Improving Ride Quality of 5th Wheel To Gooseneck Hitch Adapter

Updated 07/25/2014 | Published 07/23/2014

Products Featured in This Question

Ranch Hitch Universal 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Coupler Adapter

(226)

$599.98

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

(995)

$561.36

Question:

I have installed a ranch hitch adapter on my 27foot holiday trailer. It works really well but it seems to bounce hard over small bumps. It seems like it is a pretty rough ride when compared to my old fifth wheel hitch. Is there anything I can do to fix this?

asked by: Keith

Expert Reply:

When you use an adapter to tow a fifth wheel using a gooseneck hitch, the bouncing you are experiencing is pretty much the nature of the beast. There are other adapters like the Convert-A-Ball # CAB-C5G that are cushioned and would offer some improvement, but the unfortunate fact is that when you use an adapter, in most cases your ride quality will suffer.

The Reese Goosebox would be a good alternative that would dramatically improve your ride quality. There are two different Goosebox models available, the one you need would depend on the manufacturer and model number of your OEM pinbox. If your OEM pin box is a Lippert 1621, 1621HD or Fabex PB-600, you would use the # RP85FR.

For a Lippert 0115, 1116 and 1716, use # RP94716-61301. The Goosebox would replace your current pinbox, and would connect directly to the gooseneck ball in the truck bed, eliminating the need for an adapter. The Goosebox features an inflatable air spring along with shock absorbers that greatly reduce bouncing and chucking.

expert reply by: Mike L