9 Best Fifth Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter Options in 2024

LOOKING FOR A 5TH WHEEL TO GOOSENECK ADAPTER?

You are in the right place because the 9 best gooseneck to 5th wheel adapters are all featured here. How do we know they are the best? We have traveled and lived in our RV since 2010 and have tested these products on our travels. They also have great reviews.

Fifth-wheel adapters can make towing your 5th wheel a lot easier, and they definitely come with some significant advantages. By using a 5th wheel to gooseneck adapter, you can free up a lot of space in your truck bed and save your back from lugging around a large and heavy 5th wheel hitch. There are different ways you can add an adapter and there are many different types of adapters.

Make sure to read through the whole article to learn about the different adapters so you can make the right choice on which adapter will work best for you and your needs while you are camping.

PRO TIP: Keep in mind is that some gooseneck to 5th wheel adapters void warranties and can add extra stain to your 5th wheel frame. We outline those that void warranties and those that don’t

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Fifth Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter Options

1. Convert-A-Ball C5G1216 Adjustable 5th Wheel/Gooseneck Adapter – 12″-16″

The Convert-A-Ball C5G1216 Adjustable 5th Wheel/Gooseneck Adapter is a heavy-duty, adjustable gooseneck hitch that allows you to tow your 5th wheel camper with a gooseneck ball hitch.

The adapter has a 12″ to 16″ vertical adjustment range and can handle up to 20,000 lbs of weight with a pin weight capacity of 4,000 pounds.

It is made from durable cast steel and features a black powder coat finish for rust protection. This adapter is easy to install and remove.

This is a great, straightforward adapter that will fit on almost any 5th-wheel camper with a kingpin design.

▶ SHOP Convert-A-Ball Adapters

2. Adjustable height Convert-a-ball Fifth Wheel to Gooseneck Cushioned Trailer Hitch Adapter / Converter

This is another Convert-A-Ball fifth wheel to gooseneck converter that has an adjustable height from 12 inches to 16 inches. The adapter is good for up to 20,000 pounds, and 4,000 pounds pin weight capacity.

PRO TIP: Any adapter should be checked periodically to ensure they bolts and connections are kept tight. Even the tightest bolts can become loose over time.

The adapter comes with safety chains and is very easy to install.

For the installation, you do not need to drill holes or weld. One of the added features that sets this adapter apart is an inner cushioning system. This cushioning system helps to prevent trailer sway and provides a smoother ride for your RV.

▶ SHOP Convert-A-Ball Adapters with Cushion

3. CURT 16085 Spyder 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter Hitch

The Curt 16085 Spyder adapter hitch has a unique design that gives you full access to the truck bed without removing the adapter.

The Spyder also includes dual locking jaws for added stability and security while towing your fifth-wheel trailer with a gooseneck hitch.

▶ SHOP Spyder Adapter Hitch

4. ANDERSEN HITCHES | Ultimate Fifth Wheel Connection | Aluminum Gooseneck Mount Trailer Hitch Adapter

The Andersen Hitch is the ultimate gooseneck trailer hitch mount because it is made from lightweight aluminum and is very easy to install. The hitch mount and ball only weigh 35 pounds, making it easy to handle and maneuver.

It also has a durable powder coat finish and can handle up to 25,000 pounds of load capacity. Its patented design reduces stress on the truck bed and provides a smooth ride for you and your trailer.

This hitch adapter is perfect for those looking for an easy solution to tow their fifth-wheel trailer with a gooseneck hitch.

The hitch has thousands of reviews, with more than 85 percent of the reviews giving the adapter system a 5-star rating. Overall, the Andersen Hitch is a solid option for those looking for a fifth-wheel hitch to gooseneck adapter.

It has great load capacity, is easy to install, and customers seem to love it. Give it a try and see if it works for you!

Some fifth-wheel adapters will void your frame warranty on your RV. It is believed this system will not void your frame warranty on your RV, but it is recommended to verify this on your specific RV.

▶ SHOP Anderson Hitches

5. T Built 17″ Fifth Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter Hitch

The T Built fifth wheel to gooseneck adapter hitch is another economical option for those looking for a quick and easy conversion to a gooseneck trailer. The adapter weighs 37 pounds and is 17 inches. The adapter is rated for 20,000 pounds and is made of durable alloy steel.

If you are wondering if this will fit your 5th-wheel hitches, reference the layout and measurements provided to ensure your adapter will mount without having to make adjustments. The majority of people won’t need to make adjustments.

This is your typical ranch hitch adapter and is used on many ranch-style gooseneck trailers compared to an electric jack.

This hitch is a solid height and does not have height adjustments available. If you need a different height the same hitch comes in different heights and T built also makes another adapter that is of equal quality but it adjustable.

▶ SHOP T Built 17″ Gooseneck Adapter

6. Convert-A-Ball C5GX1216 Adjustable 5th Wheel/Gooseneck Offset Adapter

The Convert-A-Ball C5GX1216 is another 5th wheel adapter variation that is very economical. This variation provides an offset allowing the trailer to make tighter turns. The offset will keep the trailer further away from the pickup truck cab while keeping the weight above the rear axles as needed.

The adapter is rated the same as the other Convert-A-Ball options, with a weight rating of 20,000 pounds and a 4,000 pound pin rating.

If you are looking for an adapter that is going to give a more comfortable ride this is going to be one of the best options with great ride comfort and reduced vibrations.

The adapter is adjustable from 12 to 16 inches you will want to make sure this is enough height that your trailer does not hit or rub on your truck. It is important to keep a minimum of five inches between the 5th wheel and the truck bed.

There are some people who still rub and hit the bed with their trailer with a five-inch gap. If you are going to be on uneven surfaces, it is recommended you have a great than a 5-inch gap between the 5th wheel and the truck bed.

▶ SHOP Convert-A-Ball C5GX1216

7. T Built 12″-17″ Adjustable 5th Wheel RV to Gooseneck Adapter Hitch

If you are in need of an adjustable height adapter, the T Built 5th wheel to gooseneck adapter is a strong option. This adapter has a weight rating of 20,000 pounds and has a pin rating of 4,000 pounds.

With the ability to adjust from 12 inches to 17 inches, this adapter can fit a wide range of trucks and trailers. The adapter is made of durable alloy steel and has a simple twist lock mechanism for the gooseneck ball.

The overall design of this adapter is simplistic, but it can still provide added comfort while towing. Customers have reported being very happy with their purchase and feeling while towing their trailer.

T Built makes a wide variety of adapter options giving you many options to ensure you find the adapter that is right for you and your setup.

▶ SHOP T Built 5th Wheel Adapter

8. Reese 94720 Gooseneck RV Coupler for Lippert

The Reese 94720 is a gooseneck RV coupler that is designed to work with Lippert components. The coupler is made of heavy-duty steel and has a black powder coat finish.

It can handle a weight rating of 30,000 pounds and has a pin rating of 5,000 pounds, and has two shock absorber shocks integrated for great comfortable towing.

The coupler also features a patented over-center cam action that ensures a safe and secure connection while towing. It is easy to use and install and is backed by a limited lifetime warranty.

Customers have given the Reese 94720 gooseneck RV coupler high marks for its strength and durability. The coupler is able to handle the rigors of towing and is built to last. Lippert probably makes close to 50 percent of 5th wheel frames.

Reese and Gen Y are the best gooseneck to 5th wheel adapter options to use if you are wanting to have a gooseneck tow set up.

If you are using other adapters, you will most likely void your warranty. The Reese gooseneck adapter does not void the warranties on your RV frame.

▶ SHOP Reese 94720 Gooseneck Coupler

9. GEN-Y Hitch Executive Torsion-Flex Manual Latch Rhino Fifth Wheel Pin Box Replacement with Gooseneck

The GEN-Y Executive Torsion-Flex manual latch rhino fifth wheel to gooseneck pin box replacement is a great option for those who want a smooth towing. It features torsion-flex technology, which allows for more controlled turning and better weight distribution while towing.

This adapter also has a manual latch mechanism for easy use and a weight rating of 30,000 pounds with a pin rating of 6,000+ pounds. The adapter is made from heavy-duty steel.

If you do not have a Lippert frame, you will want to purchase a GEN-Y pin box replacement. These are a little more expensive than your economical cheaper 5th-wheel adapters, but they are a must if you have a new 5th-wheel and you do not want your frame warranty voided.

An extra thousand dollars now will easily save you money in repairs down the road.

▶ SHOP Gen-Y Executive Manual Latch

Other Important Towing Accessories

Safety Chains

When you purchase a new fifth-wheel hitch adapter, you may need some safety chains to go with your purchase. These safety chains are a great and straightforward option.

There are many positive reviews for these safety chains, with a breaking strength of just under 20,000.

▶ SHOP Safety Chains

What is a Fifth Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter?

A fifth-wheel-to-gooseneck adapter is a mechanism that allows you to hook your 5th wheel trailer to a gooseneck ball. A gooseneck ball is a typical 2 and 5/16th-inch ball that is installed in the bed of a truck.

The advantage of using this type of ball is you do not need the bulky 5th wheel hitch installed in the back of your truck. Fifth-wheel hitches are heavy and can weigh more than 200 pounds. They can also take up a lot of space in the back of your truck.

Check the Towing Capacity and Lbs Tongue Weight

It is very important to know the towing capacity and the tongue weight specifications of your truck and the RV specifications you are towing. These specifications can be found in your user’s manual, or an internet search for your make and model can typically get you the correct information.

It is also important to know how much weight you are putting into your RV. After you load your RV, you should find a truck scale to ensure you have not made your RV too heavy per your towing capabilities or the RV specifications.

Being overweight can be a significant hazard because it puts stress above what has been certified as safe for your tow vehicle and on your vehicle.

What Size Gooseneck Adapter Should I Use?

When looking at a gooseneck adapter size, the ball size should always be 2 and 5/16th inches, but the size of the adapter related to height depends on how your gooseneck ball is installed into your truck.

You will see that adapters come in set sizes and adjustable sizes. Many of the adjustable sizes range from 12 inches to 17 inches in height.

You want to ensure you have a minimum of 5 inches of clearance between the bed of your truck bed and the trailer. Five inches is the minimum if you are on mostly flat surfaces.

If you will be boondocking and traveling on uneven ground, you will want to have more than 5 inches of clearance because the truck bed will hit your trailer.

FAQs: Fifth Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter

Can I Convert My 5th Wheel to a Gooseneck?

Yes, you can convert your 5th wheel to a gooseneck. The process is fairly easy. The best way to do this is to purchase a Gen Y or Reese 5th wheel pin box replacement.

These will not void your warranty and are adjustable, giving your suitable clearance for the bed of the truck and trailer.

They are a little bit expensive, but they are worth it not to have a huge bulky 5th wheel hitch in the back of your truck. Many new trucks will have a gooseneck ball hole because they are so convenient and do not take up space in the truck’s bed.

Is a Fifth Wheel Stronger Than a Gooseneck?

A gooseneck has a greater towing capacity than a fifth-wheel hitch and is great for heavy trailers. Some gooseneck hitches can pull up to 30,000 pounds.

This is around 3,000 pounds or more than the best fifth-wheel hitch.

How Big of a Truck Do I Need to Pull a Fifth Wheel?

The size of your truck will depend on the size of the fifth wheel you will be towing. There is no standard fifth-wheel trailer weight or length.

They come in many different sizes. They range from 19 feet long and weighing less than 3,000 pounds to an enormous RV more than 40 feet long with a gross vehicle weight rating of almost 17,000 pounds.

In general, you will not want a truck smaller than a 3/4 ton truck, but if your 5th-wheel RV is smaller, you could technically pull it with a half-ton truck.

Is it Safe to Use a Gooseneck to Fifth Wheel Adapter?

Yes, gooseneck to fifth wheel adapters are safe. There are thousands of positive gooseneck to fifth wheel adapter reviews and stories of them functioning exactly as intended.

However, some adapters can void your warranties on your 5th-wheel trailers. This is because they can add additional stress to the RV frame causing it to bend or crack.

We recommend replacing the entire 5th wheel pin box with a Reese or Gen Y adapter. These will not void your warranty, and they are great products.

How Do You Tow a Fifth Wheel with a Gooseneck Hitch?

Towing a fifth wheel with a gooseneck hitch will require an adapter. These adapters are safe, and there are different options. We have listed most of your best options for adapters above.

Is It Best to Replace a Pin Box or RV Hitch?

In general, this is going to be a personal preference. If you want to replace your pin box so you have a gooseneck trailer or if you want to change your RV hitch to fit your 5th wheel or gooseneck, either are safe and reliable options.

A fifth-wheel hitch provides a smoother ride, but the needed hitch in your truck is bulky and takes up a lot of space. A gooseneck is not invasive but is not as smooth when towing.

How Does a Remote Release Work on a Gooseneck Adapter?

A remote release is used to disconnect and connect the gooseneck coupler to the hitch ball mount. This makes it so you do not need to climb into the back of the truck to latch the gooseneck to the ball in the truck.

Do I need a Cushion System For My Gooseneck Adapter?

You do not need a cushion system for your gooseneck adapter, but some people prefer them because they create a smoother ride when towing, and they can reduce some wear and tear because they cushion, which makes everything less bumpy.

Conclusion: Fifth Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter

There are multiple great 5th-wheel adapters that will fit your needs. If you are looking for the safest and best options for a 5th-wheel gooseneck adapter, you will want to use the Reese or the Gen Y systems.

They will work great for short-bed trucks or long-bed trucks, and they will not void your warranties. However, using the best fifth wheel to gooseneck adapter also has a more expensive price tag.

If your trailer does not have a warranty, you are not using it all the time, or you want to save some money on adapters, the Convert-A-Ball and T Built adapters are less than 500 dollars and will work well for your standard fifth-wheel trailers.

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