Tow Hitches

[BobnDeb]

We are thinking about purchasing a Redwood 5th wheel and our tow vehicle (Chevy 3500 dually) has a gooseneck hitch. Does anyone know if using a gooseneck adapter vs a standard 5th wheel hitch will void the trailer warranty? We appreciate any help!

[Happy Camper]

I have sold RVs in the past so what I am about to say is from that experience. In most cases the manufacturer will not honor the structual warranty if you pull with a gooseneck adapter. I have seen several 5th wheels with cracked side walls in the upper part caused by the gooseneck. Think of this way - you are putting all the tongue weight on a ball vs a 5th wheel hitch which spreads the weight over a base. You are looking at spending some serious money on a high end fifth wheel - I would recommend protecting that investment. Just my 2c worth.

[Dave&Ginny]

To solve the problem, there are a couple of 5th wheel hitches that work over the top of the goose neck ball. One of those is a "companion" hitch, which is what I use and it works great.

[Happy Camper]

I, too, have a B&W Companion which is a good hitch.

[5th_Time]

Reese Elite is removable and has a goose-neck kit available for those needing to tow both.

[Dave&Ginny]

I just found a Reese "Goose Box" air ride hitch that doesn't void the Lippert warranties on the web. It looks good but it's only rated for 16k which is lite for a Redwood. Otherwise it looks pretty good and would be handy to have since the 5th wheel hitch takes up so much space in the bed.

Also on a side note it's easier to hook up a 5th wheel in my opinion if you're doing it alone.

[5th_Time]

Ha Ha Dave. That reminds me of that sign in many dealerships...







Service: $75/hr

If you watch: $85/hr

If you Help: $95/hr

[BobnDeb]

Thanks so much for the info! You are right, it is a big investment and cutting corners would not be a good idea. Thanks again for your reply.

[BobnDeb]

Thanks for the information, it seems like the companion hitch may be a solution. Our truck has the Goose Ready hitch by RearGear Industries and is rated at 30k with a hitch weight of 7500. I wonder if the B & W Companion would be compatable, or would we need to purchase a goose hitch from B & W.

[Dave&Ginny]

Originally Posted by BobnDeb

Thanks for the information, it seems like the companion hitch may be a solution. Our truck has the Goose Ready hitch by RearGear Industries and is rated at 30k with a hitch weight of 7500. I wonder if the B & W Companion would be compatable, or would we need to purchase a goose hitch from B & W.

I think the B/w has a standard size coupler so it should work. Reese also makes one like the B/W too.

[BobnDeb]

Thank you so much--again! DH is on his tablet researching now . . . . . He had looked at the B&W but hadn't seen the Reese yet.