Best 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapters

There’s nothing more frustrating than discovering your RV and tow vehicle aren’t compatible.

Fortunately, much like your electronics when you travel abroad, you can use an adapter to solve the problem. Hitch adapters allow your RV’s 5th wheel kingpin to connect with a gooseneck ball: no costly modifications are needed.

I review the best gooseneck to fifth wheel adapters and what to consider before you invest in one.

Table of Contents

• Top Options to Connect Your Kingpin to a Gooseneck Ball
• Our Reviews of the Top 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapters
  • Most Secure
  • Best Remote Release
  • Best for Heavy Towing
  • Most Durable
• Recap: The Best Fifth Wheel to Gooseneck Adapters
• What to Consider Before Buying a Fifth Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter
  • Type of Adapter
  • Adapter Measurements
  • Maximum Towing Capacity
  • Maximum Pin Weight
  • Adjustability
  • Security
  • Durability
  • Performance
  • Included Hardware
  • Budget
• Final Thoughts
• Frequently Asked Questions

Top Options to Connect Your Kingpin to a Gooseneck Ball

Best Gooseneck to Fifth Wheel Adapter	Best For:
C5G Convert a Ball	Most Secure
T Built Gooseneck Adapter	Remote Release
Eaz-Lift Gooseneck Adapter	Heavy Towing
Reese 94623 Coupler	Durability

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Our Reviews of the Top 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapters

Check out our reviews for each of our recommendations below.

Most Secure

C5G Convert-A-Ball

C5G’s Convert-A-Ball is ideal for campers who want an all-around secure adapter. You install it by fastening it over the kingpin, which ensures it’ll stay locked in tight. It can handle towing up to 20,000 pounds with a pin weight of up to 4,000 pounds. Made of sturdy cast steel, it’ll hold up well to both the elements and the pressures of towing.

It includes poly cushions to limit wear and tear on both your trailer and vehicle. This padding should also limit bouncing and vibration while you’re in motion for a smoother ride.

I also appreciate the ease of installation: we spend enough maintaining our RVs as it is. Plenty of users report that the Convert-A-Ball is simple to set up. The height is adjustable, which makes it suitable for a broader range of tow vehicles.

One thing I should warn you about is the height limit. Although the Convert-A-Ball is adjustable, it likely won’t offer sufficient clearance if you have a newer camper and need more height.

Last update on 2024-04-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros:

• Attaches securely
• Shock-absorbing poly cushions
• Adjustable height of 12 to 16 inches
• Cast-steel construction
• Easy installation

Cons:

• Won’t work if you need more than 16 inches of height

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Best Remote Release

T Built Gooseneck Adapter

If you’re a fan of camping on rougher terrain or wary of potential disconnection mishaps, I recommend the T Built Gooseneck Adapter. This model has a remote release feature to allow you to disengage your trailer from your tow vehicle safely, from a distance. An added safety feature includes a self-locking coupler.

You can tow up to 24,000 pounds with it (GTW), and the adapter comes in three adjustable heights spanning 12, 15, and 17 inches. It’s also compatible with B&W turnover balls as well as standard-dimension gooseneck hitches 2-5/16 inches). Forward offsets make it an option for those of you driving short-bed trucks.

Everything you’ll need to set up this 5th wheel to gooseneck adapter comes in the box, from mounting bolts to lock nuts.

Now, one possible downside I found concerns the installation—you’ll need to grab your drill to bolt it on. If you’re not comfortable making holes to complete the electrical setup, the T Built won’t be a good fit for you.

Last update on 2024-04-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros:

• Adjustable height from 12 to 17 inches
• All hardware included
• Works with short-bed trucks
• Self-locking coupler
• Remote release for safety

Cons:

• Installation requires some effort

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Best for Heavy Towing

Eaz-Lift Gooseneck Adapter

If you’re hitting the road with a heavy load, the Eaz-Lift is a worthy consideration. It can tow up to 30,000 pounds (GTW) and handle a vertical load of up to 7,500 pounds. Since the adapter is compact, it won’t take up too much of your truck bed—if traveling light is a foreign concept to you, you’ll appreciate the extra space.

The adapter is available in three different heights for broader use, from 12 to 15 to 17 inches. Besides the height, you won’t have to stress over compatibility since the Eaz-Lift is a universal fit. The locking coupler works with any standard gooseneck ball of 2-5/16 inches.
You’ll get all the essential hardware to hook this gooseneck adapter up to your truck.

Now, onto what I don’t like about this adapter: you might need to dip into your toolkit to complete the installation. Some buyers report that the included nuts and wrench don’t quite fit together. Another con is that there aren’t any cushioning features to speak of, making for a bumpy ride on uneven roads.

Last update on 2024-04-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros:

• Hefty towing capacity
• Simple to install
• Universal fit
• Durable
• Space-saving

Cons:

• It may require extra tools for installation
• No cushioning

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Most Durable

Reese 94623 Coupler

If you’re a frequent traveler seeking a gooseneck adapter to last you for years to come, the Reese 94623 is an appealing choice. This model is a part of Reese’s 5th Airborne series, meaning it’s engineered by towing veterans and independent lab-tested. It’s rated for up to 20,000 pounds and made to replace pin boxes on select trailer models.

This adapter is built to limit stress on your tow vehicle, your RV, and the adapter itself. Comfort features include rubber bumpers, dual shocks, and an airbag—users report an exceptionally smooth towing experience with this adapter. These features will also encourage a more stable ride, which will extend the lifespan of both vehicles and make for a safer trip.

Installation should also be a painless experience, with some buyers reporting as little as 30 minutes to get the adapter hooked up.

Now, there are two significant cons I have to tell you about. One, this gooseneck adapter is heavy: it weighs in at 170 pounds, meaning you will likely need help moving it. Next, each time you unhook your trailer, the large airbag will deflate, and you’ll have to re-inflate it.

Last update on 2024-04-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros:

• Reputable brand
• Sturdy construction
• Plenty of comfort features
• Protects tow vehicles and RV
• Includes installation hardware

Cons:

• Heavy to maneuver
• The airbag must be refilled every time you unhitch

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Recap: The Best Fifth Wheel to Gooseneck Adapters

• C5G Convert a Ball – Most Secure
• T Built Gooseneck Adapter – Remote Release
• Eaz-Lift Gooseneck Adapter – Heavy Towing
• Reese 94623 Coupler – Durability

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What to Consider Before Buying a Fifth Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter

A range of essential factors influence what to look for in the best 5th wheel to gooseneck adapters for you:

Type of Adapter

You can buy an adapter that replaces your trailer’s pin box, your fifth wheel hitch, or bolts over your king pin’s lube plate.

Replacing your trailer’s pin box is the most secure choice but does demand more maintenance. If you choose to replace your fifth wheel’s hitch, you’ll gain security but lose space: these adapters are cumbersome. Finally, the bolting option offers decent security while remaining relatively compact.

Adapter Measurements

This feature is crucial if you’re not replacing your trailer’s pin box entirely.

You’ll need to measure the space between the tip of the gooseneck ball and the bottom of your pin box. The measurement should come out to be somewhere between 11 and 17 inches; adapters come in 12, 15, and 17 inches.

Choose the height closest to your measurements: e.g., if the distance is 11 inches, opt for an adapter that’s 12 inches.

Maximum Towing Capacity

Remember that your Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) will change significantly once your RV is fully loaded. Never choose an adapter that’s lower-rated; otherwise, you’re risking damage or a nasty accident.

Maximum Pin Weight

The pin weight, or tongue weight, is how much downward force your gooseneck adapter can handle; and it’s usually about 20 percent of the GTW. It’s wise to load your trailer up so that the bulk of the weight is in the front for a more stable ride.

Adjustability

Some gooseneck adapters have adjustable heights to minimize the risk of the dreaded “oh no, this doesn’t fit” moment for convenience.

Security

Security is non-negotiable when you’re towing an RV—under no circumstance do you want a bolt letting go while you’re on the road. Make sure it has fasteners, locks, or other features for a firm connection.

Durability

Tough materials like stainless steel are less likely to rust, crack, or otherwise break down over time. If you tend to go off-road or travel a lot, your gooseneck adapters must hold up to the challenge.

Performance

Nobody likes feeling they’re on a bad theme park ride while towing. Items such as airbags and cushioning are crucial if you want a smooth trip and limit wear and tear on your vehicles.

Included Hardware

It’s always simpler when gear like this comes with everything you need to save you the guesswork and make it easy to install.

Budget

Gooseneck adapters can cost over several hundred dollars, depending on the model. Decide how much you’re willing to spend without sacrificing functionality and safety.

Final Thoughts

Finding the best 5th wheel to gooseneck adapters can be a challenge, considering it’s a small piece of equipment and you have plenty of options. Remember your setup’s unique specifications and get accurate measurements, and you shouldn’t have any trouble.

Also, be sure to read Brian’s guide on the difference between a gooseneck vs. 5th wheel hitch.

Frequently Asked Questions