Bought my 1st fiver....

[HemisAreSlow]

Hey guys I just purchased my 1st ever 5th wheel camper.....Nothing special but the price was right. 1989 Keystone sprinter for 1200 bucks. It is in surprisingly good shape cosmetically for an 89 both inside and out....it will need new tires for sure though. Anyone have any advice with this camper? How bout for a hitch? I have nothing in my truck as of yet....I was thinking of going with the B&W gooseneck hitch and either getting the companion 5th wheel attachment....or a 5th wheel to gooseneck adapter.....what are the pros and cons of each and will I have any trouble hooking to this camper with my NBS truck...3500 SRW...thanks guys

 

[DMAX1518]

I went with the B&W with a 5th wheel adapter for my first 5er last summer. I liked it at first but after a couple of trips I started to change my mind. If you have a short bed truck I would recommend a slider. I wish I would have bought one in the first place. Right now I'm looking to buy a slider that works with B&W. Its about a grand. If I would have bought a slider in the first place I would have spent the same money and saved the cab corner of my truck. The B&W also tends to ride a little rougher.

 

[HemisAreSlow]

its a long bed....

 

[DEERE3594]

Nice find!

 

[DieselCash]

Nice, you got a deal of a life time on that trailer. :thumbsup:

 

[JEBar]

if you 5er came from the factor with a 5th wheel setup, don't switch it to a goose neck unless you double check with the factory to see if its frame can handle the stress .... there are considerable differences in the forces at work between the two types of hitches

Jim

 

[HemisAreSlow]

if you 5er came from the factor with a 5th wheel setup, don't switch it to a goose neck unless you double check with the factory to see if its frame can handle the stress .... there are considerable differences in the forces at work between the two types of hitches

Jim

thats the kind of info I was looking for...looks like I will bite the bullet and pick up the B&W companion hitch

 

[JEBar]

thats the kind of info I was looking for...looks like I will bite the bullet and pick up the B&W companion hitch

glad to be able to help .... I work in RV Sales and have seen too many 5ers damaged by adapting their pin box to a goose neck .... if you think about the goose neck trailers you have seen you many recall how heavy their framework is .... most 5ers don't have anywhere near that level of structure

Jim

 

[Farmdog]

thats the kind of info I was looking for...looks like I will bite the bullet and pick up the B&W companion hitch

You won't regret your desission. Wish I had one.

 

[j johnson]

i would try airsafehitch.com i think this is almost a fool prof way of towing ... hope this helps!!!

 

[HemisAreSlow]

found a companion hitch on craigslist for 500....I think I am going to go get it this weekend...anything to look for on a used hitch to make sure it is good to go?

 

[radar1053]

if you 5er came from the factor with a 5th wheel setup, don't switch it to a goose neck unless you double check with the factory to see if its frame can handle the stress .... there are considerable differences in the forces at work between the two types of hitches

Jim

I was talking with a guy at work today and his friend coverted his toy hauler to a gooseneck, well it has collapsed now after 2 yrs or so and the factory has denied him on everything because they say it is not built to handle that type of hitch. So I think when I get a 5er I will leave it alone.

 

[GMCYA]

I was talking with a guy at work today and his friend coverted his toy hauler to a gooseneck, well it has collapsed now after 2 yrs or so and the factory has denied him on everything because they say it is not built to handle that type of hitch. So I think when I get a 5er I will leave it alone.

I alwayz seez, deem dere engineerz beez sum perty smart folk when its comes to cypherin numberz and dezining tings. Dere usually beez a reason fer tings built de way dey are in da first place.

 

[83GMCK2500]

Nearest I can figure, with the 5-er type hitch the stresses on the tongue of the fiver are mostly in shear. Move the attachment point further away like a gooseneck and you're adding a bending moment (torque) to the structure of the tongue in addition to the existing shear stresses.

 

[HemisAreSlow]

whats the deal with the tri-pod stands I see on the front of 5th wheels at camp sites? Do i need to get one?

 

[truckie481]

Tri pod is to stop sway, my buddy bought one and said it's the worst $100 dollars he every spent so I have not bought one. When the boys and I use the camper we have no problems but when my wife goes with us she complains about the sway when she is laying down and the boys are moving around.

 

[HemisAreSlow]

thanks for saving me the 100 bucks........

 

[Farmdog]

Tri pod is to stop sway, my buddy bought one and said it's the worst $100 dollars he every spent so I have not bought one. When the boys and I use the camper we have no problems but when my wife goes with us she complains about the sway when she is laying down and the boys are moving around.

I have to disagree. The size of the unit my have something to do with it. I have a tripod and it helps. Not the end all be all, but with two kids and a large dog moving around I'll take what I can get.

 

[GMCYA]

Locking wheel chocks that fit inbetween the tires and lock them from moving will make a big difference in stability. There are several types from one that looks like a scissor jack to the ratchet type like the one CWQ (Charlie) has. I also place my wheel chocks down when I find my spot and back against them a little to place tension on the springs. The wheel locks are worth the investment.

 

[cwq21]

I have Rotochoks. Here is the link http://www.rotochok.com/ They can only be bought by calling them directly. If and when you call, make sure you have the measurement between your tires.

I had a tripod and sold it because I never used it anyway.

The biggest thing when setting up is to get your chocks tight, put your back jacks down to where they are just touching and raise the front some (not too much) to finish "setting" the back jacks.