5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Adapter Recommendations for 2012 Ford F-250 with B&W Gooseneck Hitch

Question:

I purchased a BandW Underbed Gooseneck and BandW Companion Slider from Etrailer based on your recommendation about 2 months ago. The hitch is great, it is just too heavy for me to be able to handle by myself. I have not had to use the slider portion yet with my standard length 82 bed on my 2012 Ford F250. I have been thinking about switching to a gooseneck conversion for my fifth wheel camper so I will be able to get rid of my fifth wheel hitch all together. I was looking at your website and saw the CAB-C5G and CAB-C5GX1216, which of these would you recommend, or is there another conversion that you would go with?

asked by: Brandon S

Expert Reply:

Thank you for your purchase and business with us. The B&W Companion Slider, # BWRVK3400, can be quite a handful for one person, so I understand why you want to make the switch. Since you have a standard size bed, you could just use the fixed Companion, # BWRVK3500. This hitch is still pretty heavy, but it is lighter than the slider version by about 75 lbs. Sliding hitches are typically only necessary on trucks with beds shorter than 8 feet.

If you still want to go with a fifth-wheel-to-gooseneck adapter, you can use the Convert-A-Ball Cushioned Fifth-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Adapter without Offset, # CAB-C5G. The offset version, # CAB-C5GX1216, was designed to improve turning clearance on shortbed trucks.

Although this is a cushioned adapter, I will warn you that the ride will not be as comfortable as it is with the Companion. These types of gooseneck adapters provide less contact between the truck and trailer and there will be more stress on the trailer frame. Some trailer manufacturers actually recommend against using this type of adapter, so I recommend checking with your trailer manufacturer before making the switch.

If you are usually on your own to remove and install the fifth wheel hitch, then another option that you may be interested in is the Curt X5 Fifth Wheel Adapter, # 16310, and a standard fifth wheel hitch

You could also look into the Reese Goose Box like part # RP85FR. The Goose Box is designed to replace specific OEM pin boxes, so it is not compatible with all trailers. Part # RP85FR will fit Lippert 0719, 1621, 1621HD and Fabex PB-600 pin boxes. Part # RP94716-61301 will fit Lippert 0115, 1116 and 1716 pin boxes. You can determine which pin box you have by looking at the specs tag on the side of your pin box.

I have attached a few review videos for the items I mentioned for you to check out.