What 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Hitch Adapter Works with a ~2" Recessed Hitch Ball?

Updated 08/12/2026 | Published 08/01/2026

Products Featured in This Question

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

(474)

$885.00

Andersen Ultimate Connection 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch System - Lowered for Flatbed - 24,000 lbs

(141)

$1259.98

Demco Recon Gooseneck-to-5th Wheel Trailer Hitch Adapter for Recessed Ball on Aluminum Beds - 21K

(474)

$885.00

Question:

the flatbed on my 2007 dodge ram 3500 is approximately 42 3/4 from the ground, at the rear axle. the top of the goose ball is recessed ~2 from the surface. The goose ball is fixed not flip-over. Im looking for a 5th wheel hitch that will work for my truck. I strongly prefer something that interfaces with the fixed goose ball, versus needing to tie into the frame, as is required by a standard 5th wheel hitch. Ill be towing a 2021 alliance paradigm 372RK. It has been upgraded to morryde suspension with disc brakes. I recall hearing that raises the trailer height slightly, but cannot remember details. Can you suggest some hitches that would work for this application? I dont want to put uneven weight on the two trailer axles so I think the hitch height will be critical. Thanks! James

asked by: James K

Expert Reply:

Hi James,

Because of restrictions due to the how deeply the gooseneck ball is recessed, the Demco Recon Gooseneck-to-5th Wheel Trailer Hitch Adapter for Recessed Ball part # DM8550046 you were originally looking at won't work. The DM8550046 only works with gooseneck balls that the top is 13/16" or closer to the top of the truck bed. Because the ball is recessed more than 13/16", the adapter won't be able to fully secure itself on the hitch ball.

However, do you happen to have an aluminum flat bed on your 2007 Dodge Ram 3500? If you do, you can use the Demco Recon Gooseneck to 5th Wheel Adapter - 21K part # DM93YV which would be an easy solution for towing your camper. It's specially built for aluminum beds and will hook onto the gooseneck ball without needing any extra parts or modifications. Since the top of your gooseneck ball is around 2" from the top of the flat bed, this is perfect if you have an aluminum flatbed since it'll work with gooseneck balls up to 1 5/8" below the deck. The recessed opening will also need to be at least 8" long by 5" wide to work with the adapter.

If you don't have an aluminum truck bed, your next best option would be the Andersen Ultimate Connection 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch System part # AN77VR that has a lowered base to fit flat beds. This is a super light hitch rated for 24K that has two different height settings to adjust to the height of your trailer. It fits gooseneck balls that are recessed up to 4" so it will for sure work with your hitch ball. However, if you do have an aluminum flat bed, I still recommend using the Demco Recon Gooseneck to 5th Wheel Adapter part # DM93YV over the Andersen hitch system. While the Andersen is very light and will easily fit your gooseneck ball, it doesn't provide as good of a ride quality as the Demco Recon. If you're planning on towing long distances the Demco Recon will give you a better towing experience.

Where do you plan on going camping with your Alliance Camper?

expert reply by: Claire H

Tom N.

8/8/2026

Demco Recon is rock solid. Towed a 43’ fifth wheel all around the US for more than 4 years. Never had any issues!

Claire H.

8/8/2026

@TomN That’s awesome to hear! Four years towing a 43-footer all over the country is a pretty solid endorsement. Thanks for sharing your experience with the Recon!

Winford C.

8/8/2026

My hitch worked great. Although I had to raise my recessed ball so that the top of the ball was no more than 13/16 from the top of the bed.

Claire H.

8/12/2026

@WinfordC I'm glad you were able to raise the hitch ball so that it fit within the dimensions for the Demco Recon to work for you! How did you go about raising the hitch ball?