So what am I now towing?
- Thread starter LarryFOA
- Start date
BryanValRox
Elite Member
Is there further context to your question? Are you trying to decide on a truck setting for one of your safety settings?
Is it a 5th wheel or is it now a gooseneck? Ford lists different weights for 5th wheel and for gooseneck.
What makes the distinction?
BryanValRox
Elite Member
Well, a really great question. I am sure the response will end up being a house divided.
I will give my .02 cents and come down in the fifth wheel camp. Your rig was purpose built as a fifth wheel.
Personally, I don’t feel the pin box conversion to a goose neck hitch would significantly impact the towing numbers. If anything, generally speaking, the removal of the 5th wheel hitch in the truck would free up some capacity, which likely is a least one reason goosenecks have a higher truck rating.
Many Goose neck OEM trailer designs have an “ARM” design with longer extension over the bed.
Only offering an opinion, as I am not well versed in the engineering differences between the two.
But the topic should drive a lively discussion.
I will give my .02 cents and come down in the fifth wheel camp. Your rig was purpose built as a fifth wheel.
Personally, I don’t feel the pin box conversion to a goose neck hitch would significantly impact the towing numbers. If anything, generally speaking, the removal of the 5th wheel hitch in the truck would free up some capacity, which likely is a least one reason goosenecks have a higher truck rating.
Many Goose neck OEM trailer designs have an “ARM” design with longer extension over the bed.
Only offering an opinion, as I am not well versed in the engineering differences between the two.
But the topic should drive a lively discussion.
Flyer32RLS
Well-known member
The only thing I can think of that might be different is that a true gooseneck trailer that I have seen normally has a pretty large supporting frame that goes up spreading and back at a somewhat larger width than the king pin area on a 5th wheel. I believe that people are calling it that as the way it connects to the truck. Other than that, I haven't a clue and only guessing at that. Like the car haulers that I see. Pretty heavity construction going back.
Bryan...I asked that question at the Ford towing course I took at the Tampa show earlier in the year. The engineers who designed fords towing tech were who I asked. They both answered with 100% certainty, the connection type determines the category of trailer.
BryanValRox
Elite Member
Mike, thanks for the clarity.
Would have any insight on why the truck towing capacity gets rerated based on the hitch type?
Hope all is well!
That answer I don't have. I was trying to figure out what setting to use on the menu. I know the reason for their decision was the trailer's reaction to input from the driver is different across the two connection types and the yaw sensor needed that setting to perform. If I had to guess on the increased capacity, direct frame loading and the lower connection point (less lever) of a goose might be the the two big contributors.
BryanValRox
Elite Member
Hey Mike, I am in no way picking a fight here with Ford Engineers😂
I happened to be reading an article on the Gen-Y website today and came across this paragraph. the last sentence is what I find interesting.
What Makes a Trailer a Fifth Wheel?
The traditional fifth wheel connection is a kingpin on the trailer's pin box that drops onto a hitch in the truck bed, with jaws that close around it. Fifth wheel and kingpin are often used interchangeably to describe this connection style. But how the trailer couples is only part of the definition. In the RV and towing world, a fifth wheel is also defined by its body shape, its chassis architecture, the pin box that connects it to the truck, and how its weight is distributed. That is why a trailer connected through a fifth wheel to gooseneck pin box, which connects to a gooseneck ball instead of jaws, is still called a fifth wheel.Certainly, a house divided topic!!!
Hope your trip is going well and travel safe!
Hey mind your own business.
Kidding!!! You know me, I get things wrong every day.
I should have been clearer. I was asking them for the purposes of the Ford software configuration. They had 100 % certainty that regardless of the trailer type, the connection drives the definition. But, that is only in the context of how the software sees it for the anti-sway, yaw sensor etc…at least that was the context of the question I presented. That definition you shared could be the only correct answer.
That aside, I’d put this out there. Should we define the category of trailer by its body style or connection point? Alternatively should we define it as a Fifth wheel with a gooseneck connection?
Once you convert a fifth wheel to a goose, the articulation, load bearing, handling are all identical to any other goosenecks ( you get the idea…not an absolute).
So if we agree on that, would it be more accurate to define it by body style or connection type, or both?
I do not know the answer. On the way back home after 2 14 hour work days so decompressing through RV Nerd Therapy!
Pain in the hindside but worth the effort. Thanks buddy! Should have it easier at work moving forward.
BryanValRox
Elite Member
I for one am finding the topic interesting and FULLY ADMIT I do not know the correct answer and am in no way trying to be right. Certainly , I am not saying you were wrong.
I figured you were asking the question to the engineers in the context of software settings and I can understand their response.
The original poster, raised a great question to the group and I am actually a little surprised it hasn’t driven more responses.
I just stumbled across the article today by complete accident(the timing was just pure luck) and wanted to post it out here to add to the discussion.
Given the options you present, both body type and connection type might provide the best clarity.
NOW, how would engineer’s address this via software?🤯
Safe Travels!
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Oh I know. I’m totally at peace with being wrong. That’s what long marriages do to a man.
Flyer32RLS
Well-known member
My response....Who cares! Call it what you would like to call it. A 5th wheel is a 5th wheel, to me, by its design and look. not as to what type of hitch it is. By the definition above, I using a Anderson Hitch is something else. I have no jaws to clamp around my king pin. And its not a goose neck so ... I think I'll call it a 5th Wheel!
Happy Glamping ya'll!!
Happy Glamping ya'll!!
Flyer32RLS
Well-known member
I seriously doubt that they care if its gooseneck. I would bet most wouldn't know what you were talking about.
They do offer 5th wheel option tho. At least in Texas State Parks they do.😎I seriously doubt that they care if it’s gooseneck. I would bet most wouldn't know what you were talking about.
Just read this in the Ford Tow Guide:
“Maximum towing capabilities are for properly equipped vehicles with required equipment and a 150-lb. driver and passenger and vary based on cargo,
vehicle configuration, accessories, option content and number of passengers. For additional information, see your Ford Dealer”
Looks like I am over weight now! LOL… 150lbs!
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“Maximum towing capabilities are for properly equipped vehicles with required equipment and a 150-lb. driver and passenger and vary based on cargo,
vehicle configuration, accessories, option content and number of passengers. For additional information, see your Ford Dealer”
Looks like I am over weight now! LOL… 150lbs!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk