A-Line - "Rat Trap" coupler

Captain Ron · Veteran Member

A-Line - "Rat Trap" coupler

PeterD · Guru

What is your question about it. It is not a 5th wheel coupler it is a gooseneck coupler. There is a difference between the couplings and people refer to gooseneck trailers when they are specifically referring to the type. However when talking collectively about the two types they are all listed under 5th wheelers.

See this link.

Captain Ron · Veteran Member

PeterD wrote:
What is your question about it. It is not a 5th wheel coupler it is a gooseneck coupler. There is a difference between the couplings and people refer to gooseneck trailers when they are specifically referring to the type. However when talking collectively about the two types they are all listed under 5th wheelers.

See this link.

Let's see If I can get the terminology correct. A Gooseneck coupler being used to hitch a 5th wheeler.

It appears that they are not all that common as in nearly 200 views (on another site) yours is the first response. Just trying to get an opinion from someone with knowledge or experience with this type of hitch. They seem to incorporate all the benefits of the standard Gooseneck with the added benefit of ease of hitching of a 5th wheel, (drive back and engage.) - especially for a single operator.

-- Edited by Captain Ron on Thursday 15th of March 2018 03:28:08 AM

Paul · Veteran Member

20180315_083935[1].jpg The place that I am farmsitting at the moment has a horse float with this coupling, the float is a lot bigger and heavier than my van, he carries up to five horses at once sometimes, the operation of the coupling is very simple and easy, have helped him hitch up a couple of times but have never talked to him about the logistics of the coupling itself.

Captain Ron · Veteran Member

Paul wrote:
The place that I am farmsitting at the moment has a horse float with this coupling, the float is a lot bigger and heavier than my van, he carries up to five horses at once sometimes, the operation of the coupling is very simple and easy, have helped him hitch up a couple of times but have never talked to him about the logistics of the coupling itself.

Thanks Paul. That certainly appears similar. The A-line coupler has the advantage of being able to back-in and engage without the necessity to line up then lower the coupling onto the ball. I was just after some first hand experience as to whether there are any 'cons', such as wear, slop, chucking or noise.

-- Edited by Captain Ron on Thursday 15th of March 2018 11:19:20 PM