Ranch Hitch or Convert-A-Ball 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Hitch Recommendation for a Dodge Diesel Ram

Question:

I have 2 Dodge diesel pickup trucks, a 2002 4 wheel drive with a 6 1/2 ft bed, and a 2 wheel drive with an 8 ft bed. Most of the time and on long trips like from vermont to Boise Idaho 2600 miles I will drive the 2 wheel drive with the 8 ft bed. On short trips where the roads are local and muddy I may use the 4 wheel drive. I will be hauling a 30 5h wheel Newmar American Star weighs approx, 9000 lbs. I have driven hay and horses in 20 and 24 goosenecks trailers over 1 million miles. Both trucks have gooseneck balls in the bed. Which convert a ball hich would be better for me. I would like to buy only one hitch. The 4 wheel drive truck ball is 2 or 3 inches higher than the 2 wheel drive truck. If possible please give me the pluses and minuses of each hitch. I will make that trip to Boise once a year. Thanks so much and I love etrailer and tell my friends to check you out and buy from you.

asked by: Tom W

Expert Reply:

Both the Ranch Hitch Universal 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Coupler Adapter # AM3100 and the Convert-A-Ball Cushioned 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Adapter # CAB-C5G would work well for you.

It would come down to personal preference between the two as to which you would want. Both have been highly rated by customers who own the products.

The pros to the # CAB-C5G are that it has a slightly larger adjustment range at 12-16 inches, comes with safety chains, is cushioned and would cost less than the Ranch Hitch by the time you purchase the safety cables separately. This one also has its latching lever down by the gooseneck ball.

The pros to the AM3100 are that it has higher capacities and has a remote coupler release that allows you to engage and release the coupler while standing alongside your trailer.

Since you plan on taking such long drives I would recommend you go with the # CAB-C5G since it is cushioned and would give you a smoother towing experience. I attached a review video for this product for you to check out also.