Towing 5th Wheel Trailer with Cushioned Pin Box with Short Flat Bed Truck

Question:

Hello Experts, Currently have a 6.5 ft GM bed with a Trail-Air 5th wheel pin box and Curt stationary Q16. Im going to an aluminum flatbed with a headache rack. I currently dont need a sliding hitch but the headache rack is going to add 10inch behind the cab. I have been researching all sorts of combinations and all that Ive learned is that its going to cost a lot of money. To make matters worse my 35foot 5th wheel trailer has a Venture pin box. The flatbed is going to have a B+W flip over ball hitch that can either be sunken, in a box, or flush with the bed. I cant use the Reese extended pin box w/gooseneck adaptor because of the ball attaching in the flatbed. The Companion slider will be too tall. B+W makes a flatbed companion but not a flatbed sliding companion. Most gooseneck 5th wheel adapters are not able to work with the Trail Air pin box. Any help you can give me will be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

asked by: Kenneth R

Expert Reply:

I do have a couple of solutions for you to continue towing your 5th wheel trailer after changing to the aluminum flat bed setup, but as you mentioned compatibility issues are going to be a factor in limiting the available options.

The fact is that there isn't a component available that will provide you with additional cab clearance without changing an existing piece on your setup. To gain cab clearance your best option will be to replace the cushioned Trailair pin box on the trailer with a standard model that can be used with an adapter. If you can tell me what specific model pin box you have I will be happy to make a recommendation.

Then with a standard pin box in place you can use a gooseneck adapter that features an offset like the excellent Convert-A-Ball # CAB-C5GX1216, which also has interior polyurethane cushions to act as shock absorbers for a smooth ride. This will take a lot of the sting out of having to remove your cushioned pin box. The adapter has a 7-1/2 inch offset.

If you'd rather not replace the existing pin box on your trailer then your only real option will be to simply go with the fixed B&W Companion Flat Bed # BWRVK3050. If you decide to go this route you will just need to be really careful when making sharper turns. It would be a good idea to take the trailer and a buddy out to an empty parking lot to test your cab and bed clearance when making tight maneuvers. You can have your buddy stand outside to give you the panic wave if needed so you can get comfortable with this setup's limitations.

I have attached a couple short video demonstrations on these products that you can check out as well.

expert reply by: Chris R