Convert 318RLS to gooseneck

[LovJam]

Just purchased a 2013 open range 318RLS to be towed with a Silverado 2500 HD that already has a goose neck ball installed at bed.
What parts do I need to change the RV from a fifth wheel hitch to a gooseneck hitch? Is there some kind of cushioning device that is needed?

 

[offroad]

Just purchased a 2013 open range 318RLS to be towed with a Silverado 2500 HD that already has a goose neck ball installed at bed.
What parts do I need to change the RV from a fifth wheel hitch to a gooseneck hitch? Is there some kind of cushioning device that is needed?

All you need is an industry standard 4" Gooseneck Coupler (inner tube only), I have a Bulldog BX1.
Make sure to get the jam bolt/nut at the back of the King Combo tight after inserting the coupler tube.
https://www.etrailer.com/Gooseneck-Trai ... 70300.html

I also outfitted mine with safety chains as many states require them.
https://www.etrailer.com/Safety-Chains- ... 49150.html

There are some Gooseneck Couplers with shock absorption built in, but I haven't seen the need with my setup.
https://shockerhitch.com/gooseneck-surge-hitch/

 

[menekaunee-ORO]

I also use the Bulldog BX1, including safety chains. Unfortunately my nut on my RV stripped out. I’m on my way back to Wisconsin. I will get another nut installed when I get home, so I can bolt the gooseneck tight again.

 

[LovJam]

The previous owners used fifth wheel hitch. I’m planning on changing the gooseneck coupler myself. Other than getting the jam bolt/nut at the back of the King Combo tight, is there anything else I need to consider?

 

[Tmougeotte]

Look at the Reese Goosebox as an option too, comes with shocks and air ride for the hitch. We have over 10k on outs and live it.

 

[offroad]

I’m planning on changing the gooseneck coupler myself. Other than getting the jam bolt/nut at the back of the King Combo tight, is there anything else I need to consider?

Just get the coupler in the right hole to give you the proper bed rail clearance, and enjoy the open bed a gooseneck gives you.
You do have to raise the front of the RV a bit higher to clear the ball when coupling/uncoupling, but it's the best trade off ever.

Look at the Reese Goosebox as an option too, comes with shocks and air ride for the hitch. We have over 10k on outs and live it.

Goosebox is not an option for older "Light" 5th wheels, they have the LCI King Combo pin box that is not compatible.
They are compatible with a $109 gooseneck coupler though, and switching between 5th wheel and gooseneck can be done in minutes.

 

[rp53-ORO]

i am going this route as well, i don't like the idea of have my bed full of hitch. does anyone tow with a GMC 2500 if so does it tow level or is it nose high ?
thanks in advance

 

[menekaunee-ORO]

Towing nose high is a toss up. I tow my 2015 319 RLS with a 2016 F-250. When hooked up, my set up is completely level. From the front of the truck to the rear of the fiver. I was looking to purchase a new F-350, the bed of the truck is 5” higher than my 2016 model. I stopped looking at new Fords, because of that issue. There is no way I would be level, with bedrail clearance, with a truck that much taller. Really depends on your year/model of your truck and trailer.

 

[handirifle]

Yea unless the rv industry starts putting on 22" rims with TALL tires on them none of them will tow level with these new trucks.

I guess folks keep screaming for more capacity, more payload, but want a 1/2 ton ride. Well it comes at a price. Either springs are arched higher to allow a softer ride, or are short and stiff as a steel rail.

Then to make it worse, they make the beds deeper for "more cargo space". Funny, trucks hauled huge loads for decades, but then again, they rode like trucks then too.

 

[kevinn-ORO]

looking at a 2013 318rls and going to use gooseneck .how are safety chains hooked to pin box ?

 

[tomkatb]

We have an Anderson with the ball mounted in the bed of the truck.

When I tried to by an OR fifth wheel in 2018 I noticed most of these models had to be towed with the nose up. Talked to the factory. They said just ignore it.

I purchased another brand as the floor of the bedroom area was 3-4 inches higher, thus mine tows level. It has a step frame.

on long trips we often do not disconnect at night. Most pull thru sites for overnighters are pretty level.

While the rv is out of warranty, I think the gooseneck adapters voids all guarantees. The theory is it damages the front of the RV frame. Testing my memory here.

 

[Auntcinny70]

I have an Open Range 5th wheel and I need to move it a short distance. The truck being used to move it has a gooseneck hitch. What kind of 5th wheel adaptor do I need in order to be able to move my camper.