Brent Foster: The Reese Goosebox is a great product for those who want to do an expensive conversion to a Gooseneck connection. It doesn't void the trailers warranty (in most cases) but if there is frame damage and it's determined that the Goosebox was the cause, it will void your warranty. Most people know that even if it was a manufacturing defect in the frame, the RV companies like to find anyway to avoid honoring claims. This is just another way. Just like any aftermarket item. I'm no saying that it will void the entire vehicle/rv warranty, but can effect the frame portion. Also, I didn't include it in the video since in 99% of applications you see people simply using the conversion kit NOT the reese pinbox replacement. This video is more to explain WHY converting can effect the frame in a way 99% of folks can understand. Hope it helps.
Big Truck Big RV The GooseBox was developed with, and is approved your Lippert for their frame systems. Why would you say that it will void Lippert's warranty? And I get that you like the Andersen, but not mentioning the GooseBox only limits the options you give your audience. It would have taken 3 seconds.
Big Truck Big RV the Reese Goose box will not void the lippert frame warranty. The Reese Goose Box is the only fifth wheel adapter approved by lippert to use on their frames.
I put a Reese goose box on my 42 1/2 solitude grand design and love it. Pulls like a charm behind ram 3500 dually. Have a drop in ball factory in bed! The Reese box I bought has a airbag built in it as well
So refreshing to hear you teaching again. I’ve watched a lot of other people lately and they are so annoying to listen to because they don’t know what they are talking about or how to say it in less than 30 minutes. Thanks for all the info.
Having pulled the same RV with a Fifth Wheel Hitch and then as Gooseneck my preference is definitely for the Gooseneck, it pulls about the same in my opinion and I didn’t have anything in my bed to get in the way. If money wasn’t an object (it is) I would just have a travel trailer built to my specifications by one of the horse trailer manufacturers. They are far better built than anything built by the RV manufacturers and come with a Gooseneck Hitch already not to mention heavier axles and tires.
Fantastic! Thanks for pointing out the pro's and con's of a fifth wheel hitch and gooseneck hitch conversion. I'm going to re-think what I was going to do!!
Took me a while to get to this video lol. Great job. I have the Anderson Hitch that attaches to rails in the bed of my F350. For me it’s the ultimate solution. Hitching is easy and the ride is fantastic. Although my model is steel and not aluminum it’s very light and easy to take in and out of the truck. Once again thanks for another great job.
I feel like I need to pay you to come over and help me buy a fifth wheel when I'm ready to. I really appreciate everything you're posting you're amazing and very very helpful.
one of the disadvantages of 5th wheel hitch is of course the higher mounting point which will add leverage to side forces and definitely have an impact on truck stability, while a gooseneck transfer that force at the frame level and eliminate crosswind effects on the truck, contrary to what you stated
Exactly! This video made my head hurt, as it makes no sense. With a gooseneck ball attached in the Truck, there is ALOT more forgiveness during movement. What this person fails to recognize is the attachment point in the towing vehicle is a direct extension of the pin box on the trailer and is where the Engineering is wrapped into.
@@robbiejk9613 Thank you. And, he's using the word leverage to mean "force". Leverage and force are not the same. His explanations are not scientific and some of it is wrong.
@@warsurplus Yes, we need Engineers making videos, not Sales, or people who are making guesses. As an Engineer, alot of these people are ill informing people.
Not exactly the content I was thinking it would be based on the title, but still informative. I expected a direct comparison of trailers designed as a 5th wheel setup vs trailers designed as a gooseneck setup.
I love the Anderson Ultimate Hitch. Can un-bolt it in a minute and the 65lb pyramid comes right off. Never go back to a traditional 5th wheel hitch. They now make an aluminum alloy option weighs about 30lbs.
I tow a 41 foot 15k pound that i bought a goose neck pin box for and have had 0 problems in 5 years. Flip the ball over and pick up sheet rock with out rails to deal with or a 5th wheel to take out.
Another very informative video. Thank you. Could you do one about the different 5th wheel hitches? I'm confused with all the options and sliding options, etc. Thanks again.
Answers to Kevin's question would be very helpful. I asked another reader about his experience with the Andersen fifth wheel hitch. I am also considering a fifth wheel Curt non-automatic slider because I'll be driving a shortbed. Thanks!
You nailed the question! You might get more space in the bed of the truck and less weight because of it but the less stress and more stability of the 5th wheel outweighs the "benefits" of a gooseneck at least with a box van behind and above you compared to animals!
Appreciate the video, I am going with the PullRite SuperGlide for my 2014 Ram 3500 Mega Cab. I wanted the clear bed when not pulling, but I don't want to give up the extra safety/stability of a 5th wheel set up. Thank you so much!
Safety what ?? Goosebox if somehow becomes disconnected it has safety chains to keep it in the bed !! 5th wheel becomes disconnected u will have a destroyed bed sides and yes they come unlocked !! I have goosebox now because of safety and stability and a lot smoother ride !! No more chuckling for me
Thank you for the good analysis. I have pulled my Open Range Lite 5th wheel about 12,000 miles through the Midwest and West without incident. Open Range offers a factory gooseneck option on their light weight units. You did not mention three additional differences to the gooseneck system. 1) As a ball hitch it requires safety chains. 2) The ball cannot be seen from the driver’s seat in most trucks. (Requiring a spotter to assist hookup). 3) Because the latch is at the bottom of the hitch near the ball, it is almost impossible to reach over the pickup side or from the rear of the truck.(I carry a two-step ladder for that purpose.) In spite of this, I am glad I went with the gooseneck hitch and I would do it again.
Switched to a Gen Y gooseneck and very pleased with the results. I have no concerns about stress transfer due to its construction. Highly unlikely it is changing stress to the frame in a significant way.
If a trailer is going to fall apart from being converted to a gooseneck clearly they don't know how to build a trailer. I've been running a gooseneck on my camper for many years and have never had a problem. There's no way I would ever put that big fifth wheel plate in the back of any of my trucks.
smcox1991 what type of rv do you have? I’m a newbie and have a fifth wheel for my horse trailer and just planned on using for my future rv. I had no idea this was even a concern. Thank u in advance😇
@@teon39 And if frame damage due to gooseneck adapters was as big of a problem as RV forums and TH-cam "experts" would have us believe, it wouldn't be next to impossible to find photos of frame damage online.
am in agreement with you especially with more and more trailers being built with aluminum structural units. a hitch like the b&w companion hitch provides all the pitch and yaw needed for uneven or unlevel roads.
I have the Anderson Aluminum version to pull my 36ft 5th wheel. It pulls great and smooth. And the ball is high so you can look out the back window to hook up.
We just purchased our first fifth wheel and an Anderson hitch. Ill know this summer if Im still as happy with this setup as a standard fifth wheel hitch.
I bought a used 33' 5th wheel RV from a guy years ago. I didn't have a hitch installed in my truck yet, so he kindly delivered the trailer to me. Unfortunately, he was using a gooseneck extension bolted to the pin box. After we had it parked, I quickly unbolted the thing and gave it back to him. I knew even then, just from looking at the geometry of the thing, that it would put a lot of stress on the pin box and frame of the trailer. I found out later that using it would have voided the manufacturer's warranty.
Great INFO. As a retired engineer I can see where the gooseneck will create a much larger bending moment into the trailer. The stresses will be in the same area but more from the gooseneck connection. It seems that the biggest reason I have heard for a gooseneck has been to provide more cargo space in the bed of the truck. I'm not so sure the Anderson Fifth Wheel Hitch does any more for you in that area unless it can be easily removed when not pulling your trailer.
Need to look at the Reese Goose Box 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Air Ride Coupler It takes things to a different level things as far as angles for the trailer being attached. But it frees ur bed up. You put the ball in the bed of your truck in the hole and simple drop your trailer on same as if you was on standard 5th wheel king pin set up.
You didn't mention the Reese goosebox system. I think if you look at that apposed to the cheap adapters you'd have a far different opinion on gooseneck pulling a camper with that.
I love my reese goosebox. This is the only goose neck system that our fifth manufacturer (thor) would allow us to use to keep our factory warranty. With the air suspension built in the ride is wonderful.i have about 20k miles on the hitch so far. I disagree about added stress to the RV frame also. The stresses behind the mounting point of the goosebox are going to be exactly the same as the fifth wheel.
Reese Goose box is rated for 20k and has air ride. Dont put too much weight on what this guy says because he doesnt mention the goose box. It doesnt void the warranty either.
Great videos - we learned a lot about RV trailers and about choosing a truck - we subscribed and look forward to watching more. Thanks for the information!!
I think there is some validity in terms of how it effects the truck. This video really hits everything on the trailer side. What are your two cents on how the tow point can effect your towing experience between a gooseneck with its connection point at the bottom of the bed and closer to the axle vs. a fifth wheel hitch that elevates the mounting point almost two feet higher?
JD, I appreciate your expertise. Would you do another video with a standard fifth wheel hitch, a gooseneck adapter, and then a Reese gooseneck pin box. I believe people need a visual to understand exactly your point you are making. Love your channel and you are the best.
I use a few pieces of 1×4 decking boards and throw down a 3/4 inch 4 × 8 sheet of plywood down so I sits above my 5th wheel rails and it works great. The advantage of that is you can throw anything in the bed of the truck and never worry that something is going to mess up your bed or paint in your bed. Plywood lasts about 3 years here in Ohio before you need to replace it. Least that works for me
I will respectfully disagree with your opinion on the Reese Goose Box. The Goose Box is the only application that Lippert Co. approves as an O.E.M. application and it DOES NOT void the warranty. Your statement "if there is frame damage and it's determined that the Goose Box was the cause, it will void your warranty" is the same as saying if there is frame damage and it is determined the 5th wheel pin box was the cause it will void the warranty. I spoke with Lippert representatives prior to purchasing my Goose Box and there is no fine print excluding it's application in the warranty. Furthermore, the reason Lippert approves the Goose Box application is because it is engineered NOT to alter the stress points at the wing mounts on the trailer. I certainly agree that the use of goose neck adapters will void the warranty and most importantly are not safe. However, proper goose neck applications typically have higher tow ratings specific to the hitch than 5th wheel applications because they have less moving parts and are more stable. Obviously the vehicle tow rating should be observed primarily for safety reasons. In regards to expense, it is negligible. When you consider the cost of a 5th wheel hitch for a truck rated high enough to tow a 30+ ft. camper, the cost would be very close to the cost of an under bed goose neck hitch and the Goose Box for the camper combined. I have a B&W under bed hitch setup with a Goose Box on a 42 ft. camper and it tows like a dream. I am a life long RV enthusiast just like most of the people reading or writing on this post. Regardless of opinions about tow ratings, stress points, warranties, frame damage or any other elements of this video. If for the sake of debating we say that all categories that are associated with a number or a warranty between 5th wheel and Goose Neck towing are the same. There is one thing that I am confident that most would agree upon. If anyone towing a camper that has truly EXPERIENCED the difference between towing with a 5th wheel hitch setup and a Goose Ball/Goose Box set up you will never own another 5th wheel hitch again. Unless you never use the bed of your truck and leave the 5th wheel hitch in it permanently, or you are 25 years old and love unhooking the multiple pin attachment points and lifting the multiple heavy and awkward pieces in and out of your truck there is no comparison. The ease of hitching/unhitching, turning around what probably amounts to a 3 or 4 pound hitch ball to completely free the bed of your truck of any obstruction, and the lack of hitch noise and binding would make a believer out of anyone that tows on a regular basis.
@@O.G.BFrmDaWstSd Sorry, not intended to be a novel for an audience to read but targeted for the author to read. Who by the way has now converted his own trailer to a Reese Goosebox as shown in his more recent video.
@@Rolexenforcer I am assuming you read it. But nevertheless, my only interest was for the author to read it. Who by the way has converted his own camper to the Reese Goosebox shown in his more recent video. Must have reconsidered the facts.
It seems to me the extension for the goose neck and the tower for the 5th wheel would exert the same torque on the trailer's frame. Both cover the distance from the king pin to the ball in the bed so should have the same leverage.
What are your thoughts on the 5th wheel being a higher connection for the truck and being able to put more side-load/twisting force on the truck because it is further from the suspension.
Thank you for this informative video. I appreciate your concerns related to stress on the trailer frame when the contact/tow point is essentially moved a foot or more away from the trailer's design point - the standard 5th wheel kingpin. That concern disappears, it seems to me, when using something like the Andersen system where the connection point is elevated to the trailer's normal kingpin attach point, keeping stresses as expected in the original trailer design. With the obvious other advantages of the Andersen system, I don't see why that would be the connection setup of choice.
Open Range has been putting out a Light series of 5th wheel for about 5 years now. It actually comes as a modified gooseneck. It is I believe the only true gooseneck 5er on the market. It is an amazing tow and works perfectly for those of us with a flatbed. You just have to swap out the round tube adapter with a BX1 coupler or similar and you are on the road
Thanks for a informative video. The Ultimate Connection by Andersen is a great bonus insofar as weight is concerned. Coming in at about 40 lbs is a far cry from the 250 lb of the Pullrite SuperGlide. Also, the hitch's lighter weight affords you more cargo poundage, which is helpful with dealing with pin weights, remembering that pin weights are part of the tow vehicle's cargo weight. My 6.7L F250 PS, with the Pullrite SuperGlide, weighs in at 8400# with fuel, me & and the wife. That only leaves 1600# before hitting hit the max GVWR of 10K. The additional 200# gives me some fudge room for pin weight. ...unless, of course, I am missing something.
What is you thoughts on The B&W turnover ball with the companion fithwheel adapter ? i have one and have pulled both gooseneck and Fifth wheel and it pulls great . whats your thoughts ?
Reese "Goose Box" is an air ride pin box replacement that converts to gooseneck. It doesnt void the warranty either. They cost the same as an OEM trailer package 5thwheel hitch for New Dodges. Cheaper to buy a goose box than a good 5th wheel hitch then adding air ride to pin box doubles cost.
First off, thank you for taking the time to make this video and giving us a better idea of each system. I’m curious though as to what qualifications you have that you feel support your claims on the potential damage a gooseneck might be causing? We can all guess and say it sort of makes sense. But if you aren’t an engineer who’s done extensive testing on these exact systems you probably shouldn’t be tossing around misinformation as if you know what you’re talking about. To the point of another comment here… if a gooseneck increases the likelihood of a catastrophic frame failure, they likely wouldn’t be able to make and sell them.
Thank you Mick Martin. I have been considering the purchase of a 5th Wheel trailer and the difference between a 5th wheel hitch or going gooseneck. I think that after all my research I will stay with an Open Range LIGHT and their "King Combo" pin box and use a gooseneck hitch. The 2nd choice would be a B&W turnover ball companion hitch. But that's just what I'm going to do... Thanks again!!!
Had a gooseneck adapter on a fifth wheel. Chucking was BAD. Determined that the four bolts holding the adapter to the king pin were not tight. After tightening, chucking was reduced, not eliminating. Upgraded to the Andersen Ultimate. Chucking GONE. Finally determined that the gooseneck adapter itself has slop causing movement (chucking). With the Andersen, there is no slop.
Holy crap this was filmed in Corpus specicially in the bluff. I go there because im friends with the owners sons in their bodyshop that they aquired. At that rv shop! Wow. Small world.
Since our truck already had a gooseneck hitch in the box when we bought our new 34' 5th wheel trailer a few years ago, we asked if a gooseneck adapter would void the new trailer warranty; the dealer called Jayco and they said the warranty would be fine. So, we ordered the trailer and the dealer installed the Mumby adapter on the trailer (we're in Canada), and it's never given us a single bit of problem, and it pulls like a dream. It takes 10 seconds to take the ball out of the truck box and replace it with a plug that keeps debris out, and then I can use the full truck box, and there's not a big hitch taking up space in my garage. There's also a set of heavy duty brackets on either side of the adapter, going from down by where the hitch meets the ball, up to by where the king pin box disappears up under the trailer nose; these form a super strong triangle on each side and take away any additional stress on the frame introduced with the lower connection point of a gooseneck. If we ever get another 5er, I'd to this set-up again in a heartbeat.
Lots of good information in this video but you missed two main points for not using gooseneck hitch. First any ball type hitch voids all warranty on every camper and second you have to have safety chains attached to frame (not just to pin box like most do) when using gooseneck which will require cutting into body of camper and voiding warranty
I read all the comments but no one talks about pulling an RV and a boat which one is safer the BMW hitch the Anderson hitch or the Reese's gooseneck hitch because I want to doubles
I do not believe that your stress assessment is correct. The "neck" of the goose neck hitch, will flex and deflect almost all of the ordinary stresses of normal use. It's flexibility will actual reduce the over all stress to the trailer frame. The only time it would produce more stress is when making an extremely tight turn, 90 deg or greater. Even then, if you are on any other surface, other then concrete, the stress will then be relieved from the frame when the tires slide.
You are very wrong with ur assessment of the stress created by a goose neck verses the fifth wheel set up! You need to listen to the video again, he is correct!
I have a 6.5 foot short bed that my RV dealer wants me to put an Andersen Ultimate hitch in to tow my 40' toy hauler. I've never hauled a 5th wheel before. I am very concerned I may smash my crew cab and nosecone together on a 90 degree jack knife turn. The dealer tells me to limit the turning to 80 degrees. Right. Think I'll go with the B&W Companion slider. Although not an auto slide, I hope I'll be really happy with that.
I have a Luxe 48 fter the frame was designed for the gooseneck by anderson since we dont run 5th wheel plates on any of our 5500 Rams with a flat bed, by Hillsboro Aluminum bed,
I know this is 6 years old. Can you update this video with a new one with this alternitive in mind. Reese Goose Box 5th Wheel Pin Box, Air Ride 20,000-lb. Capacity
The burning question I have always had on this is not, which hitch; I have always asked, WHY?, as in, why did RV manufacturers choose to adopt the 5th wheel as the standard for RV's instead of the goose neck? I have never heard an answer to this question that is supported by anything. I am not asking about converting to a goose neck from a 5th wheel, I am asking why they chose to use a 5th wheel as the standard in the first place. In my opinion, a goose neck is a simpler system, and much more efficient use of truck bed space, and precisely the reason I think it is superior. I have never towed a 5th wheel, but I have towed thousands of goose neck trailers. Goose necks just work, every time, all the time, so I never understood why? The stresses a goose neck induce on the trailer frame was engineered out of existence years ago and I am certain they could do the same on a RV frame as they do on 48' horse trailers with changing rooms and/or sleeping quarters. For this reason, I have never heard an answer that makes any real sense to, why do RV manufacturers design to a 5th wheel instead of designing to a goose neck. I've been asking this question for over 20 years, so I hope you have one. Thanks
i disagree… i have the experience of gooseneck hitches with living trailers in the form of Living Quarters horse trailers. why dont you like them for living trailers?
It sounds like the Pros and Cons of either system (catastrophic stress failure) is pointed at the trailers versus the tow vehicle. Regarding stress to a tow vehicle, if it has a tow rating (GVTR?) that's above the trailers weight (hopefully by a lot) then either system is fairly equal.
What about the Reese Goose Box? Lippert approved the use of the Goose Box without voiding the warranty.
Brent Foster: The Reese Goosebox is a great product for those who want to do an expensive conversion to a Gooseneck connection. It doesn't void the trailers warranty (in most cases) but if there is frame damage and it's determined that the Goosebox was the cause, it will void your warranty. Most people know that even if it was a manufacturing defect in the frame, the RV companies like to find anyway to avoid honoring claims. This is just another way. Just like any aftermarket item. I'm no saying that it will void the entire vehicle/rv warranty, but can effect the frame portion. Also, I didn't include it in the video since in 99% of applications you see people simply using the conversion kit NOT the reese pinbox replacement. This video is more to explain WHY converting can effect the frame in a way 99% of folks can understand. Hope it helps.
Brent Foster ,',
Big Truck Big RV The GooseBox was developed with, and is approved your Lippert for their frame systems. Why would you say that it will void Lippert's warranty? And I get that you like the Andersen, but not mentioning the GooseBox only limits the options you give your audience. It would have taken 3 seconds.
Big Truck Big RV the Reese Goose box will not void the lippert frame warranty. The Reese Goose Box is the only fifth wheel adapter approved by lippert to use on their frames.
I put a Reese goose box on my 42 1/2 solitude grand design and love it. Pulls like a charm behind ram 3500 dually. Have a drop in ball factory in bed! The Reese box I bought has a airbag built in it as well
So refreshing to hear you teaching again. I’ve watched a lot of other people lately and they are so annoying to listen to because they don’t know what they are talking about or how to say it in less than 30 minutes. Thanks for all the info.
Great coverage right off the bat. Thanks for the info without a lengthy unnecessary intro.
I love learning about things like this. So glad I went with the 5th wheel hitch.
It all comes down to was your fifth wheel frame built on a Monday or Friday.
Under rated comment
And your tow vehicle too
You clearly missed the point.
Having pulled the same RV with a Fifth Wheel Hitch and then as Gooseneck my preference is definitely for the Gooseneck, it pulls about the same in my opinion and I didn’t have anything in my bed to get in the way.
If money wasn’t an object (it is) I would just have a travel trailer built to my specifications by one of the horse trailer manufacturers. They are far better built than anything built by the RV manufacturers and come with a Gooseneck Hitch already not to mention heavier axles and tires.
Gen y Torsion flex goose neck hitch looks like a great upgrade
Fantastic! Thanks for pointing out the pro's and con's of a fifth wheel hitch and gooseneck hitch conversion. I'm going to re-think what I was going to do!!
Took me a while to get to this video lol. Great job. I have the Anderson Hitch that attaches to rails in the bed of my F350. For me it’s the ultimate solution. Hitching is easy and the ride is fantastic. Although my model is steel and not aluminum it’s very light and easy to take in and out of the truck.
Once again thanks for another great job.
Thank you for talking me out of converting to gooseneck! Much appreciated!
Awesome videos to keep me entertained and informed while pulling all nighters on the farm
Sawyer 14 were are spraying round up for weeds so when it rains they won't get out of control
Thanks for this informative video. I just decided to go with a B&W turnover ball and Anderson Ultimate Hitch system. I always learn so much from you.
I feel like I need to pay you to come over and help me buy a fifth wheel when I'm ready to. I really appreciate everything you're posting you're amazing and very very helpful.
one of the disadvantages of 5th wheel hitch is of course the higher mounting point which will add leverage to side forces and definitely have an impact on truck stability, while a gooseneck transfer that force at the frame level and eliminate crosswind effects on the truck, contrary to what you stated
Exactly! This video made my head hurt, as it makes no sense. With a gooseneck ball attached in the Truck, there is ALOT more forgiveness during movement. What this person fails to recognize is the attachment point in the towing vehicle is a direct extension of the pin box on the trailer and is where the Engineering is wrapped into.
@@robbiejk9613 Thank you. And, he's using the word leverage to mean "force". Leverage and force are not the same. His explanations are not scientific and some of it is wrong.
@@warsurplus Yes, we need Engineers making videos, not Sales, or people who are making guesses. As an Engineer, alot of these people are ill informing people.
@@teon39 Other than a degree in in it. Thank You.
@@teon39 knows a lot about letting other men bang his woman while he watches tho
Hitch it is! Makes more sense in allot of ways. Thanks so much.
Not exactly the content I was thinking it would be based on the title, but still informative. I expected a direct comparison of trailers designed as a 5th wheel setup vs trailers designed as a gooseneck setup.
Jim Cole: good point. I have been asked several times to talk about the conversion.
I love the Anderson Ultimate Hitch. Can un-bolt it in a minute and the 65lb pyramid comes right off. Never go back to a traditional 5th wheel hitch. They now make an aluminum alloy option weighs about 30lbs.
Thank you for explaining the difference. Also the warranty issues.
I tow a 41 foot 15k pound that i bought a goose neck pin box for and have had 0 problems in 5 years. Flip the ball over and pick up sheet rock with out rails to deal with or a 5th wheel to take out.
Another very informative video. Thank you. Could you do one about the different 5th wheel hitches? I'm confused with all the options and sliding options, etc. Thanks again.
Answers to Kevin's question would be very helpful. I asked another reader about his experience with the Andersen fifth wheel hitch. I am also considering a fifth wheel Curt non-automatic slider because I'll be driving a shortbed. Thanks!
I heard you want a slider for a short bed and non slider for long beds. Ask etrailer.com they were helpful and replied quick!
The GenY adapter looks good for this. Also, your wrist watch is too small.
You nailed the question! You might get more space in the bed of the truck and less weight because of it but the less stress and more stability of the 5th wheel outweighs the "benefits" of a gooseneck at least with a box van behind and above you compared to animals!
Appreciate the video, I am going with the PullRite SuperGlide for my 2014 Ram 3500 Mega Cab. I wanted the clear bed when not pulling, but I don't want to give up the extra safety/stability of a 5th wheel set up. Thank you so much!
John Olberding May I ask where do I order the glider. And who professional installs.
Safety what ?? Goosebox if somehow becomes disconnected it has safety chains to keep it in the bed !! 5th wheel becomes disconnected u will have a destroyed bed sides and yes they come unlocked !! I have goosebox now because of safety and stability and a lot smoother ride !! No more chuckling for me
Thank you for the good analysis. I have pulled my Open Range Lite 5th wheel about 12,000 miles through the Midwest and West without incident. Open Range offers a factory gooseneck option on their light weight units.
You did not mention three additional differences to the gooseneck system.
1) As a ball hitch it requires safety chains.
2) The ball cannot be seen from the driver’s seat in most trucks. (Requiring a spotter to assist hookup).
3) Because the latch is at the bottom of the hitch near the ball, it is almost impossible to reach over the pickup side or from the rear of the truck.(I carry a two-step ladder for that purpose.) In spite of this, I am glad I went with the gooseneck hitch and I would do it again.
Thank you for the clarification. My ignorance has led me to believe that gooseneck and fifth-wheel are interchangeable.
Switched to a Gen Y gooseneck and very pleased with the results. I have no concerns about stress transfer due to its construction. Highly unlikely it is changing stress to the frame in a significant way.
I just recently started looking at your videos, I have learned a lot of information watching your videos. Keep up the great work keeping us informed.
Your stress accesment is absolutely correct. Listen up people.
If a trailer is going to fall apart from being converted to a gooseneck clearly they don't know how to build a trailer. I've been running a gooseneck on my camper for many years and have never had a problem. There's no way I would ever put that big fifth wheel plate in the back of any of my trucks.
smcox1991 what type of rv do you have? I’m a newbie and have a fifth wheel for my horse trailer and just planned on using for my future rv. I had no idea this was even a concern. Thank u in advance😇
Agreed, apparently RV manufacturers build weak frames not ment to be towed
@@teon39 And if frame damage due to gooseneck adapters was as big of a problem as RV forums and TH-cam "experts" would have us believe, it wouldn't be next to impossible to find photos of frame damage online.
am in agreement with you especially with more and more trailers being built with aluminum structural units. a hitch like the b&w companion hitch provides all the pitch and yaw needed for uneven or unlevel roads.
I have the Anderson Aluminum version to pull my 36ft 5th wheel. It pulls great and smooth. And the ball is high so you can look out the back window to hook up.
Thank you, this was the information I was looking for!
We just purchased our first fifth wheel and an Anderson hitch. Ill know this summer if Im still as happy with this setup as a standard fifth wheel hitch.
Your videos are always informative and useful.
I adapted mine. Love how it tows. No chucking.
I bought a used 33' 5th wheel RV from a guy years ago. I didn't have a hitch installed in my truck yet, so he kindly delivered the trailer to me. Unfortunately, he was using a gooseneck extension bolted to the pin box. After we had it parked, I quickly unbolted the thing and gave it back to him. I knew even then, just from looking at the geometry of the thing, that it would put a lot of stress on the pin box and frame of the trailer. I found out later that using it would have voided the manufacturer's warranty.
Great video. I did not even know there was a difference between the two
Thanks for taking the time to make this. Great combination of layman + technical.
Very informative, thanks for the detail along with the pros and cons of each!
Thanks for answering many of my Questions!!
I’ve never (20+ yrs) used a gooseneck hitch and was thinking about converting. I’ll stick with what I’m running thanks to your advice.
Great INFO. As a retired engineer I can see where the gooseneck will create a much larger bending moment into the trailer. The stresses will be in the same area but more from the gooseneck connection. It seems that the biggest reason I have heard for a gooseneck has been to provide more cargo space in the bed of the truck. I'm not so sure the Anderson Fifth Wheel Hitch does any more for you in that area unless it can be easily removed when not pulling your trailer.
Can you put the math to the stresses between the 2 hitches?
One year later switches to Goose-neck. Looking hard at going to a Goose-neck setup when I get my Fifth Wheel.
I bought a camper with a goose neck adapter and love how easy it is to pull and back.
Need to look at the Reese Goose Box 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Air Ride Coupler It takes things to a different level things as far as angles for the trailer being attached. But it frees ur bed up. You put the ball in the bed of your truck in the hole and simple drop your trailer on same as if you was on standard 5th wheel king pin set up.
Helpful information, saved me from an error
You didn't mention the Reese goosebox system. I think if you look at that apposed to the cheap adapters you'd have a far different opinion on gooseneck pulling a camper with that.
Lawrence Cooper: I agree.
Jay1111: um ok
I love my reese goosebox. This is the only goose neck system that our fifth manufacturer (thor) would allow us to use to keep our factory warranty. With the air suspension built in the ride is wonderful.i have about 20k miles on the hitch so far.
I disagree about added stress to the RV frame also. The stresses behind the mounting point of the goosebox are going to be exactly the same as the fifth wheel.
TL;DR
Fifth wheel: Smoother ride, better on road
Gooseneck: better articulation, rougher ride, better off road. Also can carry heavier trailers.
Reese Goose box is rated for 20k and has air ride. Dont put too much weight on what this guy says because he doesnt mention the goose box. It doesnt void the warranty either.
Great videos - we learned a lot about RV trailers and about choosing a truck - we subscribed and look forward to watching more. Thanks for the information!!
I think there is some validity in terms of how it effects the truck. This video really hits everything on the trailer side. What are your two cents on how the tow point can effect your towing experience between a gooseneck with its connection point at the bottom of the bed and closer to the axle vs. a fifth wheel hitch that elevates the mounting point almost two feet higher?
I made an investment on a new 2017 F350 lariat ultimate! you are an amazing person who shares your un biased thoughts on so many subjects!
Martin Olson: thanks! very kind of you!
JD, I appreciate your expertise. Would you do another video with a standard fifth wheel hitch, a gooseneck adapter, and then a Reese gooseneck pin box. I believe people need a visual to understand exactly your point you are making. Love your channel and you are the best.
Hello. I did something similar after installing the first Goosebox.
as always your well informed Thank you for the information
I use a few pieces of 1×4 decking boards and throw down a 3/4 inch 4 × 8 sheet of plywood down so I sits above my 5th wheel rails and it works great. The advantage of that is you can throw anything in the bed of the truck and never worry that something is going to mess up your bed or paint in your bed. Plywood lasts about 3 years here in Ohio before you need to replace it. Least that works for me
Very informative and relevant, but what about the gooseneck pinbox with air "suspension" or other like GenY ?
Some good tips thanks for your time and input
I will respectfully disagree with your opinion on the Reese Goose Box. The Goose Box is the only application that Lippert Co. approves as an O.E.M. application and it DOES NOT void the warranty. Your statement "if there is frame damage and it's determined that the Goose Box was the cause, it will void your warranty" is the same as saying if there is frame damage and it is determined the 5th wheel pin box was the cause it will void the warranty. I spoke with Lippert representatives prior to purchasing my Goose Box and there is no fine print excluding it's application in the warranty. Furthermore, the reason Lippert approves the Goose Box application is because it is engineered NOT to alter the stress points at the wing mounts on the trailer. I certainly agree that the use of goose neck adapters will void the warranty and most importantly are not safe. However, proper goose neck applications typically have higher tow ratings specific to the hitch than 5th wheel applications because they have less moving parts and are more stable. Obviously the vehicle tow rating should be observed primarily for safety reasons. In regards to expense, it is negligible. When you consider the cost of a 5th wheel hitch for a truck rated high enough to tow a 30+ ft. camper, the cost would be very close to the cost of an under bed goose neck hitch and the Goose Box for the camper combined. I have a B&W under bed hitch setup with a Goose Box on a 42 ft. camper and it tows like a dream. I am a life long RV enthusiast just like most of the people reading or writing on this post. Regardless of opinions about tow ratings, stress points, warranties, frame damage or any other elements of this video. If for the sake of debating we say that all categories that are associated with a number or a warranty between 5th wheel and Goose Neck towing are the same. There is one thing that I am confident that most would agree upon. If anyone towing a camper that has truly EXPERIENCED the difference between towing with a 5th wheel hitch setup and a Goose Ball/Goose Box set up you will never own another 5th wheel hitch again. Unless you never use the bed of your truck and leave the 5th wheel hitch in it permanently, or you are 25 years old and love unhooking the multiple pin attachment points and lifting the multiple heavy and awkward pieces in and out of your truck there is no comparison. The ease of hitching/unhitching, turning around what probably amounts to a 3 or 4 pound hitch ball to completely free the bed of your truck of any obstruction, and the lack of hitch noise and binding would make a believer out of anyone that tows on a regular basis.
Andrea Shorey Dang you wrote a Novel..
No one is going to read this novel 🤦♂️
@@O.G.BFrmDaWstSd Sorry, not intended to be a novel for an audience to read but targeted for the author to read. Who by the way has now converted his own trailer to a Reese Goosebox as shown in his more recent video.
@@Rolexenforcer I am assuming you read it. But nevertheless, my only interest was for the author to read it. Who by the way has converted his own camper to the Reese Goosebox shown in his more recent video. Must have reconsidered the facts.
Its all good !! I plan to start a HotShot Outfit within next Year so I soak up all the knowledge I can VIA TH-cam
It seems to me the extension for the goose neck and the tower for the 5th wheel would exert the same torque on the trailer's frame. Both cover the distance from the king pin to the ball in the bed so should have the same leverage.
Leverage. The fifth wbeel hitch is closer to the frame. The goosneck hitch is like adding a lever to the end of the frame. A lever multiplies force.
Thank you for your video, it help me big time
I though that highway looked familiar. Glad to see CC represented. I'll have to swing in.
What are your thoughts on the 5th wheel being a higher connection for the truck and being able to put more side-load/twisting force on the truck because it is further from the suspension.
Thank you for this informative video. I appreciate your concerns related to stress on the trailer frame when the contact/tow point is essentially moved a foot or more away from the trailer's design point - the standard 5th wheel kingpin. That concern disappears, it seems to me, when using something like the Andersen system where the connection point is elevated to the trailer's normal kingpin attach point, keeping stresses as expected in the original trailer design. With the obvious other advantages of the Andersen system, I don't see why that would be the connection setup of choice.
Thank you...great job and very informative!
Thanks..very educational explained everything I was confused about these options.
Open Range has been putting out a Light series of 5th wheel for about 5 years now. It actually comes as a modified gooseneck. It is I believe the only true gooseneck 5er on the market. It is an amazing tow and works perfectly for those of us with a flatbed. You just have to swap out the round tube adapter with a BX1 coupler or similar and you are on the road
Thanks for a informative video. The Ultimate Connection by Andersen is a great bonus insofar as weight is concerned. Coming in at about 40 lbs is a far cry from the 250 lb of the Pullrite SuperGlide. Also, the hitch's lighter weight affords you more cargo poundage, which is helpful with dealing with pin weights, remembering that pin weights are part of the tow vehicle's cargo weight. My 6.7L F250 PS, with the Pullrite SuperGlide, weighs in at 8400# with fuel, me & and the wife. That only leaves 1600# before hitting hit the max GVWR of 10K. The additional 200# gives me some fudge room for pin weight. ...unless, of course, I am missing something.
I have had a slider hitch but really like my Anderson
Great advice Bro!....Much appreciated 👍
I am learning so much from your videos. Thank you.
Good Stuff,Great Tips😄👍🏿
What is you thoughts on The B&W turnover ball with the companion fithwheel adapter ? i have one and have pulled both gooseneck and Fifth wheel and it pulls great . whats your thoughts ?
What about if you convert to gooseneck with the RV series? Does this also apply to this video?
Reese "Goose Box" is an air ride pin box replacement that converts to gooseneck. It doesnt void the warranty either. They cost the same as an OEM trailer package 5thwheel hitch for New Dodges. Cheaper to buy a goose box than a good 5th wheel hitch then adding air ride to pin box doubles cost.
I wonder if smaller loads like say a 10 to 16 ft smaller camper, diy, would make a difference in terms of using a gooseneck?
Another great video. I did not know any of this stuff. Thanks a bunch
Love your videos
Thanks for verifying on the hitch styles.
First off, thank you for taking the time to make this video and giving us a better idea of each system. I’m curious though as to what qualifications you have that you feel support your claims on the potential damage a gooseneck might be causing?
We can all guess and say it sort of makes sense. But if you aren’t an engineer who’s done extensive testing on these exact systems you probably shouldn’t be tossing around misinformation as if you know what you’re talking about. To the point of another comment here… if a gooseneck increases the likelihood of a catastrophic frame failure, they likely wouldn’t be able to make and sell them.
Your best informative content thus far! Excellent job!
Can you do an overview of the B&W Companion 5th wheel hitch?
Kevin Thomas; sure
I'd love to see this as well
Thank you Mick Martin. I have been considering the purchase of a 5th Wheel trailer and the difference between a 5th wheel hitch or going gooseneck. I think that after all my research I will stay with an Open Range LIGHT and their "King Combo" pin box and use a gooseneck hitch. The 2nd choice would be a B&W turnover ball companion hitch. But that's just what I'm going to do... Thanks again!!!
do you still think the same today after having your Reese gooseneck hitch for your fifth wheel?
Had a gooseneck adapter on a fifth wheel. Chucking was BAD. Determined that the four bolts holding the adapter to the king pin were not tight. After tightening, chucking was reduced, not eliminating. Upgraded to the Andersen Ultimate. Chucking GONE. Finally determined that the gooseneck adapter itself has slop causing movement (chucking). With the Andersen, there is no slop.
Holy crap this was filmed in Corpus specicially in the bluff. I go there because im friends with the owners sons in their bodyshop that they aquired. At that rv shop! Wow. Small world.
Thank you for the information. I learned a lot.
Since our truck already had a gooseneck hitch in the box when we bought our new 34' 5th wheel trailer a few years ago, we asked if a gooseneck adapter would void the new trailer warranty; the dealer called Jayco and they said the warranty would be fine.
So, we ordered the trailer and the dealer installed the Mumby adapter on the trailer (we're in Canada), and it's never given us a single bit of problem, and it pulls like a dream. It takes 10 seconds to take the ball out of the truck box and replace it with a plug that keeps debris out, and then I can use the full truck box, and there's not a big hitch taking up space in my garage.
There's also a set of heavy duty brackets on either side of the adapter, going from down by where the hitch meets the ball, up to by where the king pin box disappears up under the trailer nose; these form a super strong triangle on each side and take away any additional stress on the frame introduced with the lower connection point of a gooseneck.
If we ever get another 5er, I'd to this set-up again in a heartbeat.
Sixinthefield sounds great. Have a picture to share of brackets?
ty, informative and helpful. Looking at a 5th wheel setup.
Great video... very informative 😀👍
Lots of good information in this video but you missed two main points for not using gooseneck hitch. First any ball type hitch voids all warranty on every camper and second you have to have safety chains attached to frame (not just to pin box like most do) when using gooseneck which will require cutting into body of camper and voiding warranty
I read all the comments but no one talks about pulling an RV and a boat which one is safer the BMW hitch the Anderson hitch or the Reese's gooseneck hitch because I want to doubles
I do not believe that your stress assessment is correct. The "neck" of the goose neck hitch, will flex and deflect almost all of the ordinary stresses of normal use. It's flexibility will actual reduce the over all stress to the trailer frame. The only time it would produce more stress is when making an extremely tight turn, 90 deg or greater. Even then, if you are on any other surface, other then concrete, the stress will then be relieved from the frame when the tires slide.
You are very wrong with ur assessment of the stress created by a goose neck verses the fifth wheel set up! You need to listen to the video again, he is correct!
The stress you should be concerned about is at the attachment point. Goose Necks are not a good alternative.
what about a “gooseneck attachment /mount/adapter” for a non 5th wheel travel trailer?
I have a 6.5 foot short bed that my RV dealer wants me to put an Andersen Ultimate hitch in to tow my 40' toy hauler. I've never hauled a 5th wheel before. I am very concerned I may smash my crew cab and nosecone together on a 90 degree jack knife
turn. The dealer tells me to limit the turning to 80 degrees. Right. Think I'll go with the B&W Companion slider. Although not an auto slide, I hope I'll be really happy with that.
I have a Luxe 48 fter the frame was designed for the gooseneck by anderson since we dont run 5th wheel plates on any of our 5500 Rams with a flat bed, by Hillsboro Aluminum bed,
I know this is 6 years old. Can you update this video with a new one with this alternitive in mind. Reese Goose Box 5th Wheel Pin Box, Air Ride 20,000-lb. Capacity
This info rock's was really helpful thank you.
Awesome informational educational video experience Y'alls
I have a reese goosebox. Works fine. Can you give us your opinion on them?
The burning question I have always had on this is not, which hitch; I have always asked, WHY?, as in, why did RV manufacturers choose to adopt the 5th wheel as the standard for RV's instead of the goose neck? I have never heard an answer to this question that is supported by anything. I am not asking about converting to a goose neck from a 5th wheel, I am asking why they chose to use a 5th wheel as the standard in the first place.
In my opinion, a goose neck is a simpler system, and much more efficient use of truck bed space, and precisely the reason I think it is superior. I have never towed a 5th wheel, but I have towed thousands of goose neck trailers. Goose necks just work, every time, all the time, so I never understood why?
The stresses a goose neck induce on the trailer frame was engineered out of existence years ago and I am certain they could do the same on a RV frame as they do on 48' horse trailers with changing rooms and/or sleeping quarters.
For this reason, I have never heard an answer that makes any real sense to, why do RV manufacturers design to a 5th wheel instead of designing to a goose neck.
I've been asking this question for over 20 years, so I hope you have one.
Thanks
I wander the same thing.
That was very good information for newbies pulling 5th wheels. I believe goose necks are ok for equipment type trailers but not for livable trailers
i disagree… i have the experience of gooseneck hitches with living trailers in the form of Living Quarters horse trailers. why dont you like them for living trailers?
It sounds like the Pros and Cons of either system (catastrophic stress failure) is pointed at the trailers versus the tow vehicle.
Regarding stress to a tow vehicle, if it has a tow rating (GVTR?) that's above the trailers weight (hopefully by a lot) then either system is fairly equal.
I like my trailer saver with air bags