Rail-mounted hitch vs Gooseneck

[Hilola]

Since I am a rookie with 5th wheel setups, I hope I'm getting the terminology correct.

I like the idea of the setup where the hitchball is installed directly on the bed and can be turned over and hidden when not towing, versus a rail-mounted system that is there all the time.

Intent is to use the Anderson Ultimate hitch system. Is there any disadvantage to using the gooseneck setup vs. the rail type?

[escape artist]

Originally Posted by Hilola

Since I am a rookie with 5th wheel setups, I hope I'm getting the terminology correct.

I like the idea of the setup where the hitchball is installed directly on the bed and can be turned over and hidden when not towing, versus a rail-mounted system that is there all the time.

Intent is to use the Anderson Ultimate hitch system. Is there any disadvantage to using the gooseneck setup vs. the rail type?

Hi: Hilola... The only draw back I see is the fact that the fifth wheel hitch requires conversion to a ball type hitch... Seems a throw back to me. Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

[Fox hunt]

i love the Anderson with the turn over ball -light weight and easy to hook up the trailer i couldn't be happier with the set up.

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by Fox hunt

i love the Anderson with the turn over ball -light weight and easy to hook up the trailer i couldn't be happier with the set up.

Not even if someone else always hitched or disconnected for you?

[Fox hunt]

yes that's nice i sometimes get that treatment

[MikeS]

When I compared the two I think the only disadvantage I found was the gooseneck version would weigh around 50 lbs heavier. I was comparing Curt rails vs Curt gooseneck, possibly other options would have different weights.

[frank_a]

I have a 5.5 bed (2013 F150 Crew Cab, ecoboost) and will be getting a 5.0TA in a year or two. Using a hidden gooseneck, just the ball poppin out of the bed. This is one of the ones that would fit my truck: https://www.etrailer.com/g-2013_Ford...1%2F2+Foot+Bed

[War Eagle]

This link might have a better photo of the "Turnoverball" that the OP is referring to (I think). Turnoverball® | B&W Trailer Hitches
Note that it is mounted to the frame rails but with the bulk of it located under the bed. The only thing that sticks up into the bed is the ball (when turned up) and the two chain anchors. Relatively smooth bed when the ball is turned down. I purchased a similar brand for my 1999 F-250 when it was brand new. I had the dealer cut the holes in the bed because they knew exactly how to do that, then I did the mounting. Some serious haulers around these parts, in addition to bolting the hitch to the frame, top it off by also welding it in place. I didn't see the need for that for no more than I haul.