How Does Andersen # AM3139 Ranch Hitch Attach to Fifth Wheel King Pin

Updated 09/05/2014 | Published 09/03/2014

Products Featured in This Question

Ranch Hitch Universal 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Coupler Adapter w/8" Offset for Short-Bed Trucks

(222)

$599.98

Slide Hammer for Ranch Hitch 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Coupler Adapter

(14)

$71.74

B&W Companion Slider Gooseneck-to-5th-Wheel Trailer Hitch Adapter - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs

(591)

$1599.00

Question:

I have a 2004 F250 with a flatbed short 6ft. there is a gooseneck ball in the center of the flatbed. Looking at the adapter, it does not appear to look like the typical fifth wheel hitches. I have never hooded to a fifth wheel trailer before so I have no idea how things hook together. Does you adapter bolt onto the trailer or do I need a fifth wheel hitch that mounts onto your adapter. Im very confused. The fifth wheel hitches Im seeing do not look like they would bolt onto the top of the adapter.

asked by: Stan

Expert Reply:

Take a look at the photos I've provided, which will give you a clearer idea of how the adapter would connect to the fifth wheel king pin. The threaded collar would slip over the king pin, and would be slid up all the way. The split collet is placed in the groove on the king pin, and the threaded collar would slip down over the collet. A gear puller or the # AM3103 slide hammer is used to seat the collar on the collet. The # AM3139 adapter would then thread onto the collar.

The flange on top of the adapter has 8 holes in it, but only 4 of them would be used. Pick 4 holes that would evenly distribute the load (such as every other bolt hole if possible). Using the chosen holes as a template, drill through the underside of the king pin and fasten the 4 bolts as outlined in the instructions.

If you use the adapter, you won't need the fifth wheel hitch. If your gooseneck hitch happens to be a B & W Turnover Ball, using a B & W Companion Slider, part # BWRVK3400 would also be a good alternative. If possible, using a fifth wheel hitch to tow a fifth wheel trailer is preferable, as it causes less stress to the frame of the fifth wheel.

expert reply by: Mike L