Ranch Hitch Universal 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Coupler Adapter

Ask the Experts about this Andersen Gooseneck and Fifth Wheel Adapters

• Removal of the Threaded Collar on Ranch Hitch 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Coupler Adapter
  To remove the threaded collar on the Ranch Hitch Universal 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Coupler Adapter # AM3100 or # AM3139 the manufacturer recommends the use of the Slide Hammer for Ranch Hitch # AM3103 as you can see by the cut out of the instructions. Hopefully when the installation of this part was done the instructions were followed and there was a liberal use of anti-seize grease used on the king pin, collar and collets, which is what would be needed in order for you to remove the...
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• Removing the Ranch Hitch Adapter # AM3100 From a 5th Wheel Trailer King Pin
  Along with the flange bolts, the Ranch Hitch Adapter, # AM3100, should also be screwed onto the king pin with a collar system, see attached photo. Once the bolts are removed from the trailer pin box, you will need the Spanner Wrench for Ranch Hitch Coupler Adapters, # AM3104, and a 4 foot cheater pipe, along with two full grown men to release the the adapter from the threaded collar. Initial tightening is done at 1200 foot pounds of torque, or as much torque as two men can generate. Once...
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• Recommended Fifth Wheel For 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 With A Short Bed
  There are a couple of options for your 2011 Dodge Ram with the 5-1/2 ft bed. I recommend replacing the pin box on your trailer with a Sidewinder. This will give you 22 inches of additional clearance from the pivot point and help make sure you clear the cab of your truck when making tight turns. If this is the route you wish to go, let me know what the pin box make and model on your trailer is and I will be happy to make some recommendations for you. I have attached a couple of helpful...
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• Is an Offset Adapter Needed to Tow a 5th Wheel with a Gooseneck Hitch on a 2011 Ram 2500 Short Bed
  You will need to do some measuring to determine if you will need an adapter with offset or not, or if you will even be able to tow a 5th wheel trailer with your gooseneck hitch. Here is how to determine if an offset would be required. First, measure from the center of the hitch in the bed of the truck, and add any amount of extension from the front of the trailer to the center of the king pin on your fifth-wheel trailer. If the king pin is recessed under the front of the trailer subtract...
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• Availability of Gooseneck Pin Box for Demco 8250014 Pin Box on 5th Wheel Trailer
  Your Demco 8250014 pin box has the Fabex 520 mounting bolt hole pattern which is a little unique and why we aren't seeing any pin box replacements that work with a gooseneck hitch. So instead of replacing your whole pin box you'll need to use an adapter like the Ranch Hitch # AM3100 or Convert-A-Ball # CAB-C5G. These install to the king pin and then connect to a gooseneck hitch ball, but I will have to say that manufacturers tend to void the warranty of the trailer if something like this...
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• Can the Ranch Hitch Adapter be Locked?
  If you could send a photo that would be great; you can just reply to this email and it will be sent directly to me.
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• Is Gap Between Camper Bottom And Top Of Truck Bed Side Rails A Concern
  When a camper is loaded on a pickup truck bed there will be a gap between the truck bed rails and the underside of the camper as you show in your photo. No worries there. For your camper tie-downs, it loos as though you have attached the rear ones just as they are designed and if the front tie-down is attached to something strong enough you will have no problems. It actually looks like the eyebolt that is normally used for the front tie-down would be behind the stake pocket tie-down...
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• Gooseneck To 5th Wheel Adapter For CM SK Model Flat Bed With Recessed Ball
  For your Ford F-550 with a CM SK model flatbed, you are limited as to the adapters that will work. Because your ball is recessed 2 inches, the space around that may or may not allow for an offset. I have a couple options for an offset adapter. The Ranch Hitch Universal 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Coupler Adapter w/8" Offset for Short-Bed Trucks # AM3139 and the Convert-A-Ball Cushioned 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Adapter w/ Offset - 12" to 16" Tall # CAB-C5GX1216 both allow an offset for the additional...
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• What Are Torque Requirements For Convert-A-Ball And Andersen 5Th Wheel To Gooseneck Adapters
  For the Andersen # AM3100, the torque spec for the set bolts is 180-foot pounds. For the Convert-A-Ball Cushioned 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Adapter # CAB-C5G, the cap screws require 100-ft lbs of torque.
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• How to Measure to Determine the Correct 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter
  You will need to measure to determine how long the fifth-wheel to gooseneck adapter will need to be. Park your fifth-wheel trailer on a fairly level surface. Back your vehicle under the fifth-wheel trailer stopping when the center of the king pin is directly above the gooseneck hitch ball, measure from the top of the gooseneck ball on the truck to the base of the pin box on the trailer. This will give you the measurement needed to select an adapter. The adapters we offer range between...
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• Methods for Gaining Extra Clearance Between Gooseneck Hitch and Trailer
  Thank you for providing a photo of your Ford F-350 Super Duty dually flat bed that you are using to pull your gooseneck trailer. I understand you are looking for ways to increase your turning clearance between the corners of the truck bed and the gooseneck coupler. Modifying your truck bed by cutting off the rear corners is certainly one solution, however we may be able to offer you a simpler solution that will not require you to alter the truck. B&W makes an Extend-A-Goose Gooseneck...
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• Fifth Wheel Trailer Bounce When Towing with a 2002 Chevrolet 2500 HD and Gooseneck Hitch
  Trailer bouncing and rough rides are common complaints among customers that are towing their fifth wheel trailer with a gooseneck hitch and a gooseneck adapter like part # AM3100. Gooseneck adapters create extra distance between the king pin and trailer hitch and this extra distance creates torque on the trailer frame which creates the chucking and bouncing that you are referring to. Fifth-Wheel-to-Gooseneck coupler adapters are a good solution if you tow a gooseneck trailer and a fifth...
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• Recommended Clearance Dimensions Between Truck Bed Rails and 5th Wheel Trailer
  If you take a look at the linked diagram you can see the minimum recommended clearance distances between truck and trailer for 5th wheel towing. It is recommended to have at least 5-inches from the top of the bed rails to the bottom of the trailer overhang. If you are intending to modify your truck by having its bed rails partially cut out you'll have to determine how much needs to be cut out based on the height of your trailer when level. If you're going to lower the trailer for reduced...
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• Recommended Clearance Dimensions for 5th Wheel Trailer Towing
  You can refer to the linked diagram to see the recommended minimum clearance dimensions for 5th wheel trailer towing. The specific design of the trailer's nose - is it tapered for better turning clearance or is it a flat-nose design? - affects your required cab-to-overhang clearance. You can use this formula: (A + B) - C = Clearance A = Distance from center of fifth wheel hitch jaw to truck cab B = Length of Sidewinder arm (16K = 22", 19K = 22") C = Width of trailer divided by...
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• What is the Maximum Distance Required Between the Truck Bed and 5th Wheel Trailer When Towing
  The recommended clearance from the rear corner of your truck bed to your fifth wheel trailer when in a turn is 4 inches. If you have a 9ft or 10ft long flat bed, then you may not have the full 4 inches that is recommended. If you already have a fifth wheel hitch or gooseneck hitch installed on your truck, then you will want to measure from the center of the fifth wheel hitch jaw or the center of the hitch ball in the gooseneck hitch to the rear corner of your truck bed. Next, measure...
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• How to Determine if a Gooseneck Trailer Will Clear Cab When Making Tight Turns
  You should have enough clearance, but here is the formula you can use to determine if you have enough clearance. You will need to know the width of the nose of your trailer as well. (A + B) - C = Clearance A = Distance from the gooseneck ball to the truck cab B = Offset used, like if you used a Offset Extension Ball # 19308 C = Width of the nose of the trailer divided by 2.
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• Are Safety Chains Required when Using a Fifth Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter
  You will need to check with your local laws on what is required with your setup. But typically if the vehicle has a gooseneck hitch safety chains will be required. For a safety chain setup to go along with the Ranch Hitch Universal 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Coupler Adapter # AM3100 that you referenced you would want the Safety Chains for Ranch Hitch 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Coupler Adapter # AM3109. If you have a gooseneck hitch in your truck bed there should be a safety chain provision...
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• What is the Minimum Clearance Between Truck Bed Sides and the Bottom of a 5th Wheel Trailer
  A good rule to follow is to allow 6 inches or more of clearance between the sides of the bed and the bottom of the 5th wheel trailer to allow for dips and bumps in the road. To find the right 5th wheel to gooseneck adapter for your truck and trailer, there is a simple measurement you can take. First, back your truck into position as if you were hooking up your fifth-wheel trailer. Make sure that the truck and trailer are level. Next, measure from the pin plate (the bottom of the pin...
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• Replacement Split Collet and Threaded Collar for Ranch Hitch # AM3100 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter
  The split collet and the threaded collar for the Andersen Ranch Hitch 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Coupler Adapter # AM3100 are indeed available as a replacement part. The part number is # AM3110.
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• Improving Fifth Wheel Ride Quality with Fifth Wheel To Gooseneck Adapter
  For starters, keep in mind that for the best ride quality, ideally you would want to tow a fifth wheel trailer using a fifth wheel hitch. Sacrificing some ride quality is usually the nature of the beast when using a fifth wheel to gooseneck adapter. Having said this, there are some things you will want to check. If you are using the offset adapter like part # CAB-C5GX1216, you will need to make sure that the flange on the top of the adapter is bolted to the bottom of the pin box. Make...
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• What Is Needed For More Clearance Between The Bed Rails And Gooseneck Trailer On A Ford F-150 Truck
  A good rule to follow is to allow 6 inches or more of clearance between the sides of the bed and the bottom of the gooseneck trailer to allow for dips and bumps in the road. You will want to check your gooseneck coupler to see if it has an adjustable tube with set screws that will allow you to adjust the height of the coupler for extra clearance when attached to your vehicle. If it does then you can loosen the set screws and adjust the length of the tube to get more clearance. If...
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• How Much Clearance is Needed Around a Gooseneck Trailer Hitch Ball for Toolboxes
  The amount of clearance you will need around the gooseneck ball is going to depend on the trailer coupled to it. If you were using the Ranch Hitch adapter # AM3100 to tow a 5th wheel trailer using the gooseneck hitch then at the widest point, where it attaches to the ball, is 5-1/2 inches. So you would need more than 5-1/2 inches all the way around (measured from the center of the ball) if using this adapter. I would say if you had 6-1/2 inches all the way around that would allow for enough...
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• Can the Ranch Hitch Coupler Adapter # AM3100 be Bolted to the Pin Box Plate
  Step 8 in the instructions for the Ranch Hitch Universal 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Coupler Adapter # AM3100 states the following: 8) Locate the grade 8 bolts, lock washers, nuts and your drill and bit. There are eight holes drilled in the Ranch Hitch Adapter Base, but only four need to be used. You will be responsible to choose which 4 holes will be used to accept the Grade 8 Bolts; try to evenly spread the load as much as possible. Take care to locate the bolts where they will not interfere...
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• How to Remove # AM3100 Ranch Hitch Universal 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Coupler Adapter
  To remove the Ranch Hitch # AM3100, you'd remove the bolts attaching the flange to the pin box. At that point, use a spanner wrench like part # AM3104 to unscrew the adapter base. Once the base comes off, you'll need a slide hammer like part # AM3103 to push up the threaded collar, at which point the split collets will come out. Then the threaded collar can be slipped off the king pin.
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• How to Remove the Ranch Hitch Adapter From a 5th Wheel Trailer King Pin
  You are correct, the Ranch Hitch, # 3100, adapter base does thread onto a collar system, see drawing, comprised of a collar and 2 wedges that fit around and into the recessed portion of the trailers king pin. When the adapter is tightened onto the collars system on the king pin the connection is very solid and hard to break. Once the bolts are removed from the trailer pin box, you will need the Spanner Wrench for Ranch Hitch Coupler Adapters, # AM3104, and a 4 foot cheater pipe, along...
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• Installation Instructions for Anderson Fifth-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Coupler Adapter # AM3100
  The Anderson Fifth-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Coupler Adapter, part # AM3100, installs in about an hour on standard fixed 5th wheel pin boxes to adapt them for towing with a gooseneck hitch. Anderson does not recommend it for use with a cushioned pin box. This adapter fits a standard 2-5/16-inch gooseneck ball and is rated for up to 24,000 lbs GVWR and up to 6,000 lbs tongue weight. It provide a vertical adjustment range of 3 inches (from 11-3/4-inches to 14-3/4 inches height) and is fitted...
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• Recommended Gooseneck Adapter When Height of Fifth Wheel Trailer King Pin is Not Known
  Because you do not actually know the height of the trailer, using the Ranch Hitch Universal Adapter, part # AM3100 that you referenced would be a good bet, due to its 3 inches of height adjustment. If your F450 has the short bed, I would advise using the Ranch Hitch Universal Adapter, part # AM1319. This adapter offers the same height adjustment, but also offers an 8 inch offset to the rear, to allow proper clearance between the front of the trailer and the rear of the truck cab. Knowing...
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• Will I have Clearance to Tow a Gooseneck Trailer if I have a Welder in the Bed of my Chevy Dually
  Generally speaking, you would most likely need more than 36 inches of clearance from the center of your axle to the cab of your vehicle, or in your case the welding machine that is in the back of your truck. There are many factors you should consider. First thing, how tall is your welder? How wide is it? If it is shorter than the overhang of your trailer it may not be an issue. Also, If the welder is pretty narrow and your trailer has a tapered nose it may also work. In order to...
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• How To Determine Which Fifth Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter To Use on a Ford F-250 Long Bed
  Usually on a Ford F-250 long bed (8 foot) truck an offset gooseneck adapter is not necessary, but you can measure to see if you would need one. To determine the clearance needed on your F-250 long bed, you need to take the width of your trailer and divide by two. Then measure from the gooseneck hitch ball in the truck to the back of the truck cab. That dimension should be 4 inches more than your first measurement for correct clearance. For example, if your trailer measures 96 inches...
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