Recommended 5th Wheel To Gooseneck Hitch Adapter on Short Bed Truck

Updated 06/11/2018 | Published 06/08/2018

Products Featured in This Question

B&W Companion Slider Gooseneck-to-5th-Wheel Trailer Hitch Adapter - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs

(617)

$1599.00

Convert-A-Ball Cushioned 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Adapter w/ Offset - 12" to 16" Tall

(997)

$817.05

Question:

I have a 09 f350 short bed with bw gooseneck ball 35 inches back from cab of truck. Would I be able to use an offset ball and have the offset fifth wheel adapter without any issues for towing an older fifth wheel camper trailer? The trailers Im looking at are 8ft wide and the fifth wheel neck is either flush with the front of the trailer on a 1990 lynx prowler or sits in front of it about 5 inches on a 2000 Thor wanderer. Also would it effect towing capacity or anything?

asked by: Bradlee S

Expert Reply:

It is not recommended to use an offset ball and another adapter for your 5th wheel. I recommend the Convert-A-Ball Cushioned 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Adapter w/ Offset - 12" to 16" Tall # CAB-C5GX1216. This will give you a 7-1/2 inch offset.

A better option that will give you more turning clearance and a more stable connection is to use the B&W Companion Slider Gooseneck-to-5th-Wheel Trailer Hitch Adapter # BWRVK3400. This sliding 5th wheel hitch fits in your B&W gooseneck and utilizes it as an underbed mount for the 5th wheel hitch. This will give you 12 inches of travel from front to back to give you even more clearance and the hitch adjusts in height from 17 to 19 inches for a better fit.

Since you haven't purchased your 5th wheel trailer yet, either will work with the sliding hitch, but a pin box that sits further forward with increase your turning clearance which is always nice with a short bed truck. I've attached a couple of articles to further assist.

expert reply by: Jason S