Reliability of the Convert-A-Ball Cushioned 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Adapter # CAB-C5GX1416

Question:

I JUST PURCHASED A C5GX1416 AND BECAME AWARE THAT THE HITCH COUPLER WITH THE SHOCK ABSORBER WAS SEPERATE AND HAD A BOLT ATTACH DESIGAND ALLOWED TO ALLOW FOR HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT. UNAWARE OF THIS DESIGN WHEN MAKING THE PURCHASE FROM ETRAILER, I DID NOT INQUIRE TO THE RELIABILITY ESTABLISHED FOR THIS DESIGN. THE INSTRUCTION CONTAIN A WARNING AND LIABILTY WAIVER, WHICH INDICATES CONCERN. THE BOLT DOWN DESIGN IS SIMILAR TO THE KING PIN, BUT DOES NOT HAVE A BOLT ON OPTION FOR INSURING THE SEPERATION WHEN TOWING IN ALL CONDITIONS. IS THERE ADDITIONAL INFO. ON THE SAFETY AND DEPENDABILITY OF THIS DESIGN FROM CONVERT A BALL. ALSO, I HAVE COSIDERED HAVING THE CONNECTION WELDING OR DRILL A THROUGH BOLT TO INSURE A SEPERATION DURING AN EMERGENCY HEAVY BRAKING SITUATION.

asked by: TERRY P

Expert Reply:

Do not let the liability waiver of this Convert-A-Ball Cushioned 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Adapter, part # CAB-C5GX1416, scare you. If you install this product correctly and do not exceed the towing capacity of 20,000 lbs and tongue weight capacity of 2,000 lbs you will not have to worry about the reliability of this product.

This product has been tested extensively by Convert-A-Ball and the only reason they have a liability waiver is to protect themselves in case someone installs this adapter incorrectly or overloads it and then tries to blame them for the damages.

I would not recommend drilling or welding anything on this product as it would most likely void the warranty.

expert reply by: Jameson C