Do you have something that needs to be towed, but your truck bed is not compatible with the towing unit? We have answers for you!
When we’re talking about carrying gross trailer weight from the truck bed, there are two different choices, either a 5th wheel hitch or a gooseneck ball.
Both achieve the same goal, but their structures do not work with each other. If you have a 5th wheel trailer and wants to attach to a towing vehicle that has a gooseneck hitch, the two will not be able to connect or vice a versa.
This is where the 5th wheel to gooseneck adapter comes to play as a coupler, so we can then connect without a problem.
Are you finding it challenging to choose which 5th wheel adapter to gooseneck adapter to buy? Do not worry! We are here to help with our top picks!
Andersen Hitches - 12" to 16" Adjustable Height Convert-a-ball
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The Convert-a-ball 12” to 16” adjustable height 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Cushioned Trailer Hitch Adaptor is an excellent choice for anyone who has multiple vehicles that require different measurements because it is flexible and can fit different sized trucks.
Also, this product has a 20,000-pound towing capacity so that it can handle large loads. The maximum tongue weight for the Convert-a-ball adaptor is 4,000 pounds.
This item is cushioned 360 degrees, so it will not damage the vehicle during installation. A bonus is that Convert-a-ball adapters come complete with a Fail-Safe King Pin Adaptor as well!
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EAZ LIFT - CURT 16055 Gooseneck
The CURT 16055 Bent Plate 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter is made to fit into 5th wheelbase rails that already exist in the truck bed to allow towing with a gooseneck hitch. Your Vehicle will be able to pull both types of trailers.
The towing capacity of this hitch 25,000 pounds and 6,250 pounds of vertical load. This item is weather-resistant because of its highly durable carbide powder coat finish. The durable and robust exterior protects from rain, hail, snow, dirt, and other elements.
This CURT fifth wheel to gooseneck hitch adapter can change into a 5th wheel hitch rail. Included in the package are four hitch kingpins that work to secure the hitch.
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Convert A Ball - 15" Gooseneck Adapter
The Convert a Ball 15 Inches Gooseneck Adapter is great for someone looking for a smaller sized adaptor. Also, there are adaptors in a 12" 15”, and 17” design. It is about 52 pounds in weight, so you may need help installing it on your truck, and the bed of your truck may be the best place to store it.
This Convert a Ball 5th wheel to gooseneck adapter has a towing power of up to 30,000 pounds and is very easy to install. Also, Convert a Ball includes all the parts and hardware for installation to ensure hook up to be quick.
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Convert A Ball - 12" to 16" Adjustable Height
The Pop-Up 'sYoung's Product, LLC RV4 5th Wheel Gooseneck Adapter, is designed for someone who has a truck that can handle a bulky fifth wheel to gooseneck adapter. This one weighs about 70 pounds and is 7.5" tall.
This product can fit a standard OEM trailer pin box. Also, one can choose which offset one needs based on the trailer or truck. Because of the weight, the 5th wheel to gooseneck adapter comes with a robust machined kingpin clamp that fastens the unit to the trailer. It can tow up to 28,000 pounds of weight.
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This product is a lightweight, but sturdy 5th wheel to gooseneck adapter. The total weight is only 35 pounds and is made in the USA, so you know that you can trust this item and that it was made with quality in mind.
This adapter comes with all the required tools and hardware. The total height is 16.5", but is 14" from its top of the ball to its top of the mounting plate. It can be bolted right on top of the 5th wheel plate of the truck and uses a 2 5/16" ball. This adapter's main flaw is that height adjustment can't occur due to it being in a fixed position.
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FAQ's for Buying 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter
Have questions about 5th wheel to gooseneck adapters? We are here to answer them!
What is a Gooseneck Adapter?
A gooseneck hitch is when a truck bed attaches to a gooseneck trailer with a hitch ball. A 5th wheel hitch is when a truck bed hitch connects with the kingpin of a 5th wheel trailer. Every vehicle has one or the other.
What should one do if they have a 5th wheel truck, but the trailer they are using is designed to connect with a hitch ball? That is where the fifth wheel to gooseneck adapter comes to play.
A gooseneck adapter functions by being able to connect incompatible systems, which can come in handy when pulling different trailers.
How to Determine the Correct Size of the Adapter I Need?
Measuring for a fifth wheel to gooseneck adapter can be easy, but one should take their time doing it. First, park the trailer on a level surface to ensure accurate measurements. Then, back the gooseneck hitch truck so that it is under the fifth-wheel trailer and stop when the kingpin is above the gooseneck hitch ball.
Finally, you need to measure from the top of the hitch ball to the base of the pin box. That is the measurement to use when looking for a 5th wheel to gooseneck adapter.
Are Safety Chains Needed When Using a Fifth Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter?
Yes, it is always a good idea to put safety chains on for added security, especially with large and heavy loads. It’s also important to note that most states require one to use safety chains when towing any load.
Most adapters come with safety chains that can be attached to a safety chain loops in the bed of a truck or near the license plate. The safety chain ensures the trailer will stay attached to the vehicle if, for some reason, the fifth wheel to gooseneck hitch adapter unattached or fails.
Is Owning a Fifth Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter High-Maintenance?
Only light maintenance is required with most adapters. It consists of looking for normal wear and tear to make sure the adapter is still working correctly and does not need to be repaired or replaced.
Similar to a lot of auto parts, it should be greased regularly to reduce the friction of moving parts. Also, one should look for rust or any other weather damage that could cause it to break while going over rocky and unpaved roads. Other than those things, it doesn’t require a lot of maintenance.
Will My Adapter Put Additional Stress on the Trailer Frame?
Most adapters will cause stress on the trailer's frame. It is a good idea to contact the travel trailer's manufacturer before buying a fifth wheel to gooseneck adapter to make sure it does not void the trailer’s warranty and will work properly with the travel trailer. It is important to shop around and look at what people say about the adapter you decide to buy one.