Fifth wheel to gooseneck adapters are a quick and effective solution to a common towing incompatibility conundrum. There are just two types of trailer hitches that are used for hauling heavy loads: fifth wheel and gooseneck hitches. However, your tow vehicle and wheeled cargo might not always be compatible.
If, for example, your tow truck has a gooseneck but your travel trailer is equipped with a regular fifth wheel hitch, you will not be able to connect the two. This is because trailer kingpins and gooseneck hitches simply do not link together.
One way of getting around this problem is to replace your gooseneck hitch entirely (with something like a slider hitch), but this comes with a few significant downsides. The first one being that you will give up a lot of your truck bed’s space and versatility by replacing your gooseneck with a fifth wheel hitch.
The other disadvantage of this approach is that you will have to take your truck to a professional garage in order to safely dismount your gooseneck hitch. This takes time, and will cost you additional service fees.
To avoid the extra hassle and expenses, you can purchase a simple hitch adapter that will modify your trailer king pin and allow it to lock securely into a gooseneck hitch. These adapters quickly and easily convert your RV trailer so that it can be towed with a gooseneck ball.
This option is not only cheaper and easier than replacing the whole hitch, but has the additional advantage of being removable. You mount it when you need it, and can remove it when you need more truck bed space.
Table of Contents
Rankings
| Ranking | Product Name | Towing capacity | Maximum Tongue Weight | Type | Review | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 |  |
Convert-a-Ball 12″ to 16″ Adjustable Height | 20,000 lbs | 4,000 lbs | Bolts over king pin lube plate | Read Review | See Price on Amazon |
| #2 |  |
Andersen Ultimate 5th Wheel Connection | 24,000 lbs | 4,500 lbs | 5th wheel replacement | Read Review | See Price on Amazon |
| #3 |  |
Eaz-Lift Gooseneck Adapter 48500 | 30,000 lbs | 4,500 lbs | Bolts over king pin lube plate | Read Review | See Price on Amazon |
| #4 |  |
Reese 94720 Goose Box Gooseneck Coupler | 20,000 lbs | 4,000 lbs | Trailer pin box replacement | Read Review | See Price on Amazon |
Finding a Fifth Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter That Works for You
When you first start researching fifth wheel to gooseneck adapters, you might be overwhelmed by the sheer number of models and types on offer. While some characteristics might fit into the “nice to have” category, others will determine if you can even use the adapter successfully on your setup.
There is an abundance of factors to take into account, from the weight of the load you wish to haul, to the size of your truck bed and desired clearance between the bottom of your pin box and the tip of your gooseneck ball.
While there is no product that can be deemed perfect all around, different models tailor to specific needs and configurations. Models vary greatly in almost all categories, from carrying capacity and weight to price and ease of installation.
To find the model that is just right for your needs, you first need to ask yourself the following questions.
What Adapter Size Do You Need?
If opt for an adapter that completely replaces your trailer pin box, you will not have to worry about measurements. In all other cases, getting the correct measurements is a crucial first step in ensuring a good fit.
The most important measurement you will need to make is the distance between the bottom of the pin box and the tip of the gooseneck ball. Once you have this measurement, you can confidently decide on the adapter size that you need.
Fifth wheel to gooseneck adapters come in three sizes: 12, 15 and 17 inches. As a rule of thumb, 12 inch adapters are used for 11 to 12 inch measurements, 15 inch adapters for 13 to 14 inch measurements, and 17 inch adapters for 15 to 16 inch measurements. If you get the measurements wrong, however, your trailer might end up not riding level.
If you are unsure about the correct dimensions you need for a correct fit, going for a fixed height adapter may not be your best option. Adjustable height models give you the freedom to tweak your clearance, but tend to be more expensive. Ultimately, the choice between fixed and adjustable height adapters will depend on how much you want to spend.
What Type of Setup Do You Need?
There are three main types of adapters, based on how the adapter is installed. The type of setup directly influences the security and sturdiness of your hauling experience.
The first type of setup is one where the adapter completely replaces the trailer pin box. The second type of adapter replaces the fifth wheel hitch, and the third one bolts over the king pin lube plate. We will go through each type in more detail in the Selection Criteria section further on in the buying guide.
What Additional Features Should I Look Out For?
Each fifth wheel to gooseneck adapter will let you tow a lot of weight, but there are a bunch of accessories and additional features that make the top models stand out. The main areas to look out for are in security, safety and cushioning.
Once you park your truck and trailer and leave it unattended, you should feel safe that no one will temper with your setup or drive away with your valuable cargo. Padlocks and safety chains are useful security features to have if you want peace of mind.
Rigging and connecting your RV trailer to your truck can be a dangerous if you are not paying the proper attention. To avoid accidents and injuries, some models come with remote release features.
Another area that sets the leading products ahead of the competition is in how well the hitch adapter is cushioned. A well-cushioned adapter not only improves ride quality and reduces noise, but also minimizes wear and tear of all of your hardware. Cushioning can be either mechanical or pneumatic.
How Much Are You Willing to Spend?
Check out the price tags and you will see that fifth wheel to gooseneck adapters do not come cheap. On average, a basic model will set you back around $400-500. Anything below that is probably not worth buying.
Hitch adapters are, for the most part, heavy solid steel contraptions that need to be strong and durable, as they are a critical link between your truck and RV trailer. With that in mind, the prices can easily be justified.
There are some models out there that are considerably more expensive, but they offer superior performance characteristics. The more expensive models are usually more durable and better built than cheaper alternatives.
Selection Criteria: How We Ranked the Best Fifth Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter
Fifth wheel to gooseneck adapters come in a lot of shapes and sizes, and can handle different amounts of weight and punishment. There are, however, a few key features that can be measured and categorized for every model.
By setting a clear set of selection criteria and stats for each adapter, you can easily summarize and compare each model at a glance. Each product on our list is classified based on the following criteria: towing capacity, maximum tongue weight, type, product weight and product dimensions.
While some of the characteristics might be self-explanatory, it is worth outlining what each number means and how it can influence the overall quality and user experience of each product.
Towing Capacity
The towing capacity is one of the defining characteristics of each fifth wheel to gooseneck hitch adapter. It is the maximum amount of weight that the adapter can safely haul. Having an idea of the total weight you will be pulling in your rearview towing mirror is essential, as buying an adapter that has a lower towing capacity than you need can lead to damage.
Maximum Tongue Weight
The maximum tongue weight is an important statistic to factor into your choice of hitch adapter. It is the maximum amount of downward force your hitch can handle, and dictates the maximum amount of weight that can be exerted by the trailer tongue.
This number is always less than the towing capacity, and is usually 10-20% of that number. The most efficient way of loading a trailer is when 60% of weight is located in front of the axle. When you have a trailer with well-distributed weight and the correct tongue weight, your rig will form a straight line and keep your RV trailer completely horizontal.
Type
There are three main types of fifth wheel to gooseneck adapters available on the market, and they differ in their method of mounting and installation.
The first type of adapter is bolted over the king pin lube plate. This option is the most compact of the three, and provides average safety level.
The second type is an adapter that replaces the fifth wheel hitch, and offers a more secure connection. However, it does take up a lot of space, and as a result requires a six foot or longer truck bed.
The securest option available on the market is a replacement of your existing trailer pin box. This type of adapter is generally easier to install than other options, but usually require more maintenance than other models.
Product Weight
Fifth Wheel to Gooseneck Adapters are quite bulky, and can weigh up to 160 lbs. The weight of your adapter can be a significant selling point. If you plan to mount and remove your adapter often, it is probably best to go for a lighter model.
Another situation where a lighter model would be advantageous is if you will be riding around a lot without an attached trailer. In this scenario, a heavy model could end up being dead weight and increasing your fuel consumption unnecessarily.
Product Dimensions
We have provided the length, width and height for each fifth wheel to gooseneck adapter on our list. This information is relevant for several reasons. Knowing the size of the product is useful for planning storage when you dismount it, and more importantly for having an idea of the space it will take up on your truck bed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Do I need safety chains when using a fifth wheel to gooseneck adapter?
- Will my adapter put additional stress on the trailer frame?
- How to determine the correct size of adapter I need?
- Can I install the adapter on my own?
- How much maintenance is required for my adapter?
- Will using a fifth wheel adapter void my RV trailer warranty?
Do I need safety chains when using a fifth wheel to gooseneck adapter?
The short answer is, yes. Most states require you by law to use safety chains when towing any load. Most adapters come with two hook ended chains that attach to the safety chain loops in the bed of your truck. This is a safety feature that makes sure your RV trailer will stay attached to your vehicle even if the hitch or adapter mechanism fails.
Will my adapter put additional stress on the trailer frame?
Most types of fifth wheel to gooseneck adapters will inevitably put some stress on the trailer frame. Before making a purchase, it would be smart to contact your trailer manufacturer and check if using an adapter could void your trailer’s warranty.
The one hitch adapter that will not put any extra stress on your coach frame is the replacement pin box type. It lets you directly couple your trailer to the gooseneck ball while not exerting any additional stress on the trailer frame.
How to determine the correct size of adapter I need?
If you are looking for a fixed length adapter, measuring correctly is extremely important. The first thing you need to do is to park your fifth wheel trailer on a level surface. You should then maneuver your towing vehicle underneath the fifth wheel trailer so that the gooseneck hitch ball is directly underneath the king pin.
Once you have your vehicle and trailer in place, all you have to do is measure the distance from base of the pin box of the trailer to the top of the gooseneck ball on your truck. This should come somewhere between 12 and 16 inches.
To determine whether you will need an offset for a short bed truck, you will need to take more measurements. First, measure the width of your fifth wheel trailer and halve that number. Then measure the distance from the center of the gooseneck ball to your cab.
If this length is a minimum of six inches longer than half the length of your trailer, that means you will have enough clearance. If not, you will have to purchase an additional offset adapter that will provide the optimal balance and center of gravity for your rig.
Can I install the adapter on my own?
Installation can be a one-person or a two-person job, depending on the weight of your adapter, your strength level and your proficiency with basic tools. In general, it is always useful to have an extra pair of hands to help you out.
Most of the products on our list come with comprehensive and detailed installation instructions. There are also helpful instructional videos available online that lead you through the installation process step by step. Watching these videos will give you an idea of how much effort will be needed for installation.
How much maintenance is required for my adapter?
As with any automotive product, some light maintenance is always required. A big part of this is regularly checking your adapter for signs of wear or damage that might result in failure down the line.
Most adapters require to be greased from time to time to minimize the friction of moving parts when cornering or going over rough terrain. There is one model on our list that is an exception to this rule as it is designed to work grease free.
If your model of adapter has an internal airbag cushioning system, you will have to re-pressurize every time you hitch or unhitch your towed vehicle. If you do not have a compressor on board, this can be quite inconvenient as it requires you to pull up at a gas stop just for the air machine.
Will using a fifth wheel adapter void my RV trailer warranty?
This is a very important question to answer before making your choice of towing solution, and there is a lot of debate on this topic. There are a few leading trailer frame and RV manufacturers that state or imply that use of an adapter for hooking up their RV will void the warranty.
From a strictly legal standpoint, this approach is illegal. The warranty can only be legally voided if your adapter directly causes damage, according to the FTC’s Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. Implying that a warranty is voided simply by using an adapter will not stand up in court.
In addition to this, the RV manufacturer needs to prove that damage was caused by the adapter, which is tricky and time consuming, and usually costs more than simply honoring the warranty regardless of whether an adapter was used.
Some adapter manufacturers offer to cover any RV trailer warranty related issues with supplemental warranties, should you run into problems. If this is a major concern for you, be sure to get in touch with both your trailer and adapter manufacturers before you buy.
Rankings & Reviews
Hopefully, you have now become an expert on the finer points of Fifth Wheel to Gooseneck Adapters, and have an idea of what type of adapter you need; as well as what characteristics to look out for.
When compiling our top four list, we aimed to include a varied mix of adapter types, configurations and price ranges to cover as much of the market as possible. Each product is reviewed objectively, with both high and low points being taken into account, as well as relevant user feedback.
Our #1 Pick: 12″ to 16″ Adjustable height Convert-a-ball Fifth Wheel to Gooseneck Cushioned Trailer Hitch Adapter / Converter
- Type: Bolts over king pin lube plate
- Towing capacity: 20,000 lbs.
- Maximum Tongue Weight: 4,000 lbs.
- Product Weight: 51 lbs.
- Product Dimensions: 19 x 12.2 x 19 inches
High Points:
Rust-proof guarantee. Extremely durable cast steel construction. Minimal vibrations and bounce, sturdy connection. Adjustable height.
Low Points:
Quite heavy. Not suitable for truck beds shorter than 6 feet.
The Convert-A-Ball is designed to wrap around the trailer’s king pin lube plate and is installed using eight point sockets. It comes in at number one on our list thanks to its extremely sturdy high grade steel construction and ease of installation.
As the full product name suggests, this model has integrated interior cushioning that absorbs a lot of energy on bumpy roads and keeps the gooseneck ball vertically stable at all times. This also minimizes potential wear and tear on both your truck and trailer.
What Reviewers Say:
This adapter received high praise as a well built and durable option that provides excellent value for money. Installation is reportedly not that difficult, and all you need is a torque wrench and some basic hand tools.
Ride quality is reportedly excellent, and the interior cushioning does what it is supposed to do. That being said, some reviewers noted that the ride quality is inferior compared to a standard fifth wheel hitch. This has been a significant area of debate, as others disagree on the matter.
A minor grievance is that the 8-point socket required for installation is relatively uncommon; especially compared to 6- and 12-point sockets.
Features and Considerations:
This model has an adjustable height feature which lets you get the best fit. It can also be extremely useful if you have several trailers that differ in height and need different adaptor lengths.
This model is relatively easy to install, but it is also pretty heavy. For this reason, it is best to ask for help from a friend when mounting and dismounting the Convert-A-Ball.
The Next Best: Andersen Ultimate 5th Wheel Connection
- Type: 5th wheel replacement
- Towing capacity: 24,000 lbs.
- Maximum Tongue Weight: 4,500 lbs.
- Product Weight: 40 lbs.
- Product Dimensions: 25.5″ x 24.7″ x 13.2″
High Points:
Extremely lightweight. Greaseless coupler. Remote release cable assembly. Three height adjustment options.
Low Points:
Prone to corrosion. Bulky.
The Andersen Ultimate 5th Wheel Connection is unique on our list as it attaches directly to the truck bed’s rails. It is shaped like a four-sided pyramid and is extremely light, which makes installation a simple one-person job.
This model installs onto all industry standard rails, so it is compatible with both short and long bed trucks without having to use any adapters or special parts. It comes with everything you need to install it.
A unique selling point of this model is the greaseless coupler, which ensures a grease-free experience and keeps your hands and truck clean. The 3” adjustable ball height provides lot of swivel room. It also lets you couple and uncouple in uneven terrain.
What Reviewers Say:
Ease of installation is something that a lot of reviewers list as the top selling point of this product. At just 40 lbs., it is easy to carry and maneuver on your own. This is extremely useful for the older and less physically fit users.
Hooking up is reported to be extremely easy, but some users complain that releasing is not so straightforward. The hitch sometimes does not let go of the ball and requires some manhandling.
A few users reported light rusting at the intersection of the base and down tube. This is by and large just a cosmetic issue, and should not impede on functionality.
Features and Considerations:
A useful feature of the Andersen Ultimate 5th Wheel Connection is the remote release cable assembly that allows you to lock the coupler without having to climb in and out of your truck bed.
This model features a ball funnel that makes hooking up a lot easier. You will be able to hook up your trailer even when you are 3 inches off ball center.
3. Eaz-Lift Gooseneck Adapter 48500
- Type: Bolts over king pin lube plate
- Towing capacity: 30,000 lbs.
- Maximum Tongue Weight: 4,500 lbs.
- Product Weight: 47 lbs.
- Product Dimensions: 15.1″ x 14.6″ x 11.5″
High Points:
A lot of tongue weight. Huge towing power. Relatively lightweight. Reasonably priced.
Low Points:
Installation can be complicated. No height or offset adjustment.
30,000 lbs. of towing capacity: that is the biggest draw of this model, as it can outpull more expensive and sophisticated hitch adapters. The tongue weight is also extremely impressive.
As this product is priced below the retail price of its competitors, it might be one worth considering if you are on a tight budget.
Unlike many of the competitors, however, the Eaz-Lift has no height adjustment options, so you need to be extremely meticulous when measuring what size you need. The larger the model, the more expensive it is, but not by a lot.
The item itself is relatively lightweight, which might be a valuable characteristic for some consumers. Where this model falls short is in the ease of installation, but for such a low price you would expect a catch like that.
What Reviewers Say:
Ease of installation is a mixed bag with the Eaz-Lift Gooseneck Adapter 48500. The adapter comes with a wrench that you use to tighten the securing bolt, so that is a definite plus, as you do not need to have your own corresponding wrench.
The main installation related grievance was that you need to drill holes on the side of the king pin box, which can be tricky if you have no prior experience with power tools.
This adapter kit does not necessarily come with everything you need to install it fully. You will need some extra bolts for the best installation. Luckily, people report that Eaz-Liftt’s customer support is extremely responsive and helpful for these kinds of questions.
On balance, the Eaz-Lift is a no-frills adapter that has very few additional features but gets the job done. Of the four products on our list, it has the biggest towing weight. If a strong budget option is what you are looking for, this might be the product for you.
Features and Considerations:
Installing this product can be quite tricky, and you will need a heavy-duty drill for making your own holes in the king pin box. If you do not have the right tools or know-how to do this yourself, going to a professional workshop is the right move for you.
There are several cosmetic parts, such as plugs, that might not fit the holes you drill so you should be willing to contact support. In most cases, they will be able to either provide the parts you need or give advice about how best to find a workaround to your problem.
When installed correctly, this little bit of kit can outhaul its more sophisticated and expensive counterparts. This comes at a cost of having to be super careful and diligent during the installation process. It is far from a no-brainer quick install-type deal.
4. Reese Goosebox 94720 Coupler
- Type: Bolts over king pin lube plate
- Towing capacity: 20,000 lbs.
- Maximum Tongue Weight: 4,000 lbs.
- Product Weight: 159 lbs.
- Product Dimensions: 46″ x 18.5″ x 17.2″
High Points:
Fits many pin box applications. Solid tongue weight. Limited Lifetime Warranty. OE approved.
Low Points:
Expensive and high maintenance
Last but not least on our list is an expensive high-tech option that is one of the only ones on the market with Original Equipment, or OE, approval. This in essence means that you will not void your trailer warranty if you incur any damage while using the Draw Tight.
The Reese Goose Box Coupler 94720 is an upgrade to an earlier flagship model, the Draw-Tite RV Goose Box Coupler 94622. It has more towing weight than its predecessor, as well as minor tweaks to the construction. It is, however, more expensive and a lot heavier.
Weighing in at a whopping 175 lbs., installing this beast will definitely need more than a few strong and willing assistants. The model replaces pin boxes, including one pin box design from Lippert and three Lippert models.
A big selling point of this model that sets it apart from the competition is the interior airbag component that serves to dampen any unwanted movement and stabilize your rig on bumpy or uneven terrain. The downside to this design is that you will need to refill the airbag to 50 psi every time you need to tow your trailer.
Unfortunately, that is not the end of this model’s high maintenance needs. You also need to generously grease the hitch coupler before heading on long hauls. This is why the Reese Goose Box Coupler 94720 comes in at last place on our list, even though it has some interesting engineering solutions.
What Reviewers Say:
This product is a big hit with customers with extremely high-end trailers who worry about potentially voiding their trailer warranty and incurring significant losses because of this. The coupler itself has a seven-year limited lifetime warranty, so that doesn’t hurt either.
Other than the very hefty weight, people reported installation to be straightforward and relatively easy to get right the first time. The airbag system helps towing to be significantly smoother than other models.
A universal grievance with this model is that it requires constant maintenance to keep it in great working order. Every time you unhook the trailer, the internal airbag deflates, rendering it practically useless. You have to re-inflate it to 50 psi every single time you hitch up your trailer, and this can be quite a hassle to your average trailer owner.
Features and Considerations:
Greasing is something you will have to do a lot of if you opt for this model. Customers report that the hitch coupler is extremely grease-hungry, and that performance suffers a lot when there is insufficient grease. To fully enjoy this expensive model, you will more than likely have to be a fan of tinkering and fussing with your equipment.
