Is there any advantage to having 5th wheel or a gooseneck when towing. I realize the gooseneck can be hidden and the 5th wheel has the rails left in the bed. Keep in mind I have a short bed and would use a slider 5th wheel. Towing wise is one more stable than the other?
Thanks Steve

 

I'm looking at two different toy haulers one is a 5th wheel the other is gooseneck.

 

Just make sure the frame of the fiver is designed and strong enough to handle a gooseneck. Many manufacturers will not handle warranty repairs on the frame when a gooseneck has been used - - it puts a lot of strain on the framing around the kingpin, especially the cross piece in front of the kingpin. And it ain't fun when it lets loose - - especially when you are in Alaska 350 miles from a repair point. ggrrrrr

Bob

 

Given you have a short bed, I would say a Pullrite Slider fiver hitch. This will prevent an accidental mashing of your truck & trailer in a tight turn or backing/jack knife move trying to get into a tight spot. I believe the fiver hitches distribute the weight more evenly on the truck & trailer, although not all agree with this.

 

As it's an RV, I'd go with the fifth wheel. Much more common when it comes to selling. Also the 5ver doesn't need safety chains whereas the 2 5/16 ball goose needs them in most places. The goose gives more travel side to side than a standard 5ver hitch this is handy when off road.

 

There are several 5vers that have the rails under the bed so nothing is in the bed when the hitch is removed. As mentioned, if running a short box, seriously consider the 5ver. The slider option can be critical depending on the trailer you select.

 

I find hooking up easier with a 5th wheel. Don't have to be lined up as exact as on a GN. Also if the trailer is sitting a bit low you can back under it and it will slide up onto the 5th wheel plate.

 

I second the Pulrite Super Glide for a short bed and when it is removed you only have 4 holes in the bed where the mounting pins insert, no rails, holes are about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Like FiverBob says if the gooseneck is original from the manufacture it will be stressed for it but if it is an aftermarket add on you could run into trouble. One note of advice with the Super Glide you do have to be lined up almost perfectly to hitch up to it you can not come in at an angle like a standard 5er as there is a wedge plate attached behind the king pin that causes the hitch head to rotate and move to the rear 14 inches at full deflection. Super Glides are pricy and there are manual sliders that are cheaper and can be hooked up at an angel but the peace of mind of the automatic slider is worth the money to me.

 

I'm currently pulling my fifth wheel camper with a cody coupler conversion until I find a good deal on a double rocker fifth wheel. There seems to be more porpoising with the gooseneck conversion due to the added leverage it has on the pinbox. I don't have any issues hooking up because I hook up every weekend to a horsetrailer and it comes natural. The gooseneck hitches are rated higher but once I get a fifth wheel hitch I will probably convert my horsetrailer to fifth wheel also.

 

I have been pulling our 38ft 5th wheel since I bought it new with a goose neck adapter.I wont do that again on our next one.If its a small trailer thats fine,for the bigger ones and heavier ones I wouldnt recommend it.I've got to have the pin box frame welded and reinforced because its broke. We are looking at a new one and it will be pulled on the plate. JMO

 

Are you planning on taking this off road much? If so, I'd go for the gooseneck as they tend to allow for more offcamber trips. If not, I'd get the 5ver as they are so much easier to hook up.

Good luck with the purchase.

 

Thanks for everyone's comments I am now leaning towards the 5th Wheel Super Glide. Is this the best auto glider to get?
Thanks Steve

 

IMO, Yes!! Everytime you pull it you will thank yourself. I spent a lot of time on here searching and reading what everyone had to say before I bought mine. I am soooo glad I waited, listened to what these guys had to say and spent the extra $$$ on it now.

 

X2 with what WhiteMuel said and you will love the Super Glide. Like I said before the peace of mind that comes with the automatic slider is well worth the initial cost.