Adapter To Convert Forest River XLR 5th Wheel To Gooseneck Towed By 2018 Ram 2500 OEM Prep Package

Updated 03/03/2026 | Published 02/27/2026

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Ball and Safety Chain Loops Kit for Ram Underbed Gooseneck Hitch - 30K

(1430)

$193.93

Curt Multi-Fit Ball Kit w/ 4" Offset for Factory Gooseneck Hitches - 30K

(22)

$448.95

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

(992)

$607.77

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

(992)

$817.57

Question:

I have a 2018 ram 2500 with a 6.5ft bed and factory towing prep package. I also have a 2008 38ft forest river xlr 5th wheel camper. What gooseneck ball do I need for truck and what convert a ball adapter do I need for camper. I pull other gooseneck trailers so want to convert camper as well. Thank you. Jim

asked by: James P

Expert Reply:

Hey Jim, great question - you’re in a good spot since your Ram already has the factory prep package.

For your 2018 Ram 2500 with the OEM puck system, you can use the Curt Ball and Safety Chain Loop Kit # C60618. That’ll drop right into your factory mounting points and give you a standard 2-5/16" gooseneck ball setup.

Since you have a 6.5 ft short bed and a long 38 ft XLR fifth wheel, I strongly recommend using an offset gooseneck adapter on the trailer to improve turning clearance and reduce the risk of the nose contacting the cab. A great option for that is the Convert-A-Ball Cushioned 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Adapter with 4" Offset # CAB-C5GX1216. The built-in offset moves the pivot point slightly rearward, which helps quite a bit with turning clearance on short-bed trucks.

You could also use an offset ball like # C68ZV with a standard adapter # CAB-C5G, but since you mentioned pulling other gooseneck trailers, keeping a standard ball in the truck and using the offset only on the fifth wheel usually makes the most sense. That way your other trailers stay in their normal towing position.

What other trailers do you have?

expert reply by: Andrew N

James P.

3/2/2026

I pull a delta deck over gooseneck. I have always towed with a short box 2500 chevy with a b and w turnover ball and my camper with a companion. With the ram already having the puck system id rather just make them both gooseneck. Do you have any concerns about the convert a ball causing frame problems? I have read about this and am wondering if the gen y nomad would be a better option for the same money. Jim

Andrew N.

3/3/2026

@JamesP Nice, yeah it makes sense to switch to gooseneck if possible. So you bring up a good point that I should have brought up; the RV frame warranty indeed could be voided using the Convert-A-Ball adapter, or any adapter for that matter. Is it a common issue to get a damaged frame with this? I don't believe it is. But to be on the safe side you could look into another option for peace of mind. The only option I'm currently aware of that won't void the frame warranty of your 5th wheel travel trailer is the Reese Goosebox which we don't currently carry anymore. A safer option than the convert-a-ball that still isn't technically approved on your trailer is a Gen-Y option that has built-in shock-absorbing to help with any added stress from the gooseneck conversion. We haven't heard of anyone having frame damage issues so I'd go this route if you don't go with the Goosebox setup. -Gen-Y Hitch Shock Absorbing 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Pin Box - Lippert 1621/1621HD - 30K GTW # GY38FR -Gen-Y Hitch Shock Absorbing 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Pin Box - Lippert 1116/1716 - 30K GTW # GY48FR

James

3/3/2026

@AndrewN Thank you for all the info. I am not concerned about any type of warranty. Im just looking for the most cost effective way. Being the factory pin box isn't cushion would the gen y nomad be a close to same ride replacement?