Gooseneck to 5th Wheel Trailer Adapter Recommendations and Safety

Question:

We have a 2007 Dodge Ram 2500 that we use to haul our 08 Logan 4 Horse Cowboy LQ Gooseneck. We have a Draw-Tite Gooseneck Hitch. We are looking at purchasing a 5th wheel travel trailer/toy hauler. We would like to be able to pull both with the same truck, but Safety is our first priority as we have precious cargo in the back seat our 3 year old and 8 month old boys. Is there a safety rating on this product? Is there a lot of room for error when installing this product? Do we have any other options? Thank you for your time in advance.

asked by: Andie S

Expert Reply:

There are actually two possible options for you. Depending on which gooseneck hitch you have, you may be able to use a gooseneck hitch to 5th wheel trailer adapter.

Take a look at the Hi-Rise Gooseneck-to-5th-Wheel Trailer Hitch Adapter, # 9480. This hitch will fit in a Hide-A-Goose hitch by Draw-Tite or Reese. With this option, you will not need to make modifications to the trailer and the 5th wheel hitch can be removed when you need to tow a gooseneck trailer.

The Hi-Rise is made to the same high standards of other Reese hitches which meet or exceed SAE regulations. I have included a link to the installation details for you to view. If you are able to use the Hi-Rise, it would be the safer option of the two choices.

If you need to go with a 5th wheel trailer to gooseneck hitch adapter, I recommend going with the Ranch Hitch, # AM3100, because it is height adjustable, rated for 24,000 pounds gross trailer weight, and 6,000 pounds pin weight, and conforms to V-19 performance requirements.

The adapter bolts to the trailer pin box and it will help to have someone to assist in the installation. Otherwise, installation is not complex. You will also need safety chains, # AM3109.

You will also want to check with the trailer manufacturer to determine if the trailer can be used with an adapter. There is extra stress put on the trailer frame when using an adapter and some frames may have to be reinforced by having a professional welder weld supports on the frame structure.