Jaxom

I am new to the Goose Neck world. Been driving semi's for over 30 years. Very familiar w/ 5th wheels.
Question
1: How difficult is it centering the coupler over the ball? I have a Crew Cab w/ an auxiliary fuel tank in the long bed. Don't know if I'll be able to view the ball and coupler when trying to align them.
2: How similar do they feel when pulling them down the road? I am pulling the same trailer as before, but it's been converted back to a GN.

Thinking of installing a camera looking at the ball to help w/ the hitching process, but I am prone to over-thinking things!!!

Thanks.

Copenhagenjunkie

Its not that bad, just takes practice. I cant see mine either.

AggieJustin

With practice, it's easy. I can't see mine either because of my toolbox.

I just line the neck up with the center of the back window while looking in the rear view mirror while backing up. Then I have a pretty good feel for how far the hitch should be from my toolbox so I know when I'm back far enough that the ball is under the hitch. Usually always get close enough to hit it the first time, with more practice it would be even easier.

If you do need a visual cue, get one of those magnets on the extending rod used for picking up dropped items. Set it up right in front of your gooseneck ball. When your hitch pushes against the rod, you know you're there. Cheaper than a back-up camera....

Colo_River_Ram

Here's a no tech solution for less than $10 put this in front of the ball, line it up with the neck in the rear view mirror, when it starts to tip your there..

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=93950

Jaxom

Good answers, all.

Now, does it pull much different than a 5th wheel, or will I notice little difference?

Again, Thanks.

cincydiesel

On the highway I don't think you'll be able to tell a difference. Maybe a slightly bumpier ride

TRASHMAN

mine converted i like it just remember your clearance between the 5vr and bed top rail cause you will have a lot more side to side movement pulling into parking lots and such

Load Hauler 04

I pull both types all the time and don't really notice a difference...

carl48

about 4 years age i bought a package of two alignment sticks. what they look like are cb whips with a small magnet on the bottom it was to place one on the pull behind hitch and the other one on the ball. it made it very easy for first try connect. i started thinking about it and used one on the goos neck ball. now i can make perfect one try hookup from any angle. it is a improved version of colo river ram but can not remember where i found them

Colo_River_Ram

Is this what your talking about Carl48?

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=95684

electrifried

I use a spot mirror mounted above the coupler on the neck. One of those that are curved like a semi uses. It is on a mount that is about a 45 degree angle to the neck.

Oilguy

I am thinking about reinstalling my aux tank and that sounds like a good deal there!

rebal

they pull the same but the gooseneck will be better off road because it wont shift the weight on the axle if your crossing a ditch like a 5th wheel will .side to side movement is better on a GN

bentwings

I get lined up about 1/2 of the time the first attempt by using reference marks on the towing mirror. Pure luck I guess. haha I also found that with the clamshell GN hitch if you just back into it and latch it before you put a load on it, the latching process works better. Especially when it is -15 F out and in the snow. Gotta be sure to put the doggone pin in the hole too. Other wise..boom down in the bed she goes. I also got one of the neat folding steps that I hang on the dually wheels so I can climb into the bed easier. I fell off in the sleet and rain one night.....that was it, went over to Northern and got the step deal.

Jaxom

Good advice and hints...especially like the steps and spot mirror ideas!
Keep 'em coming!!!
Thanks