Towing a 5th Wheel Trailer with Gooseneck Hitch or Towing a Gooseneck Trailer with a 5th Wheel Hitch

Question:

I need to convert the 5th wheel hitch to goose neck using an adapter. Can the shock be removed or replaced to make a more rigid hitch. Or should I just use the maximum air pressure?

asked by: Arnold Y

Expert Reply:

If you are talking about pin box # 5AB-E1621-610 then it is still a 5th wheel pin box and would not couple to a gooseneck ball. But to answer your question the shock is meant to reduce vertical movement so removing it would actually make the rig less stable because it would allow the trailer to sort of bounce on the air bag.

If you need to tow a 5th wheel trailer using a gooseneck hitch then there are a few different adapter options. If you know the manufacturer and model number of the pin box on the trailer (usually found on a sticker or plate on the pin box) then I can see if a Reese Goose Box will fit.

There are 3 different Goose Box options:

# RP85FR fits Lippert 1621, 1621HD, 0719, 0115, 0116, 1716, and Fabex PB-600 Series pin boxes and is rated for 21K

If you do not have on of these pin boxes then I recommend the Andersen Ranch Hitch, # AM3100. I have linked a video review of this adapter for you.

If you are wanting to tow a gooseneck trailer with a 5th wheel hitch then that would worker a different type of adapter. What you could do is use a gooseneck plate such as # 16085 which will fit in industry standard above the bed 5th wheel rails.

I have included some links to videos on the above parts and links to a couple of help articles I wrote on available adapters for towing a gooseneck or 5th wheel trailer with the opposite type of hitch.