How to Determine Turning Clearance for Convert-A-Ball Cushioned 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Adapter

Question:

I am looking for help with a 5th wheel to gooseneck conversion. I am getting a new F550 with a 93 CM hauler body. We tow a 5th wheel Toy Hauler 19,000 GVW. I need to convert to gooseneck as thats all the flat bed offers me. Ive been looking at the convert-a-ball straight conversion as it doesnt look like it requires any drilling and bolts into the gooseneck because i dont think my current gooseneck hitch will let me get buy with that. But then i started doing some measuring and with the straight shaft adapter I dont think it will be very close I will have enough clearance between the flat bed and the front underside of camper during a sharp turn. So then i looked at the offset convert-a-ball but that requires the drilling and bolts into the current fifth wheel hitch. So Im just looking for advice on a route or real world experience maybe of some one that has used the straight shaft with a flatbed

asked by: Andy M

Expert Reply:

It sounds like you are concerned with the turning clearance (you said "I will have enough clearance between the flat bed and the front underside of camper during a sharp turn" but the context of the question is why I think you're asking about turning clearance), and there is actually a simple formula you can use that will let you know if you have the appropriate turning clearance with the straight Convert-A-Ball Cushioned 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Adapter # CAB-C5G.

What you will need to do is measure the distance from the center of the gooseneck ball to the back of the truck cab, which is measurement A. Then measure the width of the trailer and divide by 2 (to get half), which is measurement B.

A - B = Clearance

If that clearance is 4 inches or more, you will be able to make a 90 degree turn with the Convert-A-Ball Cushioned 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Adapter # CAB-C5G.

That said, it seems highly unlikely this will be the case and the offset will be needed, and you can use the following formula to determine if the 7-1/2" offset is enough with the Convert-A-Ball Cushioned 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Adapter with Offset # CAB-C5GX1216.

(A + B) - C = Clearance

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

Again, the clearance needs to be at least 4 inches in order to make a 90 degree turn with the Convert-A-Ball Cushioned 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Adapter with Offset # CAB-C5GX1216.

If instead you were talking about the height of the flatbed being an issue that is pretty common with 5th wheels and flatbeds, so you may need to lift your trailer with the likes of the Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit # K71-385-00.

Hopefully I got to the crux of the question and didn't throw too much math at you, but if you had a different concern or anything wasn't clear please do let me know. I have also added links below to video reviews for you to check out of both adapters.