Is Offset 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Hitch Adapter Needed for More Space Between Truck and Trailer

Question:

We just purchased a 2006 F 350 4 x 4 long box with a bandw already installed.We need to set it up to pull our Jayco Quest 26.5 5th wheel. Have had alot of folks suggest converting it to gooseneck. Our pinbox measures more than 30inch on the diagonal. From the center of the king pin to the front of the 5th wheel is 74. From the center of the ball to the end of the tailgate is 73. We want to be able to keep the tailgate on the pickup obviously closed when pulling the 5th wheel. Would the offset gooseneck adapter be what wed want to use to gain more distance between the pickup and the front of the 5th wheel? Were concerned that if the pickup isnt exactly square with the fifth wheel when we hitch or unhitch that the end gate wont open completely if we dont use the offset. ...I guess we could unhook, jack the camper off the ball, pull ahead a foot, the end gate, then pull the rest of the way out but sure as heck Ill be the one to forget to open the endgate before I pull out! Thanks!

asked by: Becky J

Expert Reply:

First, you could replace the tailgate on your truck with a 5th wheel tailgate so you will not have to worry about opening it and closing it all the time. We have several options that will fit your 2006 Ford F-350 and I have included a link to them for you to the right.

The Ranch Hitch # AM3139 should not be used if the diagonal measurement of the pin box is more than 24 inches.This can create excessive stress on the set up. A similar product, # CAB-C5GX1216, does not have the same restriction but all of the stresses are still present and I would be cautious using it.

Another option is to use the 5th wheel tailgate and the BandW Companion hitch # BWRVK3500-5W because the best and safest way to tow a 5th wheel trailer is with a 5th wheel trailer hitch.

expert reply by: Michael H