Is a gooseneck cosidered the same thing as a 5er?

[Big Dave2]

I understand the laws in Minnesota that pertain to pulling a boat behind a camper. I know that the camper must be a 5th wheel and not a bumper pull. What I don't understand is, whether or not a gooseneck would be considered the same thing? I.E. could you pull a bumper hitch trailer behind a gooseneck trailer?

[Nutty Fisherman]

If I am right aren't they different style hitches?

[FlatBottom]

My friend and his father buy/sell horse trailers and they are able to "piggy-back" trailers: two goosenecks, two bumperpulls, or gooseneck pulling a bumperpull. As far as I know all of the hitches and wire harnesses, must be factory installed and (Contact Us Please) approved. I'm not sure if there is length regulations being not commercial. They all have CDLs. That's all I know, which probably isn't much.

[swamptiger]

I think it's legal, but I think there is a length limitation. I checked on the regulation about the gooseneck camper/boat combination once, and I think there was a length limit, but I can't remember what it was. Best bet would be to call the (Contact Us Please) or State Patrol.

[Valv]

Goosenecks and 5th wheel are both legal for double trailers.

They have different style hitch, and cannot interchange but they are both legal to double or triple (where permitted).

[Moose-Hunter]

Quote:

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I think it's legal, but I think there is a length limitation. I checked on the regulation about the gooseneck camper/boat combination once, and I think there was a length limit, but I can't remember what it was. Best bet would be to call the (Contact Us Please) or State Patrol.

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From what I can remember, the maximum overall length can not exceed 77' tip to tail. (Please double check that number!!) And trust me when I say... If stopped for a possible length violation, the D.O.T./State patrol will split hairs to find the absolute maximum length. My rig was measured from the leading edge of the license plate mount on the front bumper to the tip of the skeg on my kicker outboard that was tilted up slightly...

I'm not complaining as they were just doing their job. I'm just saying... be very accurate on your measurements.

[Powerstroke]

Here is the info direct from the State of MN Statutes.

Subd. 3c. Recreational vehicle combination. Notwithstanding subdivision 3, a recreational

vehicle combination may be operated without a permit if:

(1) the combination does not consist of more than three vehicles, and the towing rating of the

pickup truck is equal to or greater than the total weight of all vehicles being towed ;

(2) the combination does not exceed 70 feet in length;

(3) the middle vehicle in the combination does not exceed 28 feet in length;

(4) the operator of the combination is at least 18 years of age;

(5) the trailer carrying a watercraft, motorcycle, motorized bicycle, off-highway motorcycle,

snowmobile, all-terrain vehicle, motorized golf cart, or equestrian equipment or supplies meets all

requirements of law;

(6) the trailers in the combination are connected to the pickup truck and each other in

conformity with section 169.82; (means uses a legal hitch and

(7) the combination is not operated within the seven-county metropolitan area, as defined in section 473.121, subdivision 2, during the hours of 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays.

[Powerstroke]

And to answer the original question, the are not the same thing in design. They are different hitch styles. One uses a ball and coupler (goose) and the other uses a pin a lock (5'er).

They are not interchangable, but some companies make a hitch that can do both. They function the same as you hook up over the rear axle and it pivots on that point in the truck bed.

As long as its a legal trailer and you follow all the laws pertaining to measurements and operation they are the same in function and by law.

[wally-eye]

What do you think of the gooseneck to 5th wheel adaptors? I've heard good and bad. Some manufacturers will void warranties if you use one I guess. Anybody use one?