ease of the hookup. With the crew cab and a tool box in the front of the bed, I can't see the ball. With the fifth wheel, the whole connection is right up where I can see it. Go guess work or mirrors in the bed are needed. The only draw back to the fifth is the limited sideways tilt, which I don't need with the RV anyway, and the fact I have to push the pin to the front of the hitch to release the catch.

These are just my experiences and opinions though.

Todd E · 07-13-2008, 05:49 PM

Honestly, my hitch hasn't been in the maneuvering position yet. My 5'er has the extended king pin box that goes out from the front of the 5'er. If walleye guy buys one where the kingpin sits directly up under the overhang, then yes, he would seriously need to consider a tilt slider. Those(type kingpins) may be only suited for LWB. I have never measured the set back compared to the bed. If he wants to make use of the gooseneck and adapter, then he will need to consider that with the units he looks at.

IMHO, as stated above, there is no comparison to hook ups with the fifth wheel set up. Drop gate, undo security clip, back her up, and let it click shut!!

**deeretracks** · 07-13-2008, 05:54 PM

They have one thats extended for the Ball type. Its the one that we put on my dads It is nice to have the extra room in the truck plus the added length of the bridge for the trailer. it makes it so much easer to maneuver into tight places and not have to worry about hitting the fenders on his 3500 psd.