Troubleshooting Jerking/Lunging When Towing Trailer that Has Andersen Fifth Wheel Gooseneck Adapter

Updated 06/25/2020 | Published 05/12/2019

Question:

Pulling this with the Anderson hitch the trailer jerks/lunges when pulling. What is the problem? Seems to be level. Pulling Thor transporter 5th wheel with 2016 Chevrolet 3500 4x4 dually

asked by: Wendell

Expert Reply:

What you described sounds like chucking. Chucking is the sound you are describing that comes from the moving parts of the hitch. When you start and stop the play moves back and forth and causes the sound you are hearing.

Since you are using a fifth wheel to gooseneck adapter it's not overly surprising that you are having issues with chucking.

The only real solutions would be to upgrade to a hitch that is cushioned and has a jaw system that provides better king pin contact to reduce movement like the Companion part # BWRVK3500-5W that you referenced. You'd need to have a B and W Turnoverball hitch installed in your truck though since that's what this hitch is designed to fit. If you have a different brand gooseneck hitch let me know and I'll see what best option would be.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Sam

1/14/2020

I have a 2011 Ford with a 5 1/2 foot bead with a B&W turn over ball hitch I have to use a 4 inch offset ball to have clearance can I use the B&W fifith wheel companion hitch

Jacob H.

1/17/2020

If you are needing an offset for your camper to clear the cab of your vehicle, the B&W Companion does not have an offset. We do have another gooseneck to fifth wheel conversion hitch that will offer a 3 inch offset. That is going to be the Demco Recon # DM8550045. You just want to be careful when hooking up to you trailer to make sure you will have enough cab clearance before you hit the road.

Helpful Links

Gooseneck-and-Fifth-Wheel-Adapters/Demco/DM8550045.html

Sam O.

1/20/2020

Does the B&W RVK3500 have an 4 inch off set

Jacob H.

1/20/2020

The B&W Companion Gooseneck to Fifth Wheel adapter hitch will have no offset. It will set directly over the gooseneck ball. The Demco Recon # DM8550045 is another adapter that will feature a 3 inch offset if you are looking to get more nose to cab clearance.

Helpful Links

Gooseneck-and-Fifth-Wheel-Adapters/Demco/DM8550045.html

Sam O.

1/21/2020

I have a 4 inch Off set ball can I use it with the Demco Recon #Dm8550045 adapter

Jason S.

1/21/2020

The Demco Recon # DM8550045 cannot be used with the 4 inch offset ball # BWGNXA4085 for example. This is due to the plate thickness the hitch ball is connected to. The hitch won't sit correctly. Even if it were to sit correctly you'd be putting all the weight of your trailer behind your rear axle and that would be a horrible towing experience. Even sliding hitches need to be in the forward position for towing due to that issue so you wouldn't want the constant weight in that position.

Sam O.

1/23/2020

My ford has a 5&1/2 foot bed are you saying I can’t pull a fifth wheel trailer

Jason S.

1/23/2020

A 5-1/2 foot truck bed doesn't negate pulling a 5th wheel trailer, but you will need more specialized equipment. I have attached an article to assist but there are some combinations that will not work. You will be limited to a special pin box that rotates like a Sidewinder and a fixed mounted hitch that has all 4 corners connected. The one hitch that we carry that doesn't require a Sidewinder (and actually can't use one) is the Demco Autoslide 13K # DM8550040 that is specifically made for 5-1/2 foot to 6 foot beds. It is designed to slide 22-1/2 inches to give you the clearance needed so you don't hit the corners of your cab. This all has to do with the turning radius as well as keeping the weight over the rear axle of your truck and not behind it.

Helpful Links

faq-sidewinder.aspx

faq-tb-Compatability-of-Fifth-Wheels-on-Pickup-Truck-Beds-Shorter-Than-6ft.aspx

tv-Demo-Demco-RV-Fifth-Wheel-DM8550040.aspx

Sam O.

1/23/2020

The B&W RVK3500 has a vertical adjustment from 16.25 to 18.25 and a 4 inch front to back is that not a offset hitch

Jacob H.

1/23/2020

You can actually get a maximum of 7" of offset with # BWRVK3500. You will achieve this by moving the gooseneck shank and the two support arms for the fifthwheel head in the correct orientation. If you take a look at our product page you will see all of the different orientations that this hitch can be used in. You do want to be mindful of your pin weight as you will be putting that weight 7' behind the axle. If you decide to go with this hitch I would recommend getting a set of air bags to support the rear of your truck and get it back to factory ride height. I have provided a link to the air bag kits we have available.

Helpful Links

dept-pg-Vehicle_Suspension-pt-Air_Springs-pm-Firestone.aspx

Gooseneck-and-Fifth-Wheel-Adapters/B-and-W/BWRVK3500.html

Ryan G.

6/16/2020

I have a 2020 GMC 2500 with BW turnover ball and companion hitch. I am getting a terrible jerking/chucking (no noise) with this system. I had airbags installed and it doesn't seem to fix the problem....reduces it a little bit but not where its a comfortable ride. What suggestions do you have to reduce the chucking?

Chris R.

6/19/2020

This is actually a strange issue when it comes to the Companion. Its jaw and head design is notoriously good at reducing chucking, so I almost wonder if something else is going on. Are you certain that the trailer brakes are working correctly and that the brake controller is sending back appropriate power?

Ryan G.

6/19/2020

@ChrisR I know the trailer brakes work fine because I pulled this trailer with a 2015 GMC and it towed just fine. The chucking happens when I’m taking off, slowing down, driving normal speeds. It’s not just when I brake. I agree it’s strange but not sure what to do. BW says it’s not the hitch because everything is tight and torqued. But it’s hard to think it’s anything other than the hitch

Chris R.

6/23/2020

@RyanG Thanks for the info. Have you inspected the jaws just to make sure they aren't damaged in any way? Is this a brand new hitch or have you used it before this without these issues?