Gooseneck vs 5th Wheel Hitch for Towing My RV Fifth Wheel Trailer

Updated 11/02/2011 | Published 10/31/2011

Products Featured in This Question

Convert-A-Ball Cushioned 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Adapter - 12" to 16" Tall - 20,000 lbs

(968)

$543.87

Reese M5 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch for Ford Towing Prep Package - Single Jaw - 20,000 lbs

(458)

$1026.41

Question:

Ive seen a few gooseneck adapters used for RV fifth wheel applications. What are the advantages and disadvantages of either type? I like that the ball can disappear when not in use.

asked by: Jeff F

Expert Reply:

A gooseneck adapter that is designed for towing a fifth-wheel trailer, like the Convert-A-Ball Cushioned 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Adapter, # CAB-C5G, is normally used when a person already has a gooseneck trailer hitch installed in the truck and needs to tow both gooseneck and 5th wheel trailers. These adapters are a good solution, but do not provide as nice a ride when towing a fifth wheel trailer.

If your truck does not have a hitch installed I would recommend going with a fifth-wheel hitch for towing. The fifth wheel hitch will provide better ride and handling when towing a fifth-wheel trailer and can be adapted to tow gooseneck trailers easily. The year-make-model of your truck would be needed to make a recommendation for a fifth-wheel installation kit.

If you want full use of your truck bed when not towing the Reese M5 Series fifth-wheel hitches, like item # RP30921, utilize 4 in bed pucks to attach the fifth wheel to.

If you would like to go with the gooseneck option, then you could utilize the Hide-A-Goose Underbed Gooseneck Trailer Hitch, like item # 9460-39, and the Hi-Rise Gooseneck-to-5th-Wheel Trailer Hitch Adapter, # 9480.

If you would like to send me some details about your truck and trailer combination, and the route you would like to take, I would be glad to make more specific recommendations for you.

expert reply by: Robert G