Solution for 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter on 2020 Keystone Alpine 5th Wheel

Updated 05/23/2023 | Published 05/21/2023

Question:

We just purchased a 2020 Alpine by Keystone with a a Road Armor Trailair pin box. It has a steel kingpin plate with a pivoting head and a dense rubber block in between the plate and pin box. It will be pulled with a short bed 3500 and we would like to do a gooseneck conversion. The convert-a-ball says no cushioned or airbag hitches. What is your suggestion for an offset hitch compatible with a short bed?

asked by: Daniel

Expert Reply:

If you want to tow with a gooseneck hitch the only option will be to replace the pin box with one like the Gen-Y # GY58GR. None of the adapters like the Convert-A-Ball are compatible with a cushioned or air ride pin box.

The Gen-Y 5th Wheel to Gooseneck pin boxes are also designed for long bed trucks, so clearance will be an issue. Use of an offset ball can help you gain clearance, but it is still unlikely you will be able to make a sharp 90 degree turn. I'm not sure if you have a Chevy/GMC or Ram 3500, or if you have the OEM puck system or not. If you let me know what hitch you have along with the year, make and model I can see if an offset ball is available.

To find the right Gen-Y for your trailer you will need to know the bolt pattern on your current pin box. You can look on your existing pin box to see if the model is listed on the sticker or plate. If not, you can measure the bolt pattern using the article attached below to find out which pin box you have.

You will also need to figure out the correct tongue weight using the formula GVWR x 0.22 = TW and match it up to the chart below. For example, the # GY58GR fits Lippert 1621 and 1621 HD bolt patterns and has a pin weight capacity range of 1,500-3,500 lbs.

I have attached a link to all of the Gen-Y pin boxes that can be filtered by weight capacity and bolt pattern for your reference.

expert reply by: Robin H