Goose neck vs 5th wheel

[Rob30]

I am thinking about getting a new hay trailer. It is a 5th wheel. However installing a ball in the bed would be much cheaper. I have to buy a hitch no matter which way I go. The ball also seems to be less of an obstacle in the bed. How difficult would it be to change the trailer to a gooseneck? Any advantages/ disadvantages?

[countrymech]

Its not really that hard. All you have to do is buy an adapter for the tongue of your trailer and yes I prefer a Goose neck. A good welder can do the modifications a lil' cheaper. You don't need a big plate in the back of your truck, just a little ball that flips over or pulls out when not in use. I've used both. The fifth wheel really doesn't have much more to offer. Just an opinion.

[ponyboy123]

I like my goose neck trailer, 25 feet long tandem dually and hauls about 10 tons of freed every second day to my farm. Those fith wheel set ups just don't look very sturdy for my likin

[watcher]

Gooseneck balls can be recessed below the bed and a plate put over it so you have a flat bed. 5th wheels can't.

[sammyd]

You can pull the 5th wheel right out. Mine only leaves 2 short rails in the bed when not in use. Didn't have to cut anything either just bolts.

[fordy]

Originally Posted by Rob30

I am thinking about getting a new hay trailer. It is a 5th wheel. However installing a ball in the bed would be much cheaper. I have to buy a hitch no matter which way I go. The ball also seems to be less of an obstacle in the bed. How difficult would it be to change the trailer to a gooseneck? Any advantages/ disadvantages?

.................One word of caution , Some 5'ver frames as well as the "Neck" are , NOT , that strong ! Just because you weld a gooseneck adapter too the 5'ver neck doesn't necessarily bring IT up too the same strength ! Adding a GN adapter too a neck will exert it too a leverage FACTOR that it was not designed for ! Evaluate the strength of the neck before you buy the frame and pay someone too adapt it . , fordy

[haypoint]

Trailers are built different ways. My gooseneck trailer has an adjustable connector that can be unbolted and slid out. They make 5th wheel hitches that slide right into the place that my gooseneck connector goes.

Check with neighbors and friends and see what kind of hitches they have in their trucks. Then get whatever style they do not have. Prevents problems with everyone wanting borrow it.

[springvalley]

I had a 5th wheel camper trailer and it was very easy to hook up as it almost guides itself with the small adjustments. I also have a gooseneck ball hitch stock trailer. It's a little harder to line up, but with practice, it isn't too bad. You can take the 5th wheel hitch out of the back of the truck, but it's a pain in the back as it's heavy. The ball hitch drops into the bed and a plate covers it which makes it a whole lot easier to pop out of the way. If you are going to use the trailer a lot, and also use the bed of the truck a lot.... then I'd go with the gooseneck trailer so you don't have a lot of hassle putting the 5th wheel rig in and out of the truck. -Catherine

[james dilley]

Why not think about getting A dolly built for the 5Th wheel trailer it will hook to the bumper of the tow unit, Think od the Fed Ex doubles and how trailer #2 is hooked up. There are dollies out there for R V's and the like 5th wheel trailers. Just look at the guy's pulling the campers double!!!

[sammyd]

Why negate the advantage of the 5th wheel like that when it's for personal use?

[Rob30]

The trailer is a 20ft triaxle. I will talk to the local welding shop and see if they think they can make the conversion strong enough. I prefer the goose neck, because I do you use my box allot. Plus the 5th wheel hitch I was looking at was sold, so I will have to keep looking anyway.

[james dilley]

Rob the convertor dollies sell for about $350.00 U S if you go with A 5th wheel wagon!!