Should Adapter with Offset be Used to Tow 5th Wheel with a 2007 Chevy Silverado Short Bed Gooseneck

Question:

Curious which is a better hitch? This one: Ranch Hitch Universal 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Coupler Adapter w/8inch Offset for Short-Bed Trucks Item # AM3139 or Convert-A-Ball Cushioned 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Adapter w/ Offset - 12inch to 16inch Tall Item # CAB-C5GX1216 It will be going on a short bed 07 chevrolet 2500 diesel.

asked by: Eric

Expert Reply:

Since you have a short bed I highly recommend using the Convert-A-Ball Cushioned 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Adapter # CAB-C5GX1216. This will allow you to still utilize your gooseneck hitch and provides you with 7-1/2" of offset that should make it so that you have cab clearance while turning.

To make sure that the 7-1/2" of extra room will give you adequate clearance you can use the clearance formula which is: (A + B) - C = Clearance

A = Distance from center of fifth wheel hitch jaw (or gooseneck hitch ball) to truck cab
B = Length of offset (7-1/2")
C = Width of trailer divided by 2 (to get half)

As long as you have at least 4" of clearance you will be able to make a 90 degree turn.

expert reply by: Jon G

Eric

9/10/2018

Jon G.

9/10/2018

Both the Ranch Hitch # AM3139 and the Convert-A-Ball # CAB-C5GX1216 are great options but the Convert-A-Ball adapter has a few advantages even though it provides 1/2" less offset. The only real advantages that the Ranch Hitch has over the Convert-A-Ball is that it has 1/2" more offset and it has a nice remote coupler release. To engage/disengage the Convert-A-Ball coupler you have to use a wire hook but it does feature greater height adjustment and lines painted on the unit that let you know when you are at the max height adjustment. The Convert-A-Ball also comes with a set of safety chains but if you have a Reese Elite underbed hitch or a factory hitch installed you will need to use longer chains. I recommend the Convert-A-Ball for the ease of use and adjustability as well as the included equipment. Review videos have been linked for further comparison.