Will The Ranch Hitch Adapter Work with Recessed Truck Beds?

Updated 05/18/2026 | Published 05/09/2026

Products Featured in This Question

Ranch Hitch Universal 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Coupler Adapter w/8" Offset for Short-Bed Trucks

(227)

$658.77

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

(456)

$885.00

Question:

Will the ranch coupler Part Number: AM3139 work with my nortsar flatbed with a recessed ball? Or is there a better option. I also have 3 ft from the headache rack to the center of the ball. Pictures with rough measurements included. Any help is greatly appreciated. V/R Daniel

asked by: Daniel

Depth of Recessed Area
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Height of hitch ball
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Width of Recessed Area
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Expert Reply:

Hi Daniel,

For The Ranch Hitch Universal 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Coupler Adapter part # AM3139 to fit your truck's flatbed has to meet certain measurements. The hitch adapter requires at least 5 5/8" of area around the ball, based off the photos you included, it looks like you have 7" of clearance around the ball, which is more than enough. However, the adapter is only 4 3/4" in height from the bottom of the coupler to the horizonal arm on the Rand Hitch. If the gooseneck ball is recessed greater than 4 3/4", then it won't be compatible with the Ranch Hitch adapter. Your photo showing the depth of the recessed area looks to be 5" which is just over the 4 3/4", because of that I don't recommend you use the Ranch Hitch. It's a very close measurement and if you redo the measurements and find that it is less than 5" it could work.

To ensure compatibility and safe hauling though, I recommend you use the Demco Recon Gooseneck to 5th Wheel adapter for Recessed Ball part # DM8550046. Its base is 22" x 22" so it will fit within the 3' of space you have from the center of the ball to your headache rack. It has the same 21K towing capacity, adjustable height to match the pin box, and has built-in polyurethane dampeners to absorb road shock and reduce sway.

What pin box do you have on your fifth wheel trailer?

expert reply by: Claire H

Dimensions of Ranch Hitch Adapter
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Dimensions of Demco Recon
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Ben

5/12/2026

Yes, it will work. Mainly if you’re on mostly flat ground. But will come into contact if you are in a severe entrance to the driveway. Upgrade to the extended ball.

Claire H.

5/13/2026

@Ben The extended hitch ball would help to get him more clearance. I still recommend the Demco Recon though because it will for sure work with his set up and give a better towing experience.

Tim B.

5/13/2026

I have one of these on my trailer and I really like the way it pulls with this hitch. However it clearly will not work for your situation based on your measuremnts. It will definately interfere with the bed as it is not tall enoiugh to get out of the pocket . Im not even sure you would get it fully attached . You will need to look for some other option.

Claire H.

5/13/2026

@TimB Appreciate you taking the time to look at that and share your experience—that helps a lot. Sounds like it’s a great hitch, just not the right fit for every set up.

Louis B.

5/18/2026

Hello, I have to say that my hitch has been a vital piece in moving my fifth wheel! It works like a charm! Thanks for helping us short bed people!

Claire H.

5/18/2026

@LouisB I'm thrilled to hear the hitch has been such a valuable part of towing your fifth wheel! Helping make towing safer and easier for short bed truck owners is exactly what we love to hear :)