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A Gooseneck and fifth wheel adapter are trailer hitches used for pulling or hauling heavy-duty items. Since a tow vehicle and wheeled cargo may not always be compatible, these hitches are used as a convenient solution to the problem. In this article, you’ll find the best ones you can get your hands on.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for 5Th Wheel Gooseneck Adapters
- OUR TOP PICK: T Built 15" Fifth Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter Hitch
- RUNNER-UP: EAZ LIFT 15" Gooseneck Adapter
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: CURT 16055 Bent Plate 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter
Table of Contents
- Comparison of the Best 5th Wheel Gooseneck Adapters
- What is a Gooseneck Adapter?
- How Does a 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter Work?
- How to Choose a 5th Wheel Gooseneck Adapter
- Review of the Best 5th Wheel Gooseneck Adapters
- What Do I Need To Know Before Buying?
- How to Install 5th Wheel Gooseneck Adapters
- Conclusion
- People Also Ask
Comparison of the Best 5th Wheel Gooseneck Adapters
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What is a Gooseneck Adapter?
The fifth wheel to Gooseneck adapter is a convenient device that comes in the form of a tube. It is mounted on the fifth wheel kingpin on the trailer and attached to the gooseneck ball on the back of another truck. They are attached to these trailers in order to aid the user in pulling and loading heavy items that are not compatible with cargo wheelers or tow vehicles. Since these adapters are heavy, they need some help with installation, but once they are attached, they provide a lot of comfort and ease to the user.
How Does a 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter Work?
Gooseneck hitches work differently as compared to a standard or regular hitch. The gooseneck and fifth wheel hitches are attached on the backside of the pickup truck. They use the help of a hitch ball to lock the hitch into place, while the fifth wheel uses a wheel-shaped plate to connect to the truck. In order to attach one of these adapters in the truck, a hole must be drilled through the center of the truck’s bed so that the hitch ball can be attached firmly. The installation can take some time and effort, but you can always use the help of a professional for this job.
How to Choose a 5th Wheel Gooseneck Adapter
Before you purchase a 5th wheel Gooseneck adapter, here are a few guidelines or important considerations that will help you choose the right one for your truck:
Trailer
If you are looking for a gooseneck hitch, you must have the right kind of trailer. This is because gooseneck hitches are attachable only to a certain kind of trailer. It should be the kind of trailer that has some area poking out from the rest of the vehicle.
Weight
The next thing that you should consider before buying a gooseneck adapter is the weight that you need to haul. Gooseneck hitches can usually pull a heavy amount of load, but it is still important to double-check if the weight of the trailer can be pulled when fully loaded. Manufacturers usually give out the recommended towing capabilities of the specific trailer models.
Installation
Some models or versions of the gooseneck adapters can be more complex than others. It is important to look at the brand and the make or model of the car to determine whether the installation will be easy or difficult. If you find this job a little tricky for you, do consider hiring a professional to complete it for you.
Review of the Best 5th Wheel Gooseneck Adapters
Now that you have covered the basics, let’s jump into the reviews of the best 5th wheel Gooseneck adapters. With these detailed reviews, you can find the model you are looking for easily.
Best Overall:
T Built 15"" Fifth Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter Hitch
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Most of the users found this product to be extremely impressive and fit for the job. The materials that this adapter is constructed with is very sturdy and of high-quality, ensuring that it can easily pick up a huge amount of load at one time without being damaged or ruined.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The reason why this is the best gooseneck adapter is that it attaches easily onto many standard kingpins and is easily installable by a novice. It comes with all the hardware that you need to install the adapter, such as the bolts, nuts, and screws. The coupler equipped can also be padlocked.
Who Will Use This Most
This adapter can be used by professionals and welders who want to pick up a heavy load on a daily basis. It is a great adapter for gooseneck conversion and is a suitable model for those who do not have much information on installation techniques and need an easy and effective way out.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for the best gooseneck adapter in the market, then this is the one you should go for. It is long, sturdy, and made with high-quality materials that ensure durability and strength for a long period of time. It is also very sleek and sophisticated in terms of design.
Runner-up:
EAZ LIFT 15"" Gooseneck Adapter
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Users of this gooseneck adapter were thoroughly impressed with the performance of this device. It is powerful, constructed well, and provides effective and efficient hauling in a matter of a few minutes. It is also very easy to install, and the coupler is very easy to hold and release.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This adapter is a high-quality and popular one because of several reasons. It is manufactured with the best quality materials and is able to haul up to 30,000 pounds. It can allow the user to tow with a lot of ease and less effort. The large plate on top of the adapter also provides excellent stability.
Who Will Use This Most
This gooseneck adapter can be used if you want to tow heavy items with ease and comfort. It is also a great option for those who have a CM flatbed with a gooseneck ball that is recessed. You can also use this to haul RVs, as it is made with strong materials for extra durability and strength.
Bottom Line
If you’re on the hunt for a fantastic gooseneck adapter that will not let you down, then this is the one for you. Not only is this adapter made with the highest quality materials, but it is also designed for durability and strength of hauling up to 30,000 lbs. You will not regret buying this model.
Best for the Money:
CURT 16055 Bent Plate 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This showstopping gooseneck adapter provides an excellent bang for the buck. Many users found this device to be just as effective and efficient as the more expensive models. It is made with non-corrosive materials, works just as well, and the hitch does not flinch once it is installed.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This reasonably-priced and high-quality gooseneck adapter make it into the list because of its impressive features and design. This device is very easy to install, which saves up extra costs on a professional, and it can be used for many different 5th wheel standard wheel rails, making it super versatile.
Who Will Use This Most
This CURT gooseneck adapter is so versatile that it can be used for any of the 5th wheel rails in the market. It can haul up to 25,000 pounds, making it an excellent device for heavy towing. You can tow both the gooseneck and 5th wheel trailers with this adapter.
Bottom Line
This amazing adapter is backed with a 7-year warranty, making it an excellent device for you to purchase. It has a durable carbide powder finishing all over and provides maximum functionality for your pickup truck. If you want the best adapter for the money, this is the one you should get.
Best B&W 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter:
B&W Companion Slider RVK3405
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Most of the users who purchased this gooseneck adapter found it to be highly efficient and strong. The hitch works like a dream, and it can be installed very quickly. It is also very easy to take out the ball and drop it back in. It is also built very well and can handle heavy loads.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The reason why this device is on the list is because of its highly praised reviews and the construction quality of this gooseneck adapter. It is designed for greater efficiency and higher productivity. It is also very capable of hauling heavy items with ease, making your job much easier.
Who Will Use This Most
This gooseneck adapter is highly effective for users who want to maneuver or turn shortbed trucks. This is because it automatically latches onto both directions, making it super easy for the user to control. It is also very effective for those users who have a gooseneck ball beforehand.
Bottom Line
If you are on the hunt for a gooseneck adapter from the brand B&W, then this is the perfect one for you. It is highly efficient and made with great quality materials for better efficiency and strength. It is also very convenient to use and makes towing a breeze for the user.
Editor’s Pick:
Convert-a-ball 12"" to 16"" Adjustable Fifth Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
While some users found the hitch to be loose, most of them were thoroughly enthralled with the performance of this gooseneck adapter. The instructions provided were easy to understand and go through, making the process much easier. It is also very sturdy and efficient.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This durable and strong gooseneck adapter has many features that make it stand out. It comes with an adjustable model that allows the body to move in upward or downward motions. It also comes with a kingpin adapter, and the coupler easily locks into the red bar. Overall, this is an excellent device.
Who Will Use This Most
This gooseneck adapter is very useful for those who want to lift heavy weights on a constant basis. It can be used while road-tripping in the mountains, pulling the trailer, and for various other purposes. It is also budget-friendly and saves many dollars on installation costs because of its simple and easy instructions.
Bottom Line
Overall, this is the editor’s pick, and for a good reason. This gooseneck adapter is also a solid contender in the market and is solid as a rock. It is also very powerful and comes with all the hardware included. If you want a great, cost-effective option, then this is the one for you.
What Do I Need To Know Before Buying?
Before you get a new gooseneck adapter, here are a few things that you should keep in mind when going shopping so that you don’t regret your purchase later on:
Size of the Adapter
Before you purchase a gooseneck adapter, you must look at the size that is most suited for your requirement. You must measure the distance between the tip of the gooseball and the bottom of the pin box. This will help you in deciding which adapter size to get.
Setup
There are three kinds of adapters in the market. One is where the adapter replaces the pin box completely, the second is the adapter that takes the place of the fifth wheel hitch, and the third one takes over the kingpin plate. You need to research which one is best for you.
Security
If you park your trailer or RV somewhere, you should feel comforted knowing that the trailer is safe unattended. Therefore, you must make sure that the adapter is latched with safety chains and padlocks to ensure full security. To avoid any danger to yourself while installing or usage, make sure that the adapter comes with remote release features as well.
How to Install 5th Wheel Gooseneck Adapters
If you want to know how to install a 5th wheel gooseneck adapter, then read these following instructions to get an insight into how it’s done. You can also refer to the video link shared below if you want a visual depiction of the process:
- The first thing you need to do is induct the trailer. Make sure that the lubrication plate is already on the trailer.
- Remove the plate from the kingpin as you don’t want anything between the adapter and the kingpin.
- Now you will install the locking collar. Point the white lines drawn on the front of the trailer. Push it into place, and then tighten it with screws. Make sure it snugly fits all the way around.
- Now you will install the adapter. It is recommended to use some help for this part, especially in order to hold up the adapter.
- Align the adapter with the collar’s white line. Make sure your adapter body is pushed up against the pin box and then tighten down the bolts.
- Torque them down, as mentioned in the instruction manual.
- Once the bolts are tightened, make sure the jam nuts are tightened as well.
- Take the truck and back it up underneath the adapter. Line the adapter with the hitchball in the truck.
- Lower the trailer to the level position.
- Loosen the adjustment screws and lower the ball coupler over the ball. Tighten the adjustment screws once the red line is disappeared.
- Lastly, hook up the safety chains. You’re done!
Conclusion
We hope this article gave you some knowledge and insight on how a gooseneck adapter works, and which one is perfect for you. It can be a tricky and dangerous gamble to get one of these, but once you figure out how to use them, it’s very convenient and easy to install.
People Also Ask
If you still have some ambiguities and concerns, then you can go over this portion to get answers on some of the most frequently asked questions by the customers. Let’s dive into these questions and answers to get clarity for your doubts:
Can You Pull a 5th Wheel With a Gooseneck?
Yes, you can definitely pull a fifth wheel with a gooseneck as long as there are sufficient weight load and the right kind of adapter installed. You can install a gooseneck adapter to the fifth wheel plate in the gooseneck hitch so that a 5th wheel rails set can be provided that accepts the 5th wheel hitch.
Is a Fifth Wheel the Same as a Gooseneck?
A Gooseneck Hitch has been manufactured to be used on pickup trucks, which is quite similar to a Fifth Wheel. The only difference is that the Gooseneck utilizes a ball and coupler for attachment rather than a kingpin and pin receiver. Horse trailers use this kind of gooseneck hitch.
Are Gooseneck 5th Wheel Adapters Safe?
Most of the 5th wheel to gooseneck adapter cause some level of stress in the trailer’s frame, which can even nullify the warranty of the truck. However, you can ask your manufacturer for further details, and hire a professional to make this more secure and safe for you.
