Gooseneck vs 5th wheel

[lilred]

My new truck has a Gooseneck ball installed, also has the holes drilled for a 5th wheel hitch. Any pros or cons to either? I was also told to look into the 5th wheel rails that you can slide a gooseneck hitch on a plate into so you can have either. Good route to go?

[Bowtie972]

My duramax has the rails, I have a 5th wheel camper and a gooseneck though,   I use the Goose Plate by Reese and have had zero issues.  Some people don't like the rails in the bed, I  really don't see the big deal.  I've found them quite useful for tieing stuff down to also.  The Goose Plate is rated for 25,000 lbs. my gooseneck set up is around 17,000 loaded

[lilred]

I wouldn't mind the rails either. Better than having the ball there all the time lol. As far as pulling I'd assume they are about the same? Same concept....  How about backing up? Either one  better than the other?

[84silverado]

another good set up is the B&W turnover ball. just flip it over when you dont want to use it, just be sure to put some white grease on it every now and then. also with the ball hitch they sell the 5th wheel plate which mounts right into the ball spot. i got this set up in my 02 cummins dually, works good for hauling around the farm. i personally like my gooseneck over the 5th wheel because i have alil bit more usable space in the bed still.

[Bowtie972]

I can't believe there would be a difference in backing up.  I think it's more personel preference in what style you like better or if you want the floor of the bed completely clear.    I know orange crush has the B&W turnover ball and I'm pretty sure he's happy with his too. 

[lilred]

Alright. So pretty much doesn't matter lol. Thanks for the input didn't think about bed space with the trailer on the  ball, good point.

[mudbillyredneck]

I've had both.

liked both

bed space aside I found that ,

If you go offroad with trailor in tow, such as back yard bog's / scrap recovery/ or just maneuvering over very twisty terrain= gooseneck always gave me alittle more flex.

But during long over the road trips we liked the 5th wheel alittle more. just seamed smoother .

Ofcourse everybodys ganna have a different experience, some may even have more to do with the truck rather than the hitch set up.


I will say that heavy 5th wheel hitch is a pain in the ass to constantly remove from the bed when you need space, darn thing about having a truck is you never know when your ganna need it for something you weren't ready to go get. 

[lilred]

True story. Already put a couple dents in some MDF and some sheathing with that gooseneck ball. Keep forgetting a pipe wrench lolol