Adapting a Gooseneck Installed in a 2007 Chevy 2500 Standard Bed to Tow a Fifth Wheel Trailer

Question:

I was wonder if you can help me out. My looking for my options and planing on buying a 5th wheel. I would like to know what I need. I have a 07 2500 Silverado classic crew cab standard box. It currently has a gooseneck ball installed by first owner. For use with a 5th camper something 2010 or newer do I need a 5th wheel slider hitch or can I get away with a convert a ball 5th wheel to gooseneck adapter? Also is one better than the other? Thank you very much for the help!!!!!

asked by: Chris H

Helpful Expert Reply:

Since your 2007 Chevrolet Silverado has a standard 8 foot bed, you do not need to use a sliding fifth wheel hitch. Sliding 5th wheel hitches are intended for use with short bed trucks that may need additional clearance for sharp turns.

There are several options for towing a 5th wheel trailer with the gooseneck ball currently installed in your truck. The safest, and best option is to replace the pin box on the trailer. It sounds like you have not bought the trailer just yet so you might take this into consideration and look for a trailer with a compatible pin box.

For example you could use the Reese Goose Box Coupler Adapter # RP85FR, that is designed to replace the following pin boxes: Lippert 0718, 1621, and 1621 HD, as well as the Fabex PB-600 Series. This box has a towing capacity of 16,000 pounds.

Another option would be to use the Reese Goose Box Coupler Adapter # RP94716-61301. This pinbox also has a 16,000 pound capacity, and replaces the following pin boxes: Lippert 0115, 1116, and 1716.

The next safest option is to use an adapter in the bed of your truck and convert the attachment style to be a 5th wheel hitch. These are typically brand specific and only work with the intended gooseneck install kit. Both B and W and Reese supply a hitch that inserts into the gooseneck ball location of their gooseneck hitches, and establishes a 5th wheel hitch. If you happen to have a Curt gooseneck hitch then you can use one of their products to establish a rail system in your truck. For this option, you can then use an industry standard traditional 5th wheel hitch system with the Curt gooseneck adapted rail set.

There are several additional adapters, like the convert-a-ball option that you mentioned, that can be used. However the best option is to replace the pinbox on the trailer.

If you would like to reply and let me know what kind of gooseneck you have installed in your truck and if you have a trailer what pin box you have I would be happy to make additional recommendations for you.

I have included a helpful article that details the different gooseneck to 5th wheel hitch adapters for your reference.