SoCalDesertRider wrote: I don't see where this would have any different effect on the frame of the trailer than a regular pin box with a fifth/goose adapter attached to the pin box. The amount of horizontal extension and vertical drop are the same, and it mounts to the frame the same way as the pin box, in the same position and the trailer's frame hasn't changed any.
Ditto. The different geometry of the pin box will create different forces that are on the pin box and not frame. The pin box now has a little longer, vertical lever but the 5ver frame won't see these different forces.
Phil
The trailer frame WILL see those forces. The goosebox is a longer vertical lever torquing on the trailer's frame. Just as a gooseneck adapter on a regular pin box is also a longer vertical lever torquing on the frame in the same way.
The only difference in the lever is the goosebox is a one-piece unit, whereas a regular pin box and gooseneck adapter is a 2-piece unit. However, the 2 pieces are rigidly mounted together, so they act as one piece, so far as the trailer's frame is concerned.
The only difference the trailer's frame will see is the anti-shock cushioning, as mentioned earlier by someone else. A worthwhile benefit no doubht. However, anti-shock cushioning devices are available to use with a gooseneck adapter and regular pin box, so an equal comparison could still be made between the two methods.
I have to disagree but should also correct my post to not speak in absolutes. There may be a minimal amount of additional force put on the 5ver frame in compression and tension but this should be very minimal compared to a standard hitch. I am only speaking in the difference between a normal 5ver hitch and the Goose Box. Here's why. First, forces get reduced through each joint, in this case two 90 degree joints. This first point assumes these are rigid joints but in this Goose Box, the joints are not rigid. The shock/articulating motion of this Goose Box looks to be in the same point as my 5th Airborn hitch, just in front of the kingpin. This pivot point and articulation is going to absorb much of the additional loads from the longer adapter. I really do not see much of a difference in the loads between the two types of hitches, given the significant reduction in forces through the joints and the articulation/shock of the hitch (this latter feature being huge in reducing shock loads to the 5ver frame). Would be interesting to get some one from Reese to provide real numbers, though.
The length and angle of the lever arm to the frame is still the same, so it will still transfer the same horizontal torque to the frame. The cushioning mechanism will reduce shock forces, which is good. The overall pulling/pushing force and resultant torque to the frame due to the length of the lever is still the same though.
Please educate this dumb newbie. What is the advantage of a gooseneck type hitch over the standard pin box on a 5er? I can see where it would make some room in the PU bed. But is that the only advantage?
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Depends upon what all you use your truck for. If all you use it for is pulling you 5'r then all that hitch sitting in your bed is not an issue. If you need your truck to pull different trailers like on a farm, those trailers tend to use goose neck hitches as the goose neck allows move movement over uneven ground. Personally I like that once I unhook, I pull a pin, flip my ball and I have a "clean bed" to do whatever else I need to use my truck for.
SandSOrrell wrote: Please educate this dumb newbie. What is the advantage of a gooseneck type hitch over the standard pin box on a 5er? I can see where it would make some room in the PU bed. But is that the only advantage?
Basically, but other options are: 1) time and labor to remove a fifth wheel hitch to achieve the same bed space or, 2) just hook up a small utility trailer to carry a load. I've done both for many years.
My view about using a GN ball mount, safety chains are required and hookup is more difficult due to less alignment tolerance and reduced visibility.
Larry Day
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mdamerell wrote: Depends upon what all you use your truck for. If all you use it for is pulling you 5'r then all that hitch sitting in your bed is not an issue. If you need your truck to pull different trailers like on a farm, those trailers tend to use goose neck hitches as the goose neck allows move movement over uneven ground. Personally I like that once I unhook, I pull a pin, flip my ball and I have a "clean bed" to do whatever else I need to use my truck for.
The "benefit" of increased movement over uneven ground only applies to ranch and equipment trailers. When it comes to a fifth wheel trailer that is wider than the truck bed, clearance between the top of the truck bed and the underside of the fiver limits the amount of movement between the truck and trailer, not the amount of movement at the ball vs. hitch. There are plenty of fifth wheel hitches with side-to-side pivot and these are actually designed to limit side movement, generally 5 degrees, to prevent truck to trailer contact and damage.
SandSOrrell wrote: Please educate this dumb newbie. What is the advantage of a gooseneck type hitch over the standard pin box on a 5er? I can see where it would make some room in the PU bed. But is that the only advantage?
IMO, there is no advantage.
I found the gooseneck hitch more difficult to hook up than the fifth wheel hitch.
A gooseneck hitch has to have safety chains, a fifth wheel hitch does not (at least, that's the law in my state!)
I no longer have any need for either of them, but if I ever do get another such trailer, it WILL be speced with a fifth wheel hitch.
I just like them better than a gooseneck.
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SandSOrrell wrote: Please educate this dumb newbie. What is the advantage of a gooseneck type hitch over the standard pin box on a 5er? I can see where it would make some room in the PU bed. But is that the only advantage?
You might want to go back a couple of pages and look at the hitch...not much at all like your typical GN hitch..
I still have my "wonder" as to "IF" there is cracking in the sidewall or something does happen to the frame will manufacturer and/or Lippert still stand by their backing of this hitch.
More room in the bed, but like Mowermech stated, do you still need the safety chains for this product..if so, to me, it's a bit of a pain.
He was a new member and so are you, and no one would call a "newbie" dumb.....he was sharing what he had seen on this hitch
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