might be a dumb question but what the heck is the difference? i usually see a camper refered to as a 5th wheel and a cargo/flatbed trailer refered to as a G/N. is that it or is there something more? are the hitches set up different? thanks

 

Gooseneck has a 2 5/16" ball in the bed of the truck, 5th wheel has a mini semi style plate in the bed of the truck. I think the 5th wheel is easier to hookup.

Tobin

 

A fifthe wheel has a frame mounted in the bed with a "Fifth wheel" plate, like a semi-trailer truck. The trailer has a pin that rides in/on this plate. The frame is attached to the truck frame and distibutes the load, mostly directly on the rear wheels. These are norammly used for RV trailers
A Goose neck has a ball mouted to the bed of the truck, similar to the ball used for normal bumper pull(more stout). Usually a big 12k plus utility trailer, 2 or 3 axles, 18-30' long, has a long "Goose neck" that goes over the tailgate and rides on the balll in the bed. I believe the ball is also mouted to the frame.
They are typically used for Farm applications or construction equipment moving.

 

Goose neck trailers are best for off road use. They have a great range of motion. Where a 5th wheel is closer to the bed rails and can not rockas much side to side it also allows for more room in the trailer over the truck bed.

 

thanks for the replies! i just hear people talking about the two and didnt really know the difference. thanks again!!

 

Another thing is the rating. I believe most 5th's are rated at 20,000 lbs. And the goosnecks are rated at 30,000 lbs

 

They can both be in 30k plus range.

A gooseneck uses a ball in the bed like this.


A fifth wheel looks like this in the bed.


Hope that helps.

 

thanks for the pics. so do campers come with a gooseneck style hitch?

 

Campers come with the 5th wheel hitch.

 

But there are also several adapters out to day to use a 5th wheel trailer on a gooseneck ball, and visa versa. Just FYI..

 

Yes, just contact the RV manufactor first. I've seen some 5vers with plenty of damage because the RV/camper couldn't handle the GN adaptor.

 

so how much do these hitches cost? i figure they vary depending on the weight rating but whats an average price range? thanks again!

also can a guy easily install one himself or would it be best to have someone else do it?

 

Look for one used, there should be plenty around in the spring. I paid $300 for mine but it depends what style and type you want. Mine's plain and has no side to side tilt but you can slide it if you have a short box, I have a long box so I never use that feature. Mine is easy to install and I have used it in 3 trucks to date. Just 8 holes to drill and bolt it in place.

 

Gooseneck adapters can be used on 5th wheel campers, but will normally void the manufacturers warranty. It puts too much stress on the hitch, and the frame in the neck fails. I adapted my gooseneck trailers to a 5th wheel hitch because it is easier to hookup to than a ball-I'm too old and fat to crawl up into the bed to latch the coupler and hook-up the safety chains. It's also much easier for one person to hook-up to a 5er than a ball. I don't have to remove and reinstall my 5er hitch to tow my camper, and the hitch ratings are comparable, also.

 

I know of people that go with 5th wheel so people can't borrow his trailer. Everyone around here has a GN ball in their trucks but not many 5th wheels!