Recommended Clearance For Gooseneck Adapter To 5th Wheel Trailer

Question:

I have a 2016 Chevy Silverado with 6.6foot bed and would like to use a gooseneck hitch for a 5th wheel. How much offset do i need so the camper doesnt hit the cab on tight turns?

asked by: Brian H

Expert Reply:

For your 2016 Chevy Silverado 2500 with 6-1/2 foot bed, You can use a gooseneck adapter like the Convert-A-Ball Cushioned 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Adapter w/ Offset - 12" to 16" Tall # CAB-C5GX1216 to make it compatible with a gooseneck hitch. This is a popular adapter, however certain manufacturers will not allow an adapter like this without voiding a warranty so I recommend checking into that. The offset you need depends on the trailer design so I can't give you a number of inches you need for clearance, but the more offset the better. This particular adapter gives you a 7-1/2 inch offset and isn't recommended for bed lengths of 6 foot or under.

If you want an adapter that will not void any manufacturer's warranty, you may want to consider a sliding hitch compatible with a gooseneck hitch. The B&W Companion 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs # BWRVK3400-5W is compatible with the Custom Underbed Installation Kit for B&W Companion 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches # BWGNRK1016-5W which is a gooseneck hitch. This combination would give you the best of both worlds, a gooseneck that will give you a clean bed when not in use and a sliding 5th wheel hitch for your trailer. This slider will give you 12 inches of clearance at the hitch for safe turning.

Another option would be to replace your pin box with a Reese Goose Box 5th Wheel To Gooseneck pin box like # RP85FR. This application would depend on your pin box number that should be listed on your actual pin box of the trailer.

expert reply by: Jason S