Recommended 5th Wheel Adapter for B&W Turnoverball Gooseneck Towing Flagstaff 5th Wheel

Question:

Have a GMC Denali crew cab 6-1/2foot bed with a BandW to ball installed. Pulling a Flagstaff classic Super Lite model 8528RLIKWS 5th wheel that weight max 13,000lbs. I bought a BandW companion to hitch that I am currently use, but it takes a lot of space in my bed and is not easy to remove. Am interested in purchasing a Convert-A-Ball Cushioned 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Adapter w/ Offset - 12inch to 16inch Tall. Do you foresee any reason that this combination would not work? Thanks,

asked by: Rudi H

Expert Reply:

One reason the Convert-A-Ball Cushioned 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter with Offset # CAB-C5GX1216 may not work for you is the clearance needed with your short bed truck to execute a sharp turn with your 5th wheel trailer.

The Companion Slider Hitch # BWRVK3400 you currently have offers an additional 12 inches of travel for the king pin to move back, away from the cab of the truck. The Convert-A-Ball adapter only offers a 5 inch offset, and does not offer much help with turning clearance since the pivot point of the trailer does not move back from the cab.

Aside from the limited offset offered by the Convert-A-Ball adapter, I still recommend using the B&W Companion Slider to adapt your Turnoverball gooseneck hitch for your 5th wheel camper because it will put less stress on the hitch and trailer frame than the Convert-A-Ball. The Companion will also provide you with a better ride quality while towing your 5th wheel camper since the hitch head is fully articulating to help limit chucking and the hitch has polyurethane bushing to help keep the ride quiet while towing.

Before deciding to using an adapter such as the Convert-A-Ball, I recommend checking your trailer's warranty. Some trailer manufacturers state that using an adapter such as the Convert-A-Ball # CAB-C5GX1216 will void the warranty due to the additional stress put on the frame.

expert reply by: Victoria B