Best 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapters (2023)

BEST 5TH WHEEL TO GOOSENECK ADAPTERS (2023)

Maybe you're here because you just bought a shiny, new fifth-wheel camper, but you've only ever used your truck to haul around your horse trailer. You don't want to go out and drop cash on a brand new truck and even more cash on a new fifth-wheel setup, so what are your options? Well, the least expensive and most convenient option is to go with a fifth-wheel-to-gooseneck adapter.

Ideally it's best to stick with the same type of hitch as the style of your trailer, as those are what the trailer manufacturers design the trailer to be used with - fifth-wheel trailer with fifth-wheel hitch, gooseneck trailer with gooseneck hitch. Using adapters can cause extra stress and strain on both your trailer and your vehicle's hitch. But, alas, the world is not perfect and sometimes you need to go another direction. Good thing a lot of other people have had this issue, thus the invention of fifth-wheel-to-gooseneck adapters.

In this article I will discuss the best adapters that will let you tow a fifth-wheel trailer with a gooseneck hitch, and then the best adapters that will let you tow a gooseneck trailer with a fifth-wheel hitch.

5th Wheel Trailer to Gooseneck Hitch Adapters

There are several different solutions to towing a fifth-wheel trailer with a gooseneck hitch, you just need to know which one is right for you before making any purchases.

The safest and most secure solution is to replace the pin box on your fifth-wheel trailer with a fifth-wheel-to-gooseneck adapter, and I will tell you why shortly. The next option is to buy an adapter that installs inside the gooseneck hole in your bed, and will hook up with your fifth wheel's king pin. The third option is to get an adapter that attaches to the gooseneck ball in your bed. And lastly, you can purchase an adapter that will bolt to the underside of the king pin to attach to your vehicle's gooseneck ball.

Buckle in because below you will not only find the best adapter of each category (in order from best to worst), but also which style of adapter is right for you and why.

1. Reese Goose Box 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Air Ride Coupler Adapter

*Best adapter that replaces your 5th wheel's pin box*

You should get this if:

Using an adapter that replaces your fifth wheel’s pin box is the safest way to go, because even though it is technically still considered an adapter, it's also a fully-functional pin box that has a gooseneck attachment point in place of a king pin. This is the only option that allows your trailer to be hooked up as intended by trailer manufacturers.

This is also most comfortable option of all the adapters. Having an air bag with built-in shock absorbers, you will not feel all of that excess chucking and bouncing with this Goose Box that you would feel with any other adapter. And if you are already experiencing issues with your existing pin box and having an uncomfortable ride, why not just replace it?

The Reese Goose Box is the best adapter that you can buy, because since it’s not technically even an adapter, it puts no additional stress on either the trailer frame or your fifth-wheel hitch. Plus, this is the only adapter out there that is actually endorsed by Lippert and warranty-approved by them as well, so if anything were to break or fail, this adapter will not affect any warranty on Lippert's trailer frames. And with a limited lifetime warranty from Reese, you know you're in good hands.

If you tow your fifth wheel with the same vehicle every time, this is a great option for you as it is a more permanent solution and you can only use this with a gooseneck hitch. Also, no fifth-wheel hitch in the bed of your truck means more space for your gear is available in your truck bed.

You should NOT get this if:

This adapter happens to be one of the most expensive options to go with, as you are replacing your fifth wheel’s pin box, and that always tends to get a bit pricey. If you are looking to stick to a budget and spend as little money as possible, this may not be the way to go. It's also a bit more difficult to install than the other options, as you probably won’t be able to do it on your own. However, as long as you have a friend to help you hold the pin box in place as you bolt it on, you shouldn't need to pay someone to do it for you.

Another reason this may not be for you is the fact that there is not an option for every fifth wheel out there. Because every fifth wheel’s pin box has a specific number that tells you which pin box replacements will work with your existing bolt pattern, this may be an issue as this adapter only comes in a limited number of popular pin box numbers. And if have a short bed on your truck, this won’t be a great option for you as it doesn't have a Sidewinder option to give you more turning clearance.

2. B&W Companion 5th Wheel Hitch

*Best adapter that installs in the gooseneck ball hole*

You should get this if:

If you have a B&W Turnoverball Gooseneck Hitch and want to tow a fifth-wheel camper, this is the best solution for you. B&W designed this hitch specifically for their very popular underbed gooseneck hitch and it's recognized as one of the best fifth-wheel hitches on the market.

The Companion is number 1 in this category because yes, it is an adapter, but it's also a complete fifth-wheel hitch, so that means that it's a safe and recommended option to tow your fifth wheel. And if you're worried about it being too heavy to take in and out of your truck bed, you don't have to stress; the top can be easily disconnected from the bottom because of its 2-piece design.

The B&W Companion is quiet, rattle-free, and made in the USA. It also features a limited lifetime warranty, so you'll definitely be getting your money's worth. With 3 different height settings and a capacity of up to 25,000 lbs, the Companion should work with just about any fifth wheel out there. Plus, if you have a truck with a 6-1/2' bed or shorter, the Companion comes in a slider option to give you an additional 12" of travel. No wonder why this is one of the best-selling hitches you can find.

You should NOT get this if:

There are a few reasons why the Companion may not work for you, one of those being that it's only compatible with the B&W Turnoverball gooseneck hitch. As this is one of the most popular gooseneck hitches out there, you may have it already and that may work out perfectly for you. However, there are still plenty of other gooseneck hitches available, so there’s a chance the Companion may not work for you.

Also, this is one of the most expensive adapters, especially compared with the options below. If you're looking for the most budget-friendly way to tow a fifth wheel and are okay with sacrificing a bit of comfort and quality, you can check out one of the next two adapters.

3. Demco Recon Gooseneck-to-5th Wheel Trailer Hitch Adapter

*Best adapter that attaches to the gooseneck ball*

You should get this if:

This next one on our list is a great option if you want an adapter that attaches to your existing gooseneck ball in your truck for a simple, quick installation. The Demco Recon is lightweight yet sturdy, and able to adjust up and down to suit your application. Other adapters of this style, like the Andersen for example, can't even compare. The Recon is one of few adapters that actually gives you a comfortable fifth-wheel hitch, like the Companion, instead of just a simple, stiff attachment point.

With a 2-piece design and a very light construction compared to the other options on our list - and other fifth-wheel hitches in general – you should have no problem getting this Demco Recon adapter in and out if you need some extra space in your truck bed. It features 3 different height settings as well to help compensate for different sized trucks and fifth wheels, so you can be as level as possible.

Another reason why the Demco Recon belongs in your truck is because it is made in the USA and comes with a 5-year limited warranty. And with the same single, 360-degree jaw as Demco’s other outstanding fifth-wheel hitches, you will tow confidently knowing that you have the most secure connection possible. This adapter is also equipped with cushioning dampeners, which will reduce additional noise while towing and absorb any extra shock for the smoothest ride possible.

You should NOT get this if:

The Demco Recon will not be a good choice for you if your fifth wheel has a Sidewinder, as it is not compatible with Sidewinders and you probably aren’t going to want to replace your pin box just to get this adapter. Plus, if you use a high-rise gooseneck ball, this adapter will not be compatible with your setup. And lastly, while the Recon does offer an additional 3" of turning clearance, that doesn't compare to what the 12" slider on the Companion can do for you if you have a short bed.

4. Convert-A-Ball Cushioned 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Adapter

*Best adapter that bolts to the fifth-wheel king pin*

You should get this if:

This last adapter on our list for fifth-wheel trailers to gooseneck hitches is the Convert-A-Ball adapter, available with or without an offset, with a 20,000-lb weight capacity. This is a great option for you if you want to save some money but also have the ability to adjust it to your needs, as this offers an adjustable height from 12” to 16”. This adapter bolts right over your fifth wheel’s king pin, and then attaches to your gooseneck ball just like a typical gooseneck coupler.

The polyurethane cushions will reduce some of the bouncing and vibration that can come along when towing with an adapter, and the corrosion-resistant powder coating will ensure this will hold up well over the years. Plus, with a fail-safe king pin adapter, you are able to lock or unlock the coupler from outside the truck bed using an extension handle for easy access.

You should NOT get this if:

If you have a Sidewinder or air ride king pin on your fifth wheel, this will not be an option for you as this Convert-A-Ball adapter is not compatible with Sidewinders or air ride king pins due to it being a safety hazard. This adapter can also put extra stress on not only your gooseneck hitch, but also on your fifth wheel’s frame, which can be an issue down the road if you consistently use this.

And even though the Convert-A-Ball does have some built-in shock absorption, you will get a much better ride with the Goose Box listed above. I don’t recommend getting this adapter if you're looking for a permanent solution, and instead suggest going with one of the options above if you want something to use frequently for many years to come.

Note: For a short bed go with the Convert-A-Ball CAB-C5GX1216 to give you an additional 7-1/2" of clearance

Gooseneck Trailer to Fifth-Wheel Hitch Adapters

As you know by now, there are several different options for you if you have a gooseneck hitch and you'd like to tow a fifth-wheel camper. However, what if you already have invested quite a bit of money in a fifth-wheel setup, and you just acquired a new horse trailer that you'd like to start getting some use out of without getting a whole new truck? Don't stress, there are solutions for you as well.

While there are not as many different types of adapters to tow a gooseneck trailer with a fifth-wheel hitch as the previous category, there are still several options within the two types available. If you don't have a fifth-wheel hitch (or you just don't want to have to lug the one you have in and out of your truck bed), but you do have base rails, then I have just the thing for you: just use an adapter that will install onto your fifth-wheel rails with a built-in gooseneck ball.

However, if you do want to use your existing fifth-wheel hitch that you spent a ridiculous amount of money on, no worries! You can still use it. Just use an adapter that will replace your gooseneck trailer's inner tube. (You can also replace the inner and outer tube, however replacing just the inner tube is a much quicker and more sensible solution.)

Towing with a gooseneck hitch vs. a fifth-wheel hitch does have some benefits, but it also has some drawbacks. First of all, with a gooseneck hitch, you don't necessarily need a big, heavy, expensive fifth-wheel hitch that you have to find a way to get in and out of your truck bed. However, gooseneck hitches tend to not have as comfortable of a ride as fifth-wheel hitches, because there isn't that 360-degree contact with the king pin that a lot of fifth-wheel hitches have, which makes going over bumps and potholes virtually undetectable.

So if you like the idea of keeping your fifth-wheel hitch setup better than switching to a whole new gooseneck setup, stick around. Below you can find the best adapters to allow you to tow your gooseneck trailer, and then you can determine which one is right for you (you're welcome).

1. Curt Spyder Gooseneck Trailer Hitch for Fifth-Wheel Rails

*Best adapter that installs onto your fifth-wheel rails*

You should get this if:

The Curt Spyder is a great option for you if you do not want to adapt or modify your gooseneck trailer, and want something that you can take in and out of your truck bed pretty easily. This adapter attaches easily to your existing industry standard fifth-wheel rails and will provide you with a standard 2-5/16” gooseneck ball to attach to your gooseneck coupler.

With a 25,000-lb weight capacity, and a durable carbide powder coat finish, this adapter will hold up well over the years and be able to handle almost any gooseneck trailer. Simply just place it over your existing rails in your bed and pin it into place with the included pins and clips (just like a fifth-wheel hitch), and you're up and running!

You should NOT get this if:

If don't have an above-the-bed fifth-wheel rail system, and have an OEM puck system instead, this option will not work for you. The Curt Spyder needs above the bed rails to attach to, so without those it's useless. And if you have a short-bed truck and want to use this adapter, you'll have to swap out your gooseneck trailer's inner tube with one that has an offset to give you proper turning clearance.

Also, if you already have a fifth-wheel hitch and you're determined to get your money's worth for it, I think you'll like the next option better.

Note: For a short bed, go with the Curt 16055 to give you a 3" offset for extra turning clearance

2. etrailer Ram Gooseneck to 5th Wheel Trailer Coupler Adapter Inner Tube - Round or Square

*Best adapter that replaces your gooseneck trailer's inner tube*

You should get this if:

The last adapter on our list today is a great option for you, because with a high weight capacity of up to 30,000 lbs, you can tow any fifth-wheel camper your fifth-wheel hitch will allow. Also, this coupler has the ability to adjust the height up and down to fit almost any application.

This etrailer Ram gooseneck coupler adapter replaces your gooseneck trailer’s existing inner tube, and has a king pin fitting on the bottom to work with your existing fifth-wheel hitch. This is great because if you already have a fifth-wheel hitch that you want to use (because you spent a ridiculous amount of money on it), you can still do that with this adapter.

And while it may not be as easy as the Curt Spyder to switch in and out between applications, you do have that option with this adapter as it's only replacing your gooseneck’s inner tube. This adapter also has a large 9-7/8" x 9-7/8" plate that will give you better stability, and the sturdy steel construction will hold up well over continuous usage.

You should NOT get this if:

There are a couple downfalls to this etrailer adapter, one being that it doesn't have any sort of powder-coating or rust-resistant finish. So if you're worried about rust forming down the road, I recommend giving this guy a nice coating of rust-resistant paint to prolong it’s durable condition, or going with the first option if you don't want to put extra work into preventing corrosion.

Another reason you may not want to go with this option is the fact that if the adjustment holes on this adapter don't line up with your existing holes, you'll have to drill and modify your gooseneck trailer to fit this adapter.

Still have questions?

Give our experts a call at 800-298-8924, or contact us online. We're happy to assist any way we can!

About the Author

My journey with etrailer started in Customer Service, where I went through months of product training to make sure that I had all of the knowledge I needed to help our neighbors find a solution to any situation. Since it has always been my passion to write and express myself through words, I made the transition over to the content side of the website so I could combine my product knowledge and passion for writing.

In order to make sure that I am giving you the most accurate, current information, I am constantly doing research and talking with people who are doing what I am writing about every day. I am constantly striving to find out what questions you are asking, and to give you an answer to every one of those questions, plus answers to questions you haven't even asked yet - yes, I'm that good. Plus, I am constantly getting hands-on training with our vendors and asking them all of the hard questions, that way you can have all of the information you need before making a decision.

Adapters for Towing a 5th Wheel Trailer with a Gooseneck Hitch

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Written by: Olivia M.

Updated on: 2/6/23

John S.

5/4/2023

What about the gooseneck andersen? I see that one a lot and seems neat. No like?

Mike L.

5/4/2023

@JohnS We offer the Andersen Ultimate Connection model that attaches to industry standard 5th wheel rails, but not the model that attaches to a gooseneck ball. We're not terribly fond of the Andersen model that attaches to the gooseneck ball, but we have several options that work the same way. Demco offers the Revolver, part # DM8550046 which has what we'd consider a more reliable and easier to use connection between the 5th wheel king pin and the hitch. You can see how it works by checking out the video we've linked for you: https://www.etrailer.com/tv-Demo-Demco-Gooseneck-and-Fifth-Wheel-Adapters-Adapts-Truck-DM8550046.aspx

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tv-demo-demco-gooseneck-and-fifth-wheel-adapters-adapts-truck-dm8550046.aspx

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