Converting a fifth wheel hitch to use gooseneck bad?

[alvinmb]

I have been doing research on converting a 5th wheel hitch to use a gooseneck. My truck comes with the 5th wheel/gooseneck package. Would it make sense to do the conversion to save weight instead of using a traditional 5th wheel hitch mount?

[5picker]

If 'weight' is your only consideration, the Andersen Ultimate is the frontrunner.

There are many posts on this site about the pros/cons of gooseneck attaching hitches.

[alvinmb]

So the Anderson is better than using the built in puck on the truck bed? With the low payloads on 3/4 diesels, every little bit can help.

[5picker]

Originally Posted by alvinmb

So the Anderson is better than using the built in puck on the truck bed? With the low payloads on 3/4 diesels, every little bit can help.

'Better' is subjective.

Again, if weight is your big concern, the Andersen (not Anderson) wins hands down.

The Andersen does not use the outer factory puck holes, only the gooseneck ball mount center hole.

As I said previously, there are a ton of 'what is the best hitch' threads on this (and all R/V) forums.
What I think best may not even register on the next three guy's scale.

Read up on the various different hitches and if you have specific questions, ask away. Only you can decide what is 'better/best.'

[SeventyGTX]

Originally Posted by alvinmb

So the Anderson is better than using the built in puck on the truck bed? With the low payloads on 3/4 diesels, every little bit can help.

The Andersen Ultimate is made to use on a gooseneck ball. I use an Andersen with the factory 5th wheel prep and B&W gooseneck ball kit. Works awesome. However, Andersen now makes a Bed Shaft that goes into the factory puck to use with their hitch at about 1/3 the price of the B&W kit. I would go that route if I didn't already have the B&W....

[Sealyn]

Many 5er frame manufacturers do not allow the use of a gooseneck adapter because of the added stress on the hitch box.

[SeventyGTX]

Originally Posted by Sealyn

Many 5er frame manufacturers do not allow the use of a gooseneck adapter because of the added stress on the hitch box.

Another way to get out of a warranty claim which they are masters at.

[RMWSierra]

Originally Posted by alvinmb

I have been doing research on converting a 5th wheel hitch to use a gooseneck. My truck comes with the 5th wheel/gooseneck package. Would it make sense to do the conversion to save weight instead of using a traditional 5th wheel hitch mount?

Checkout Reese Goosebox, I believe that is correct name. I understand it will not void warranty.

[5picker]

Originally Posted by Sealyn

Many 5er frame manufacturers do not allow the use of a gooseneck adapter because of the added stress on the hitch box.

Originally Posted by SeventyGTX

Another way to get out of a warranty claim which they are masters at.

Just to be sure everyone is on the same page... gooseneck ADAPTERS are entirely different than an Andersen Ultimate that connects to a gooseneck center ball.

And I'm certainly not portraying being an Andersen fanboy but I believe they back that hitch with a multi-million dollar policy if your trailer/tow vehicle warranty or insurance says no on frame issues.

Plus they'll give you $500 for you inconvenience.

Can't use that as a negative any longer when arguing pros/cons.

[aceinspp]

Originally Posted by SeventyGTX

The Andersen Ultimate is made to use on a gooseneck ball. I use an Andersen with the factory 5th wheel prep and B&W gooseneck ball kit. Works awesome. However, Andersen now makes a Bed Shaft that goes into the factory puck to use with their hitch at about 1/3 the price of the B&W kit. I would go that route if I didn't already have the B&W....

System I'm considering. Later RJD

[Mr. Dan]

Originally Posted by 5picker

Gooseneck ADAPTERS are entirely different than an Andersen Ultimate.

And I'm certainly not portraying being an Andersen fanboy but I believe they back that hitch with a multi-million dollar policy if your trailer/tow vehicle warranty or insurance says no on frame issues.

Plus they'll give you $500 for you inconvenience.

Can't use that as a negative any longer when arguing pros/cons.

Yes, this ^^^^.
I recently had to have a fairly major repair (welding in new metal, etc.) to the structure around my pin box. The extended service contract holder AND the frame manufacturer made me prove I had been using the Andersen Ultimate and NOT another Andersen product that is a gooseneck adapter. The manufacturer sent parts for free and instructions on the best practice to repair.


BTW, mine is the original black steel Andersen Ultimate... so mine is heavy - 75 pounds total!

[Arnie M]

Originally Posted by alvinmb

I have been doing research on converting a 5th wheel hitch to use a gooseneck. My truck comes with the 5th wheel/gooseneck package. Would it make sense to do the conversion to save weight instead of using a traditional 5th wheel hitch mount?

I installed a Gooseneck hitch on our 2017 Ram 3500. Had Dealership install a 20K Reese gooseneck air cushioned pin box on the RV.
Our only regret with this set up is loss of box space when hooked up (travelling). Pin box sits low in the truck box so have to consider swing. RV is designed for 90 deg swing. Need to consider swing on side to side and behind pin.
We will take the bed loss over the annoying chucking.
Hardly feel our 42' fifth wheel in tow with the gooseneck/air cushioned set up.
Our bonus is getting to a site, unhook, flip the gooseneck ball...full box.
Getting too old for hauling out a filth wheel hitch when I need a full box.
It all comes down to preference...what are your needs.

[Electra glide]

I have been using the Andersen Ultimate Aluminum hitch for 4 years now. I love the light weight and how easy it is to remove.

I did have some frame flex issues and LCI tried to blame my hitch. They claimed that my hitch was causing the issue but they couldn't prove it. In the end LCI added additional gussets to fix the issue. Andersen was willing to stick behind their warranty if LCI could prove the hitch was the issue.

I still like and use my Andersen in my 3/4 ton diesel.

[jtatum65]

I to was looking to switch to the Andersen Ultimate due to the heavy weight of my old Curt hitch w/ ram legs. It was too heavy for me and my wife to get out of the truck, it took 2 men and a baby elephant to get it out. So while looking at 3 different options....

1. Andersen Ultimate - Didn't comfortable with the aluminum frame (just my opinion)
2. Reese Goosebox - too expensive
3. Pullrite single point hitch - Which I choose.

The Pullrite is like the Andersen hitch it attaches to the gooseball in the bed of truck. The difference is it is an inverted design. Meaning ball on the pinbox and cup receiver on the hitch. But reasons I chose the Pullrite hitch was for the following....

1. Weight - 54lbs
2. All steel construction
3. Cost - $575 from RV Parts Pro on Ebay.
4. Takes up half the space in the bed of the truck compared to the Andersen.

So far I have pulled my 12k FW approx 1000 miles have not had any issues with the ride, actually the ride is much better as like the Andersen hitch, it eliminates a lot of chucking. Also talking to Pullrite, they say they will back this hitch all the way to court if need be to provide the hitch will not damage the pinbox or the frame. According to a manager I talked to at Pullrite, they have already had a lawsuit against LCI regarding their claim that the Pullrite hitch will damage the frame and apparently they won, according to the manager.

[Brendon37]

I use the Andersen in my Ram and I love it. The Reese Goosebox is also another good option to save some weight.

[SeventyGTX]

Originally Posted by 5picker

Just to be sure everyone is on the same page... gooseneck ADAPTERS are entirely different than an Andersen Ultimate that connects to a gooseneck center ball.

Yes, I realize they are completely different. Just stating my thoughts on the manufacturers and suppliers (Lippert in this case) regarding warranty.

[ependydad]

I had the Andersen Ultimate for 4 months. My fifth wheel is very pin light (15% on a 21,000 lbs setup). The ride with the Andersen was horrendous. Shook us up in the cab and caused my wife pain.

Plus, it would always twist in the bed. There was a thread here on FRF about it, so I was "happy" to read I wasn't alone in that.

[SeventyGTX]

Originally Posted by ependydad

I had the Andersen Ultimate for 4 months. My fifth wheel is very pin light (15% on a 21,000 lbs setup). The ride with the Andersen was horrendous. Shook us up in the cab and caused my wife pain.

Plus, it would always twist in the bed. There was a thread here on FRF about it, so I was "happy" to read I wasn't alone in that.

Sorry to hear about your issues that are definitely in the minority, there are thousands of us out there that love them. But that's the first I ever heard of a "horrendous" ride. But I suppose bantering back and forth about that is for another thread.

[alvinmb]

Originally Posted by SeventyGTX

The Andersen Ultimate is made to use on a gooseneck ball. I use an Andersen with the factory 5th wheel prep and B&W gooseneck ball kit. Works awesome. However, Andersen now makes a Bed Shaft that goes into the factory puck to use with their hitch at about 1/3 the price of the B&W kit. I would go that route if I didn't already have the B&W....

Thank you for the picture attachment.

[alvinmb]

Originally Posted by Sealyn

Many 5er frame manufacturers do not allow the use of a gooseneck adapter because of the added stress on the hitch box.

That is the confusion I am reading into. At this time, I am just researching as my time frame is probably a year out, just planning ahead. With the limited payload the Ram 2500 w Cummins, it may be best I stay with bumper pull. Time will tell.