In an effort to help you make the right decision, we’ve researched 6 products and determined that the C5G Convert-A-Ball model is the best 5th wheel to gooseneck adapter.
Why is this important? Because 5th wheel and gooseneck hitches are the only two types of trailer hitch that are capable of hauling extra-heavy loads. If your towing vehicle isn’t compatible with a 5th wheel, a gooseneck hitch adapter is your best bet.
These devices can modify the king pin on your camper so that it fits into a gooseneck hitch instead. Some will attach directly to the gooseneck ball, while others might be attached to the trailer itself.
Both approaches are efficient—there’s no one-size-fits-all solution here. That’s why it’s important to learn as much as you can about your options before making a decision.
Read on to find out what makes the C5G Convert-A-Ball our pick for the best fifth wheel to gooseneck adapter out there.
Best 5th Wheel To Gooseneck Adapters
1. C5G Convert-A-Ball -Best Overall
2. Anderson Ultimate -Best For Solo Installers
3. Eaz-Lift 48500 -Best For Budget Shoppers
4. T Built 15″ -Best For Multi-Camper Families
5. Reese 94720 -Best For High-End Trailers
6. T-Built 1700R -Best For Remote Release
6 Best 5th Wheel To Gooseneck Adapters: Product Reviews
Our Top Pick
1. C5G Convert-A-Ball Fifth Wheel To Gooseneck Cushioned Trailer Hitch Adapter/Converter
The C5G Convert-A-Ball is the type of adapter that bolts onto the travel trailer’s king pin lube plate. Because it’s made from high-grade steel that’s built to last, it earns the number one spot on our list. It’s also very easy to install, making it a great choice for first-time buyers.
The model is equipped with interior cushioning that keeps the ride exceptionally stable, even when traveling down bumpy dirt roads. The cushioning also ensures that the gooseneck ball will remain vertical during the ride, which helps to maximize the longevity of your trailer as well as your hauling vehicle.
To install this adapter, you’ll need a torque wrench and a few other basic tools. Be aware that the installation system uses an 8-point socket, which is fairly unusual (most systems use either a 6- or 12-point socket). The component itself is also quite heavy, so it might be a good idea to enlist a friend or family member for help. Once you have all the tools in place, however, the process should go smoothly.
Because the Convert-a-Ball has an adjustable height feature, it can be used for many different trailers. While this is by no means a unique benefit, it’s definitely an appealing one.
2. Anderson Ultimate 5th Wheel Connection
Unlike the majority of the adapters listed here, the Anderson Ultimate 5th Wheel Connection can be affixed directly to the bed rails of the pickup truck. Thanks to its pyramid-style construction, it’s very lightweight (around 40 pounds), which means that the installation duties can be taken on by just one person.
This model has a 3-inch adjustable ball height with plenty of swivel room. It also includes a greaseless coupler, so you won’t have to worry about getting your hands and equipment dirty during the installation. It can also be used on either short or long bed pickups, which is another nice perk.
Everything you need to install the Anderson Ultimate 5th Wheel Connection is included with the purchase. While the hookup is simple, releasing the connection can sometimes be tricky, as the ball may become stuck. Fortunately, this issue is usually resolved with a bit of elbow grease.
This unit offers a remote release cable assembly. This means that you can lock the coupler without climbing into the truck bed—more good news for older or inexperienced campers. The unique design also allows you to couple and uncouple the connection even on uneven ground.
3. Eaz-Lift Gooseneck Adapter 48500
The best thing about the Eaz-Lift Gooseneck Adapter is the price, which is low enough to make this an appealing option for bargain hunters. Aside from that, it has a towing capacity of 30,000 pounds, so it’s a great fit for oversized loads.
Like the Anderson model, this one is fairly lightweight, so it can be moved easily. Unfortunately, installation is not as simple. While there’s a tightening wrench included with the purchase, you’ll need to drill holes in the king pin box in order to install the adapter. That can be off-putting for novices who have limited experience with this type of thing (or with power tools in general).
Be forewarned that the Eaz-Lift is not height-adjustable, so you’ll have to make sure to buy the correct size. Also note that the larger models are slightly pricier than their smaller counterparts.
The adapter kit is adequate, but we would recommend using a few extra bolts in order to ensure that the installation is fully secure. If you have any concerns in this regard, the folks on Eaz-Lift’s customer support team are generally friendly and responsive.
While this model has its drawbacks, it comes at a correspondingly low price. When you factor in the impressive towing capacity, it’s definitely worth a second look.
4. T Built 15″ Fifth Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter
T-Built makes some of the best 5th wheel to gooseneck adapters out there. When you purchase the 15″ Fifth Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter model, you won’t have to make a ton of modifications to the bed of the pickup. Instead, it works with existing hitches to convert the towing abilities of the trailer itself.
The name is somewhat misleading, as this is a height-adjustable gooseneck hitch adapter with three different settings: 12, 15, and 17 inches. If you have more than one fifth wheel camper and they all require different heights, then this could be a perfect fit.
This unit comes with a self-centering locking plate to reinforce the connection and minimize the strain on both the towing vehicle and the travel trailer. Should you need to disconnect, the system also includes a padlocked coupler. All of the necessary components for installation—including a 2-5/16-inch ball—are included in the purchase price.
On the downside, the T-Built 15″ model doesn’t offer a great deal of support. Unlike the Convert-a-Ball, there’s no built-in cushioning. That means that if your camper is on the heavier side, you might be in for an uncomfortable ride—particularly if you’re traveling over bumpy roads.
5. Reese 94720 Gooseneck RV Coupler
If you’ve purchased a pricey fifth wheel or travel trailer, you want the type of adapter that can protect your investment. The Reese 94720 comes with Original Equipment (OE) approval, which will protect the warranty on your trailer even if it should suffer any damage while you’re using this device.
This is an upgraded version of the Draw-Tite RV Goose Box Coupler 94622, which was the company’s flagship unit. The 94720 has a higher towing capacity, although at 20,000 pounds, this is still fairly standard. It also comes with a higher price tag.
The adapter is equipped with an interior airbag feature that gives it superior stability, even on the most unpredictable gravel roads. While this is an appealing perk, it also means that you’ll need to check the airbag before every journey to make sure it’s at 50 psi. If it’s too low, you’ll need to refill it before setting out. In addition, the coupler should be greased regularly if you’re taking the trailer on a lengthy road trip.
Be forewarned that this model weighs in at around 175 pounds, making it more than 4 times heavier than the Anderson adapter. You’ll need to ask several strong friends for help before attempting to install this one. Once it’s in place, however, it should all be smooth sailing from there.
If you’re worried about voiding your travel trailer’s warranty and you don’t mind the added maintenance, this could be a great investment. Note that Reese offers a 7-year limited lifetime warranty for the coupler, which helps to take the sting out of the higher price tag.
6. T-Built 1700R
While some of the other units on our list also include a remote release feature, this is our top choice if you plan to take the camper on rugged expeditions. In fact, if you worry about disconnection issues for any reason, we would recommend taking a closer look at the T-Built 1700R.
In addition to the remote release function, this model comes with a self-locking coupler to give you peace of mind when the vehicle is in motion. It also has a towing capacity of 25,000 pounds, which is slightly higher than average.
The unit is compatible with standard gooseneck hitches and B&W Turnover Balls, and it has forward offsets that make it suitable for short bed pickups as well as larger ones. Like the other T-Built model listed here, it can be adjusted to heights of 12, 15, or 17 inches.
Although all of the necessary installation hardware is included in the purchase, you will need a power drill in order to bolt the unit into place. If you don’t have a drill, or if you just aren’t comfortable with this step, you might want to consider a different model.
Buyer’s Guide
| Product Name | Product Type | Towing Capacity | Maximum Tongue Weight | Best For |
| C5G Convert-A-Ball | King Pin Lube Plate | 20,000 lbs | 4,000 lbs | Large Trucks |
| Anderson Ultimate 5th Wheel Connection | 5th Wheel Replacement | 24,000 lbs | 4,500 lbs | Solo Installers |
| Eaz-Lift Gooseneck Adapter 48500 | King Pin Lube Plate | 30,000 lbs | 4,500 lbs | Budget Shoppers |
| T Built 15″ Fifth Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter | King Pin Lube Plate | 20,000 lbs | 4,000 lbs | Multi-Camper Families |
| Reese 94720 Goose Box Gooseneck Coupler | Trailer Pin Box Replacement | 20,000 lbs | 4,000 lbs | High-End Trailers |
| T-Built 1700R | King Pin Lube Plate | 25,000 lbs | N/A | Remote Release |
We’ve chosen the C5G Convert-A-Ball because of its durable construction, but it also offers an exceptionally smooth ride.
Note that it’s not compatible with truck beds that measure under 6 feet long, so it will work best if you have a large towing vehicle. Its adjustable height ensures that it will suit a wide variety of trailer hitches.
What To Look For In A Gooseneck Hitch Adapter
Type
There are three basic types of gooseneck hitch adapter. One can be bolted over the king pin lube plate. Because it’s compact and fairly simple to install, this is a very popular choice.
Another option is the type of adapter that acts as a virtual substitute for the original 5th wheel hitching system. This offers a secure connection, but it also takes up a great deal of space.
Finally, you have the kind that actually replaces the trailer pin box. This is the safest method available, and the units can be installed quickly. However, these will need more maintenance than the other types.
Towing Capacity
As you might have guessed, this number refers to the maximum amount of weight that the adapter can safely handle. Before you decide on a specific model, make sure you know how much your 5th wheel weighs when it’s fully loaded with fuel, water, and cargo.
Maximum Tongue Weight
It’s also important not to go above the maximum tongue weight listed by the manufacturer, as this helps keep your trailer in line when it’s in motion. It also ensures even weight distribution, which will preserve the longevity of your trailer and hauling vehicle. Fortunately, most RV manufacturers will have the tongue weight listed in the product specifications.
Benefits
When you buy a gooseneck hitch adapter, you won’t lose the cargo space that’s usually taken up by regular hitches. Adapters are also simple to install, and cheap compared to what a total replacement would cost. Best of all, your truck will still be capable of hitching up gooseneck travel trailers as well.
Potential Issues
Many of these adapters are quite heavy, which requires a multi-person installation. Some will also call for a fair amount of maintenance once they’re in place. Adapters can also eat a large hole in your budget, so make sure to shop around before you decide on a certain model.
Also, be aware that if the adapter causes any damage to the trailer, the RV manufacturer may be able to void your warranty. That’s why the OE approval on the Reese model gives it a distinct advantage in this area.
In Conclusion
When it comes down to it, you want your gooseneck adapter to keep the ride smooth and steady so there’s no damage to your vehicle or travel trailer. The unit should also be secure, affordable, and easy to install.
The C5G Convert-A-Ball checks off plenty of these boxes–enough for us to recommend it as our top choice. While the unit has its drawbacks, its durability and versatility give it a definitive edge over the rest of the units we tested.
Best of luck, and happy camping!
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