Towing a 5th Wheel Trailer with a Truck That Has a Recessed Gooseneck Hitch

Updated 02/02/2025 | Published 01/06/2020

Products Featured in This Question

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

(1017)

$567.45

Replacement Base Assembly for Demco Recon Gooseneck-to-5th Wheel Trailer Hitch Adapter - 21K

(16)

$597.01

Demco Recon Gooseneck-to-5th Wheel Trailer Hitch Adapter - Single Jaw - 21,000 lbs

(481)

$939.00

Demco Recon Gooseneck-to-5th Wheel Trailer Hitch Adapter for Recessed Ball - Single Jaw - 21,000 lbs

(481)

$939.00

Question:

What are the dimensions of the Demco Recon Base?

asked by: Lee

Expert Reply:

To tow a 5th wheel trailer with your truck that has a Hauler bed and a recessed gooseneck hitch installed, there are a few different options. Since the goosneck hitch is already installed the easiest way would be to adapt either the truck or trailer so you can hook up and tow.

The first option is an adapter that replaces your pin box on your trailer. They are specifically designed to fit certain pin boxes, but this is the most secure permanent solution. Reese Goose Box 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Air Ride Coupler Adapter # RP85FR is an example.

The next option is an adapter that installs on the gooseneck ball or in the ball hole and accepts the king pin from the trailer. These are really nice if you tow different trailers often, because it's much quicker to swap out, like the Demco Recon Gooseneck-to-5th Wheel Trailer Hitch Adapter for Recessed Ball # DM8550046.

One more option is an adapter that will bolt on the trailer, and allow you to use your goosneck ball to hook up like Convert-A-Ball Cushioned 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Adapter # CAB-C5G. These work well as a temporary solution, but can cause stress in the trailer frame and hitch. Some manufacturers recommend that their adapters not be used with pin boxes over a certain length, so you want to check the length and compare.

Without knowing the weight of your trailer, or any of the weight capacities of your truck or hitch I can only give solutions in general terms. If you'd like, you can provide me with the weight of your trailer and weight capacities of you hitch and truck I can make more specific recommendations.

I linked our 5th wheel and gooseneck adapters, as well as a help article and some videos for you to check out.

expert reply by: Robert C

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Lee

1/1/0001

What are the dimensions of the Demco Recon Base?

Robert C.

1/8/2020

That's a good question, the foot print of the Demco Recon fifth wheel adapter # DM8550045 which is the base of the Recon Hitch part # DM6201 is 28” front to back and 30.5” left to right. The hitch ball is in the center of the base, so you'll need at least 14" in front and behind, and 15 1/4" on each side for clearance.

Brett

2/1/2025

I am purchasing a 2022 grand design momentum 395ms has a dry weight of 16,000 lbs and gvw of 20,000 lbs. I have a ford f450 with a recessed gooseneck ball in the bed. What adapter would i be able to use? Would CAB-C5G work?

Robin H.

2/2/2025

@Brett the # CAB-C5G has an adjustable height from 12" to 16" so it is possible to use it with a recessed ball. However, if you're loading that trailer up all the way you are right at the capacity of the adapter. I prefer the Demco Recon Gooseneck-to-5th Wheel Trailer Hitch Adapter for Recessed Ball # DM8550046 and I think it will give you a better towing experience. It also has a 21k capacity so you have a little room to breathe with that weight.