brownmht
Maryland
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Greetings all!
I am brand new to the fifth wheel gig. I will be taking delivery of a 2008 F-350 with a gooseneck hitch in the bed. However, the trailer we are planning on buying isn't a gooseneck. In my search for 5th wheel hitches, I stumbled upon a universal hitch adapter.
My question simply is this a good idea? Is anyone else doing this?
The fiver we a looking at is a 29 foot Keystone Cougar. It's 11,500 GVRW. So the 24,000 the adapter is advertised at is more than strong enough.
My initial feeling is "skeptical optimism". However, before talking to a saleman and having no experience with these things, I ask your opinion.
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josten367
Columbia, MO
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Joined: 08/23/2011
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I think we have discussed this before quite a bit and it just depends on what you want to do. I had the same question and I went with a B&W Companion hitch. It slides right into where your gooseneck ball is and put a fifth wheel hitch in two pieces.
B&W Companion
Here is one of the posting like your question:
Gooseneck Hitch
2012 Palomino Puma Bunkhouse 5th Wheel 295KBH
2003 Chevy Silverado 2500HD Crew Cab 4x4 Gas with Flowmasters
B&W Companion 5th Wheel
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Old-Biscuit
Across the USA
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Check with Keystone and inquire if 5th wheel pin box frame structure warranty would become VOID if a gooseneck adapter is used.......
That will let you make an informed decision on whether or not you want to use one, whether the trailer is new or used.
If using one would VOID the frame warranty............hummmmmmmm
B&W makes a great companion hitch that utilizes a gooseneck ball in bed of truck.
2007 RAM 3500 QC LB SRW 5.9L CTD 48re 4:10 4K in bed 'quiet genny'
2007 HitchHiker II 32.5 UKTG 2000W Xantex Inverter
Hit the Road Free & Clear April '07
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ibycus
virginia
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I have a buddy who has a bunch of goosneck horse trailers and did just what you're looking at.. he's never had any issues, though I recall him saying that the dealers in the area recommended against it...
personally, if companies are selling the adaptors, I can't imagine they aren't safe as long as you don't go crazy.. the liability would be insane for them...
also... keep in mind that goosenecks, just like any ball mount type hitch isn't as strong as a 5th wheel..
bottom line.. if you don't have a need for the gooseneck ball, I'd get rid of it and go for the 5th wheel... it's definitely better.
2013 Silverado 3500 DRW Diesel
2007 Puma 28BHS
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BB_TX
McKinney, Texas
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Some manufacturers state that using a gooseneck adapter will void their warranty. It does put different stresses on the frame. But a lot of people use them with no problem.
If it is a newer trailer with the frame still under warranty, I would make sure to check first.
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glazier
Kentucky
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I pull both gooseneck and fifth wheel trailers. Gooseneck hitches are definitely as strong, or stronger than a RV Fifth Wheel hitch. I just can't understand why anyone would want the hassle of hooking up to a ball in their bed, if the can use a Fifth Wheel. To each their own.
2010 Jayco Eagle Super Lite 31.5 FBHS
08 Chevy 2500HD LTZ Duramax CC/SB/4X4
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Cummins12V98
on the road
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B&W Companion you won't regret it!
2011 Ram Laramie Longhorn 3500 Dually Long Bed, Cummins 350/800 HO, Towin Machine
B&W Companion Hitch, Maghytec Trans and Rear Dif Covers, AMZ/OIL Top To Bottom
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Jheni000
West Fork, AR.
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B & W Companion hitch is your best choice. Easy to mount and dismount and no problems with warranties. Is your gooseneck a B & W?.
Jim & Trisha Henington
Fleetwood TT 26 ft w/superslide
2007 GMC Sierra 1500 4/4
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brownmht
Maryland
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Thank to everyone for responding. I have to look at the current hitch. I have not taken delivery of the truck yet so, I can't say with 100% certainty it's a B&W.
The trailer is a 2007 I am buying from the origional owner. So warranty voiding is not a concern. Trashing my first fifth wheel is a huge concern though. But from what I am reading, I feel better I am not going to lose my trailer somewhere along a dark deserted highway.
Thanks again all! I can't wait to post some pictures!
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laknox
Arizona
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brownmht wrote:Thank to everyone for responding. I have to look at the current hitch. I have not taken delivery of the truck yet so, I can't say with 100% certainty it's a B&W.
The trailer is a 2007 I am buying from the origional owner. So warranty voiding is not a concern. Trashing my first fifth wheel is a huge concern though. But from what I am reading, I feel better I am not going to lose my trailer somewhere along a dark deserted highway.
Thanks again all! I can't wait to post some pictures!
What people were saying was, if the mfr =would have= voided the warranty in 2007/8, that's a clue that the frame might not stand up to have a GN adapter installed. I can go either way with my B&W setup, and I don't think I'd have a problem with my pre-Lippert Zieman frame, but the ease of using a FW instead of a GN hitch really sells it.
Lyle
2002 GMC Sierra 2500 HD Duramax Crew Cab 4x4
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