5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapters for Towing a 5th Wheel Trailer Using a Gooseneck Hitch

Question:

I bought a RAM 3500 with a 64 box. I am hauling a 2010 26foot Laredo 5th wheel that has a good forward king pin location and rounded front, so turning is better than a square fronted unit. IF I buy a gooseneck adapter making my 5th wheel trailer into a gooseneck unit, will I have enough cab clearance when backing up? I like the gooseneck set up and prefer it over the clunky standard 5th wheel hitch set up. Just thinking I might be ok with this rather than buying the Andersen Ultimate 5th Wheel Connection.

asked by: Bruce D

Expert Reply:

The ideal set up for towing a 5th wheel trailer is going to be a 5th wheel hitch. However if you have a gooseneck hitch already and must or want to use an adapter the best option is going to be a Reese Goose Box such as # RP94622-61301.

There are 2 Goose Boxes and each of them fits specific OEM pin boxes on 5th wheel trailers. So if you have one of the ones listed then you can use a Goose Box:

Goose Box # RP94716-61301 fits in place of Lippert 0115, 1116 and 1716 pin boxes and is rated for 16,000 pounds.

Goose Box # RP85FR fits in place of Lippert 0719, 1621 and 1621HD pin boxes as well as Fabex PB-600 Series pin boxes and is rated for 20,000 pounds.

If you do not already have a gooseneck trailer hitch installed in your truck then a sliding 5th wheel hitch is the best option. We now have some sliding hitches that will slide automatically so you will not have to do anything when making tight turns. I just need to know the year of your Ram 3500 to determine the proper installation kit.

These sliding hitches, the Demco HiJacker Auto-Slide series, have 14 inches of travel for additional clearance when turning which is way more than any adapter can provide.