Using Ranch Hitch 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Coupler # AM3100 on a 1999 Ford F-250 Super Duty

Question:

I own a 99 f-250 superduty with a goose neck ball in the bed with a 1 thick steel plate welded to the frame and I want to pull a 33 5th wheel do you know of any problems I might need to look out for as this will be my first travel trailer, and I want to use the Ranch Hitch universal connector so I wont have to go through all the trouble of putting a 5th wheel plate in. Thank you in advance.

asked by: Chris

Expert Reply:

The set up on your 1999 Ford F-250 Super Duty certainly sounds like it was done correctly. If there are any issues, it probably will not be on the truck side. You will need to contact the 5th wheel trailer manufacturer to see if the Ranch Hitch, # AM3100, can be used. If the trailer has an extended pinbox, it will most likely need to have the frame reinforced by a qualified professional welder.

The use of an adapter like the Ranch Hitch can put extra stress on the trailer frame and gooseneck hitch in the truck. Make sure that your hitch and the truck is rated for the weight of the trailer. You will also need to use safety chains, # AM3109, with the Ranch Hitch.

If you have a short bed truck, you may need to use the Ranch Hitch with 8 Inch Offset, # AM3139. To determine if the offset model is needed, you will need to measure the width of your 5th wheel trailer and divide by 2 to get half. Next, measure the distance from the center of the ball to the back of the cab. Add zero for the regular Ranch Hitch or add 8 for the offset, and, if you have an extended pin box, add the distance from the center of the king pin back to the front of the trailer. Subtract half the width of the trailer from this number to get the clearance. Clearance will need to be 4 inches or more to safely make 90 degree turns.

expert reply by: Michael H