Are 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Coupler Adapters Compatible with Air Ride Pin Boxes

Question:

I was wondering if you can use this adaptor on king pin boxes that have the air ride? The king pin boxes that have the air bag and a shock? Thank you

asked by: Clint

Expert Reply:

We do not recommend using a fifth-wheel-to-gooseneck coupler adapters with air ride pin boxes. The air bags and shocks in the air ride pin boxes allow for additional side to side and front to back movement at the pin box to create a smoother ride. The additional movement will place unwanted stress on adapters that could damage the adapter or the pin box.

If you have a BandW Turnover Ball, Hide-A-Goose by Draw-Tite or Reese or and Under-Bed gooseneck hitch by Bulldog, then you may be able to use the Hi-Rise Gooseneck Adapter, # 9480. This is a fifth-wheel-to-gooseneck adapter, but it uses the same attachment style as a standard fifth wheel hitch and allows for the additional movement of the air ride pin box.

I recommend checking with the pin box manufacturer on the compatibility of your air ride pin box with gooseneck adapters. Some manufacturers state that their air ride pin boxes should not be used with any type of gooseneck adapter.

If you have a gooseneck hitch from a different manufacturer than what I listed, then your best option is to remove your gooseneck hitch and installing a standard fifth wheel hitch. If you are interested in these options, just let me know the year, make and model of your truck, as well as the bed size, I can give your options.

expert reply by: John H