Can Tow Behind Trailer be Safely Converted to a Gooseneck for Improved Towing and Handling

Updated 05/15/2015 | Published 05/14/2015

Products Featured in This Question

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

(997)

$568.79

Reese Friction Sway Control Kit - Economy - by Draw-Tite, Reese and Hidden Hitch

(489)

$79.08

Question:

I have a 32foot tow behind RV trailer, which I am slightly uncomfortable towing...I have a weight distribution hitch and anti-sway bar...can this be converted to a gooseneck, and would towing and handling be improved? I have a 2005 Chev 2500HD crew cab 6000 Duramax for the tow vehicle.

asked by: Duane S

Helpful Expert Reply:

Converting a pull behind trailer to a gooseneck would not be an easy task and would require a lot of fabrication, if it is even possible. Instead of looking into modifying the 32 ft tow behind RV trailer, I recommend that we take a look at your towing set-up. With the properly rated and adjusted system, there really is no reason that you can't have a comfortable towing experience with a pull behind trailer.

The first place that I would start is with your sway control. Since your trailer is 32 ft long, if you are using friction sway control like part # 83660, you will need 2 sway control kits, one on each side. If you are currently using 2, this would be a good time to look into a dual-cam sway control system.

Another thing that you will want to check is the total tongue weight. This will be the tongue weight of the trailer when it is fully loaded plus the weight of anything carried behind the rear axle of your 2005 Chevrolet Silverado. I have included an article which covers ways to determine tongue weight.

Since the tongue weight rating is the most important factor in determining which size weight distribution system you should be using, you'll want to make sure that the one you are using is right for your towing set-up. If the bars of the system you have are rated too high for your setup they will create a rigid ride which can result in a bouncing trailer. On the other hand, if the bars are not rated high enough the system will be unable to properly distribute the weight onto the front axle of the tow vehicle which makes the system virtually useless.

If you would like to send me an email with the tongue weight of your trailer, as well as a list of the components that you are currently using, I would be happy to take a look at your current set-up and make specific recommendations for you.

expert reply by: Leah S