Does the Convert-A-Ball Cushioned 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Adapter Need to Be Bolted to the King Pin

Published 02/01/2013

Products Featured in This Question

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

(997)

$568.79

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

(997)

$817.05

Question:

On the 2 types of adaptors I notice that there are bolt holes thet seem to suggest that you could drill holes through the fifth wheel plate alligned with the factory holes in the adaptor to permanently bolt them together....I thought I read this awhile back but couldnt find it again. Is this the reason for the holes in both style adaptors ?...... I have a 05 gm 3500 4x4 duramax dually with a hide a ball that pops up from below and want to utilize it and need my bed space I am buying a 38 foot toyhauler and need to pull it. I see the other option of converting my fifth wheel over to a king pen setup but its pricey....I dont know the weight of the trailer and load yet....but I do have 6 quads im putting in it.....HEAVY.......I have learned more from this sight alone than all others combined...Thank you in advance......

asked by: Mark H

Helpful Expert Reply:

It is not required that you run bolts through the bolt holes of the hitch plate bolt holes of the Convert-A-Ball Cushioned 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Adapter # CAB-C5G, but if you want to you can contact Convert-A-Ball and they will supply you with a bolt kit. Convert-A-Ball guarantees that if you install this product correctly you will not need to use the bolt holes.

The reason the bolt holes are there is because this adapter shares the same hitch plate as the Convert-A-Ball Cushioned 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Adapter w/ Offset # CAB-C5GX1216 that requires the use of the hitch plate bolts because of the offset built into the adapter.

This adapter has an overall towing capacity of 20,000 lbs and a tongue weight capacity of 4,000 lbs. As long as your toy hauler weighs less than this when fully loaded you should be good to use this adapter.

I attached a picture from the Convert-A-Ball installation instructions that talks about whether or not you need to bolt the # CAB-C5G.

expert reply by: Jameson C