Should Adapter with Offset be Used to Tow 5th Wheel with a 2007 Chevy Silverado Short Bed Gooseneck

Question

Question:

Curious which is a better hitch? This one: Ranch Hitch Universal 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Coupler Adapter w/8inch Offset for Short-Bed Trucks Item # AM3139 or Convert-A-Ball Cushioned 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Adapter w/ Offset - 12inch to 16inch Tall Item # CAB-C5GX1216 It will be going on a short bed 07 chevrolet 2500 diesel.

asked by: Eric

0

Expert Reply:

Since you have a short bed I highly recommend using the Convert-A-Ball Cushioned 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Adapter # CAB-C5GX1216. This will allow you to still utilize your gooseneck hitch and provides you with 7-1/2" of offset that should make it so that you have cab clearance while turning.

To make sure that the 7-1/2" of extra room will give you adequate clearance you can use the clearance formula which is: (A + B) - C = Clearance

A = Distance from center of fifth wheel hitch jaw (or gooseneck hitch ball) to truck cab
B = Length of offset (7-1/2")
C = Width of trailer divided by 2 (to get half)

As long as you have at least 4" of clearance you will be able to make a 90 degree turn.

expert reply by: Jon G

0

Eric

9/10/2018

Curious which is a better hitch? This one: Ranch Hitch Universal 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Coupler Adapter w/8inch Offset for Short-Bed Trucks Item # AM3139 or Convert-A-Ball Cushioned 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Adapter w/ Offset - 12inch to 16inch Tall Item # CAB-C5GX1216 It will be going on a short bed 07 chevrolet 2500 diesel.

Reply

Jon G.

9/10/2018

Both the Ranch Hitch # AM3139 and the Convert-A-Ball # CAB-C5GX1216 are great options but the Convert-A-Ball adapter has a few advantages even though it provides 1/2" less offset. The only real advantages that the Ranch Hitch has over the Convert-A-Ball is that it has 1/2" more offset and it has a nice remote coupler release. To engage/disengage the Convert-A-Ball coupler you have to use a wire hook but it does feature greater height adjustment and lines painted on the unit that let you know when you are at the max height adjustment. The Convert-A-Ball also comes with a set of safety chains but if you have a Reese Elite underbed hitch or a factory hitch installed you will need to use longer chains. I recommend the Convert-A-Ball for the ease of use and adjustability as well as the included equipment. Review videos have been linked for further comparison.

Reply

Answer 1

Hey Tom, we do have the disclaimer that the Convert a Ball #CAB-C5GX1216 does technically void the warranty of the RV frame it attaches to shown on the product page. Worth mentioning is we have yet to hear of any problems and we have sold quite a few…

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Answer 2

The Convert-A-Ball Cushioned 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Adapter w/ Offset - 12" to 16" Tall #CAB-C5GX1216 is not recommended for use with factory-installed towing prep packages from Ford, GM, Dodge (Ram), or Nissan. There are a few reasons but…

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Answer 3

We actually have quite a few products that you can use as a 5th Wheel to Gooseneck adapter, I am linking the product selection page so you can view the different options to see what you might like. Unfortunately we do not offer any replacement pin…

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Answer 4

Looks like you have a Rotoflex pin box and installed a Convert-A-Ball adapter part #CAB-C5G on it which isn't supposed to happen. The king pin plate flexes and causes the issue you have. If you can get me the pin box part numbers you see on it I…

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Answer 5

Thanks for the picture! I checked with Progressive Dynamics the replacement power converter you need for your Parallax Series 7300 Model 7345 is the Replacement Converter for Parallax/Magnetek or WFCO RV Power Centers - 45 Amp item #PD4645V.

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Answer 6

Hey Rick. We have the upgraded model with the air bag that fits a Lippert 1621HD bolt pattern. It's the Shocker Hitch 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Coupler Kit w/ Demco eZ-Latch for Lippert and Rhino Box - 24K item #SHK99YR. Almost an identical setup to…

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Answer 7

Hey Joseph, thanks for reaching out! The Convert-A-Ball Cushioned 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Adapter w/ Offset #CAB-C5GX1216 is a universal system and will fit just fine with both, just as long as your pin box doesn't have an air ride feature. Did…

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Answer 8

You will have to go with a sliding hitch to allow the trailer to make tight turns. For a trailer 8 feet wide the only bed length that's going to allow 90 degree turns without a slider is a stationary hitch. That being said you have two options.…

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Answer 9

Yes, it does Ray. The Shocker 5th Wheel to Gooseneck & Demco Lock Coupler item #SHK89YR has 3" of offset compared to a standard gooseneck pin box like item #GY45GR. This pin box also has a built-in air spring and bump stops that absorb road…

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Answer 10

The Reese Goose Boxes like the 20K Air Ride #RP85FR referenced in your question are pin box specific. This means they are designed to replace specific pin box models on the trailer so you will want to first make sure that it will be compatible. This…

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Answer 11

Hello Levan, thanks for reaching out. Yes, the Gen-Y Hitch Nomad 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Pin Box #GY57ND is made to replace the Lippert 1621 pin box so the bolt hole spacing and dimensions are the same. Your cab and tailgate clearance will be…

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