Turn a fifth-wheel hitch into a versatile gooseneck setup with purpose-built adapters. The best gooseneck hitch converters provide adjustable heights, cushioned connections, and high towing capacities to handle a range of trailers—from RVs to livestock haulers. This guide highlights five highly compatible options, compares their strengths, and explains what to look for when choosing the right converter for your truck and trailer combination.
| Product | Brand | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Fifth Wheel to Gooseneck Cushioned Trailer Hitch Adapter | PSAUTO | Adjustable height; cushioned connection |
| C5G1216 12″-16″ Adjustable Cushioned 5th Wheel Gooseneck Adapter | GELUOXI | High capacity; 12″–16″ height range |
| Convert-A-Ball C5G1216 Gooseneck Adapter | QJMUS | OEM-style compatibility; adjustable height |
| 15″ 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter Hitch | BaVekHak | Large 30,000 lb capacity; universal fit |
| Mepareri 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter | MEPARERI | Internal cushioning; versatile height |
Fifth Wheel to Gooseneck Cushioned Trailer Hitch Adapter
The cushioned gooseneck adapter converts your 5th wheel into a gooseneck within minutes. It is designed to enable quick, reliable conversion without extensive modifications. The cushioning reduces shock transfer during towing, helping to protect the hitch, trailer, and truck drivetrain during long hauls. Suitable for users who need a versatile, simple solution to switch between hitch configurations while maintaining stable towing performance.
C5G1216 12″-16″ Adjustable Cushioned 5th Wheel Gooseneck Adapter
This adjustable cushioned 5th wheel gooseneck adapter supports a 12″ to 16″ height range and a towing capacity up to 20,000 lbs. It features a cushioned 360-degree connection, helping to absorb road shocks and maintain a steady pull. The package includes safety considerations and a sliding collar with set screws for precise height tuning. It is not recommended for trucks with very short bed lengths or cushioned king pin boxes, but it adds solid flexibility for taller or mustang-style configurations.
Convert-A-Ball C5G1216 Gooseneck Adapter
The Convert-A-Ball option converts a trailer kingpin for use with a gooseneck hitch. It uses a sliding collar secured by set screws to adjust height between 12″ and 16″. It emphasizes compatibility with standard kingpins and offers durable construction designed to align with OEM-like performance. Potential buyers should consider bed length restrictions and kingpin box type before purchasing.
15″ 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter Hitch
Offering a 15″ fixed height, this adapter converts a kingpin to a 2-5/16″ gooseneck ball with a robust 30,000 lbs capacity. Its universal fit supports various RVs, horse trailers, and other kingpin-styled trailers. The corrosion-resistant finish helps withstand outdoor exposure, making it a practical long-term option for frequent heavy loads and diverse trailer types.
Mepareri 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter
Mepareri combines a 12″ to 16″ adjustable height with enhanced internal cushioning to reduce bounce and vibration. It claims a maximum capacity around 20,000 lbs GTW and 4,000 lbs VTW, with heavy-duty steel construction for durability. The design aims to simplify setup between different trucks and trailers, offering a smoother towing experience and reduced wear on components.
Eaz-Lift 17-Inch Gooseneck Adapter
Eaz-Lift’s 17-inch gooseneck adapter converts a fifth wheel trailer to a gooseneck hitch with a universal fit for stationary pin boxes. It emphasizes ease of towing, allowing a fifth wheel trailer to be pulled without occupying a large amount of bed space. The locking coupler supports simple hookup and disconnect, providing rotational flexibility to handle various road conditions.
5th Wheel To Gooseneck Adapter With Fixed Height
This adapter maintains a fixed 17″ height and a 20,000-lb capacity with included safety chain provisions. It is designed for heavy-duty towing across cargo trailers, horse trailers, and RVs, offering a reliable connection that minimizes height adjustments during repeated use. The latch-style mechanism supports quick, tool-free locking and provides a stable towing experience over long distances.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
- Height range and fixed height options: Choose adjustable height if you have multiple trailers or varying bed lengths; fixed-height models simplify setup when your towing configuration is consistent.
- Weight capacity: Verify GTW (gross trailer weight) and VTW (vertical tongue weight) ratings align with your heaviest loads. Going beyond the expected loads adds a margin of safety.
- Cushioned vs. rigid connections: Cushioned adapters reduce bounce and shock transfer, which protects both hitch assemblies and trailers during long hauls. Rigid adapters can be simpler but may transmit more impact.
- Compatibility and safety features: Ensure compatibility with your bed length, kingpin box type, and existing safety chains. Look for locking pins or latches that secure the connection during towing.
- Material and corrosion resistance: Powder-coated or coated steel resists rust and weathering, extending the adapter’s lifespan in outdoor environments.
- Install and maintenance: Some adapters require professional mounting or specific alignment procedures. Check user manuals for installation guidance and inspect connectors regularly for wear.
- Trailer types: RVs, horse trailers, livestock trailers, and cargo trailers may have different kingpin boxes and requirements. Confirm the adapter matches your trailer’s kingpin design.
- Ease of use: Consider how quickly you can hook up and disconnect, especially in field conditions. Locking mechanisms and straightforward adjustment features help reduce setup time.