Using a 5th Wheel To Gooseneck Adapter with a 2013 Chevy Silverado 3500 with B&W Gooseneck Hitch

Question:

Hi guys... My tow vehicle right now is a 2001 F350 dually 7.3 non-4WD, and everything tows/looks great now for several years. Ive just now purchased a new tow vehicle 2013 Chevy 3500HD 4WD long bed with a BandW Gooseneck installed, for a future 5th wheel upgrade. my question... how much of a project will it be to get the clearances I need to tow my 5th-Wh. with my new 4x4 dually truck? Adapter suggestions please... Thanks in advance

asked by: Mark

Expert Reply:

Fifth wheel trailer hitches and most pin boxes on 5th wheel trailers are height adjustable so you may not have anything to worry about. When a 5th wheel trailer is hooked up and level there should be 5 or 6 inches from the tops of the bed sides to the bottom of the trailer overhang.

Many of the 5th wheel to gooseneck adapters are also height adjustable but they can put a lot of strain on a trailer frame because of the extra distance between the pin box and where it couples to a ball using an adapter.

Since your 2013 Chevy Silverado 3500 has a B&W gooseneck hitch already I recommend using the Companion hitch, # BWRVK3500-5W. It is designed for exactly this purpose, will not put extra strain on the trailer, and will not void any warranties.

The Companion hitch is height adjustable from 16-1/4 inches to 18-1/4 inches. Between that and adjusting the height of the pin box on the trailer that should get you level.

But if it doesn't and the trailer is riding nose high then the only other option is to raise the height of the rear of the trailer. If you do think raising the trailer in the back is the way to go then you may be able to use an over/under conversion kit if:

The trailer leaf spring stack is mounted under the axles
The trailer uses double-eye springs
And the trailer has 2-3/8 inch or 3 inch diameter round axles

For a 2-3/8 inch round axle use # K71-384-00 and for a 3 inch diameter axle use # K71-385-00.

If you cannot use an over/under conversion kit then the only other way to raise the height of the trailer is to have the old suspension hangers cut off and new, taller ones welded on by a qualified professional welder. I have included a link to the hanger main page for you.