5th Wheel Trailer is Chucking with Convert-A-Ball 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter

Question:

Severe chucking.. about to put on my Super Duty 250 cant get over 40 miles an hour even on a smooth Road you feel chucking.. I think I just wasted $$$

asked by: David

Expert Reply:

Chucking is felt during acceleration and deceleration so if you are feeling it while just driving along then something else is going on which may or may not be related to the Covert-A-Ball adapter # CAB-C5GX1216.

If it is the adapter then it could be that the height setting range is not enough to properly work with your truck/trailer set up causing some porpoising which would kind feel like a rocking sensation front to back. There is also a little more play between a gooseneck coupler and ball compared to a 5th wheel hitch so it could be that as well.

If the trailer is being towed nose high then there may not be enough weight on the ball. The absolute worst case scenario is that the use of the adapter put more stress on the frame where the pin box wings attach and has broken something.

There are better adapter options. What type of gooseneck hitch do you have in your Ford F-250? Is it a factory gooseneck, B&W, another brand? Is the truck a long or short bed? And finally, what is the pin box manufacturer and model number (should be on a sticker or plate on the pin box). I can determine what other options are available with this additional information.

expert reply by: Michael H