Which Fifth Wheel to Gooseneck Converter Should I use for a 2004 Keystone Challenger

Question:

Have a 2004 Keystone Challenger, 32TBK, no Longer made, of course... a similar model gives a tongue weight of 2040 lbs.???? so give or take a little???? how critical is to to be near Maximum on this tongue weight limit of 2000 lbs??? with this model hitch... i have 11-12 inch clearance - so im looking at the right product? Yes? I have a 2003 Dodge Ram Larimie truck with the ball already mounted... Which offers me the most??? The Cushioned Mode CAB-C5G-12 or the Ranch Hitch... I like the Ranch... but you still have to CLIMB in the back of the truck to hook the chains, right? So, so much for the remote cable? I have 11-12 inch clearance Id like some guidance. Thanks,

asked by: Doug D

Expert Reply:

It is very important to abide by the weight ratings. If the trailer is over 2,000 pound tongue weight, you definitely should not use the Convert-A-Ball. I usually recommend the Ranch Hitch, part # AM3100 for guys who have goosenecks in the truck and do not plan to ever tow the trailer with a fifth wheel. Though it can be removed, the Ranch Hitch is a more permanent conversion.

The Convert-A-Ball is something I typically recommend for guys that tow a lot of different trailers or if the same fifth wheel trailer needs to be towed by both fifth wheel and gooseneck trucks. The Ranch Hitch is a better design for those wanting to permanently or semi-permanently convert the fifth wheel to a gooseneck. If you use it for a few years and decide to sell it, the Ranch Hitch will come off as long as it is not welded on, it just takes more work to install and remove than the Convert-A-Ball.

Though you will still have to climb in the bed or use some sort of handle to remove the safety chains, the remote coupler switch still has merits. When first hitching up, you do not have to be in the truck bed. Should something ever go wrong, you are not in the bed when you un-couple the trailer. Your hand is also away from any pinch points.

expert reply by: Patrick B