Towing Issues: Fifth wheel on bumper hitch, fifth wheel trailer, bumper hitch

Question
I have a 2003 F-250 and a home made fifth wheel trailer (8X20). The problem with the trailer is that it was built to be pulled by a flatbed truck, the gooseneck part isn't high enough to clear the sides of the pickup box when I turn. I do have a heavy duty equalizer hitch and can pull the trailer very well from there (I did this to get it home and it works very well). Is this legal???

Answer
I would think not for this main reason:  A goosneck has load balance set for very high weight on the hitch because it is forward of the rear axle usually.  Doesn't have the lever arm of a rear bumper hitch.

Plus, I can't see how you can be using the load equalizing parts of your hitch on this setup.  So you are putting a huge down force on your hitch.  Depending on its rating, you may be seriously overloaded.

I would not recommend it, but I don't know about the legality of it.  If it isn't being used as designed, I would think you could get a ticket for something.  But more important, you could be endagering yourself and others if the rig isn't stable.

This is my opinion based on the absoltely minimal information given above.

Don