Are the Locations of the 5th Wheel Jaw and Gooseneck Hitch Ball the Same

Updated 12/31/2024 | Published 12/30/2024

Question:

Is the location of a 5th wheel plate and a goose neck ball the same?

asked by: Dwight N

Expert Reply:

Hey Dwight!

Yes-ish. The gooseneck hitch ball and 5th wheel jaw system will sit in pretty much the same area, right above or behind the rear axle of your truck. There isn't an exact formula for either setup so it won't be lined up directly each time.

Is there an specific reason you're asking so I can add some more insight?

expert reply by: Jon G

Dwight N.

12/30/2024

My 5th wheel camper was converted over to a goose neck. When I turn the frame on the camper will hit my frame on my access cover for my box. When I compared the old 5th wheel frame to the goose neck frame there is about 5.5” of extra length on the goose neck frame. So I am going to take the goose neck frame off and cut out that 5.5”. I will still have enough room behind my truck for the tailgate and turning radius. I will also lower the goose neck coupler a few inches so I can adjust the front of the camper up a little more too. My truck is a 2023 2500 Powerwagon so it is a little higher than a normal truck.

Jon G.

12/30/2024

@DwightN Thanks! I believe I was able to follow that. Your camper was converted from a 5th wheel to a gooseneck and you're wanting to convert it back to a 5th wheel, so the trailer frame doesn't hit the mounting brackets for your tonneau cover. As long as the framing is matched up to what it needs to be, and the strength is where it needs to be you'll be good to go. I'm not sure if you need a new hitch, but I'm linking our selection of 5th wheel hitches for a 2023 Ram 2500 for you to filter through.

Helpful Links

5w-2023_ram_2500.htm

Dwight N.

12/30/2024

No, I am going to cut 5.5” out of the length of my goose neck hitch so it is the same length as what the 5th wheel hitch is.@JonG

Jon G.

12/31/2024

@DwightN Ah, I see. Yeah, I wouldn't do that unless you consult with a trailer shop that has messed with those types of mods before. The reason is because gooseneck setups are designed to handle stress at different points along the frame and if you cutout portions of the frame that will affect where the stress happens.