Chucking Experienced With 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter

Updated 01/24/2012 | Published 01/20/2012

Products Featured in This Question

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

(227)

$599.98

Safety Chains for Ranch Hitch 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Coupler Adapter

(119)

$118.70

Question:

Is the fasten point to the 5th wheel hitch really solid so there is no movement when mounted? I have heard that you end up just adding another clunk point for when you are accelerating or decelerating.

asked by: Terry B

Expert Reply:

The attachment point between the fifth wheel king pin and the Ranch Hitch adapter is very tight. Threaded collars attach to the king pin, then the black adapter base threads onto the collars. The upper flange on the black adapter will actually bolt to the underside of the fifth wheel pin box. There will be no movement there.

Any movement or chucking will be experienced at the point where the adapter attaches to the gooseneck ball. The chucking would be about what you would experience with a gooseneck trailer.

If your pin box on the fifth wheel is a Lippert 0719, 1621,1621HD, for a smoother ride you could use the Reese Goose Box, part # RP85FR. The Goose Box would actually replace the existing pin box on the fifth wheel. The enclosed air bar and dual shock absorbers will provide cushioning and help absorb road shock.

The Ranch Hitch adapter is considered a temporary solution, while the Goose Box would be a permanent installation.

If you decide to go with the Ranch Hitch Adapter, I would also recommend the safety chains, part # AM3109.

I will provide links to install information for the Goose Box, and I will email you a .pdf of the Ranch Hitch install instructions in a separate email.

expert reply by: Mike L