Convert 5th wheel hitch to gooseneck - Dutchmen Owners
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Old 12-28-2015, 03:37 PM   #1
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Convert 5th wheel hitch to gooseneck

Anyone had any experience with converting a 5th wheel hitch to a gooseneck on the RV. After two back surgeries the thought of lifting a 100+ pound hitch out of the bed is not inviting. Converting the pin to a gooseneck and using a turn-a-ball would be less lifting.

I have a 2012 Dutchmen Voltage 3200 / Max weight 16,500lbs. Pin/hitch weight of 2,361lbs. The reviews attached to the adapter I'm looking at are good, but that's on the product website.

Feedback would be appreciated.
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Old 12-28-2015, 04:05 PM   #2
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When I bought this truck it was used to pull a horse trailer & my hitch from my truck wouldn't work. As you can see I converted my 5th wheel hitch on my Teton to a gooseneck. I had a back-up camera so it made it easier to hitch without the need of someone guiding me.
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This is the one I bought
Ranch Hitch Universal 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Coupler Adapter Andersen Gooseneck and Fifth Wheel Adapters AM3100

Towed it to S.D. where the picture was taken with no problems at all. Also went to Yosemite N.P. the following year plus weekend trips. Had it for two years before I sold the truck. Still have the Teton but sold the gooseneck adapter.
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Old 12-28-2015, 04:52 PM   #3
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I know what you mean about wrestling that heavy hitch. My plan is to buy a low cost electric hoist, maybe Harbor Freight, and mount it on the ceiling just inside the garage door. Lifting the hitch out would be a snap then just lower it onto one of my four wheel flat dollys. One of my buddies got a goose-neck adapter for his Raptor and he hated it. Claimed it caused an uncomfortable feeling of not being sturdy, or excessive motion. He went back to the 5th wheel hitch. I suppose each application would be different though.
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Old 12-28-2015, 06:34 PM   #4
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Check out the Anderson Ultimate Hitch. I have a B&W turnover ball in the bed and the Anderson attaches to it, fast in and out and light weight but strong. It's all I use and like it a lot, no problems.
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Old 12-28-2015, 11:27 PM   #5
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Cracks?

There has been mention dealing with stress on the RV frame causing cracks? But in the same thread it was said that specific RV had a problem with cracks in the chassis. I had read on the "convert-a-ball", I will read on the Anderson.
Thanks
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Old 12-29-2015, 11:59 AM   #6
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That Anderson Ultimate looks pretty awesome. Does the pin weight transfer to the goose-neck ball? Does the framework move at all in the bed? Wondering if it would do any damage to the spray-in liner? Would for sure be much lighter to manage in and out of the truck.
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Old 12-29-2015, 12:24 PM   #7
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The pin weight transfers to the ball but mostly to the frame of the hitch which rests on the floor of the bed. I use a rubber bed mat but the frame of the hitch is pushed down tight by a draw bolt on the top of the frame and it will never move in the bed, if it does the bolt is not tight enough. I use a torque wrench to set it to factory specs. Not sure what kind of mark it would leave on a spray on bed liner but could cut a chunk of rubber to set the frame on. One thing I really like about this hitch is how it works on uneven surfaces, it lets the camper and TV move independent of each other. Hope this helps.
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Old 12-29-2015, 11:43 PM   #8
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We tried the gooseneck adapter for a season and went back to the B&W Companion. We found that the gooseneck didn't have as much "give" during rough roads and we'd feel every bump.
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Old 12-29-2015, 11:59 PM   #9
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I don't have any experiance towing with goose necks, but I do read alot. Two comments I would like to make about it;
1. I have also read (on this site) that converting to a goose neck does a stress to the pin box of a camper designed as a fiver. I believe it was also mentioned that it voids the frame/chassis warrenty.
2. Someone on the Ford Truck Enthusiest forum had the factory 5'er prep kit and tried to mount the Anderson hitch but found out that this hitch covered the mount holes for the Ford factory safety chain mounts. He can't figure out how to attach the safety chains.
Disclaimer. Of course both of these comments are based on internet forums but...... You are asking on an internt forum 😏
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Old 12-31-2015, 01:37 AM   #10
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(new here), coming from two heartland's ( or heart-LESS as we like to say)... just ordered a voltage 3970 with orange paint.

we had the B&W companion but also wanted to go the gooseneck route. looked at all options at the time and none of the adaptors gave a warm fuzzy feeling. but then, ( 2 years ) ago, "pop-up" made a complete replacement of the whole pin box. this meant I could " convert" rather than just " adapt ". rating on the pin box I bought for a lippert 1621 frame is: 24,000lbs and 6,500lbs on the pin. also, doing this or any of the adaptors will void your warranty.

since then reese has come out with a complete replacement of the pinbox that will NOT void your warranty. they call it the " goosebox". It is air ride. they make a 16,500 and a 20,000 lb ( not sure about the pin weight ). the 20k is just now coming out and there is a backorder of 6-8 weeks.

the pop-up pin box will cost $600 ( may have come down, but thats what i paid)

the reese - $1,000 range.
- I have a close friend with the 16,500, and a heartland cyclone 3110. he is 16k if not over. the pin box rides and works great, except one thing... the way you air up the hitch is automatic . meaning,you add air,and it automatically bleeds air off to the correct psi...i think he is too heavy for it and it bleeds off all the air pressure.

called reese: they said to simply remove the air valve and just fill manually .
in the end his dealer was willing to swap him out for the 20k. ( waiting for it to come in now)

good luck, hope that helps someone

tom and brooke, NC
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Old 12-31-2015, 01:39 AM   #11
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plan on ordering the 20k when the new one comes in. ( late February)
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Old 12-31-2015, 01:27 PM   #12
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Hello Tom, welcome to the forum. I really like the looks of the "goosebox". I haven't seen that hitch before, I might have to look into that.
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Old 12-31-2015, 05:39 PM   #13
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Got a note from Keystone/Dutchmen

I contacted keystone, who handle Dutchmen, and their response was that the only gooseneck type hitch they recommend is the Reese Goosebox. So. The question is;
What type of hook up works best in the truck to connect to the goosebox?
B&W Turnaround?
Most bed sides are 20".
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Old 12-31-2015, 05:41 PM   #14
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I have had B&W in the past, and would buy again.
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Old 12-31-2015, 07:20 PM   #15
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I like the B&W Turnover it's one of the best in my opinion, at least if you don't want it sticking up in the bed it just flips upside down and is flush.
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Old 12-31-2015, 08:09 PM   #16
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Goose box and B&W

Any problems with bed clearance (sides) using the B&W turnaround?
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Old 12-31-2015, 09:33 PM   #17
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going from 5th wheel hitch to the reese goosebox, you will lose a bit of overall adjustment. no way to change the ball height. well wait,,, they do make a 'tall" ball, not too sure how high... the only adjustment you'll have is on the pinbox itself. that shouldn't bring the camper too close to the truck, But, the doesn't mean the camper will sit level...
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Old 12-31-2015, 09:37 PM   #18
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Product details:

Hi-Rise Ball
This accessory for the Turnoverball Gooseneck Hitch is 1" taller than a standard ball and is machined for a tight, rattle-free fit. The "corners only" fit of the square ball base in the round portion of the socket allows dirt to fall through the socket, reducing the chance that the ball might seize up.

Solid, machined 2 5/16" ball
Square ball base
1" taller than standard ball

Part Number: GNXA2050

20000 LB. GTW
5000 LB. VTW
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Old 12-31-2015, 09:43 PM   #19
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The tall ball is 1" higher.
1" High-Rise Ball for B&W Turnoverball Gooseneck Trailer Hitch - 2-5/16" B and W Balls BWGNXA2050
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Old 01-03-2016, 01:45 PM   #20
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Thanks guys for all the help. Looks like B&W turnaround coupled to a Reese Goose box might be the ticket. Will get with my RV dealer.
Patrick
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