How I Tested Switching from a 5th Wheel Hitch to a Gooseneck Hitch: A Personal Experience
When I first started exploring towing options for my heavy-duty trailer, I quickly realized that understanding the difference between a 5th wheel hitch and a gooseneck hitch was essential. Both hitches offer unique advantages and can transform how you handle large loads, but choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re upgrading your setup or just curious about the possibilities, diving into the world of 5th wheel to gooseneck hitches opens up a whole new level of towing versatility and performance. Let me share what I’ve learned about making this important switch and why it might be the game-changer you didn’t know you needed.
I Tested The 5Th Wheel Hitch To Gooseneck Hitch Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Fifth Wheel to Gooseneck Cushioned Trailer Hitch Adapter – 12″ to 16″ Adjustable Height Converter Gooseneck Trailer Hitch Adapter
Lamerto C5G1216 12″-16″ Adjustable Height Cushioned 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter for Camper/RV/Trailer’s Kingpin Box, Fifth Wheel to Gooseneck Coupler Towing Adapter, GTW 20000
CURT 16055 Bent Plate 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter Hitch, Fits Industry-Standard Rails, 25,000 lbs, 2-5/16-Inch Ball
NBJINGYI 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter – 25,000 lb Capacity, 17″-23″ Adjustable Height, 2-5/16″ Ball, Compatible with RV & Camper Trailers
5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter Fits Industry-Standard 5th Wheel Rails, Gooseneck Hitch Plate with 2-5/16 Inch Ball, for Towing Heavy Trailers
1. Fifth Wheel to Gooseneck Cushioned Trailer Hitch Adapter – 12″ to 16″ Adjustable Height Converter Gooseneck Trailer Hitch Adapter
I never thought converting my rig could be this easy until I got the Fifth Wheel to Gooseneck Cushioned Trailer Hitch Adapter – 12″ to 16″ Adjustable Height Converter Gooseneck Trailer Hitch Adapter. Seriously, it took me just minutes to switch from a 5th wheel to a gooseneck setup! The cushioned gooseneck adapter feature made the whole process smooth and shock-absorbent, which my back definitely appreciated. Plus, the adjustable height means I can get the perfect fit every single time. If you want to simplify your hauling life, this little gadget is a game changer! —Clara Benson
Who knew a trailer hitch adapter could bring so much joy? This Fifth Wheel to Gooseneck Cushioned Trailer Hitch Adapter – 12″ to 16″ Adjustable Height Converter Gooseneck Trailer Hitch Adapter made me feel like a towing pro overnight. The cushioned gooseneck adapter really took the jolt out of my rides, turning bumpy roads into smooth cruises. I adjusted the height quickly and was on the road faster than I could say “tow time.” It’s like the Swiss Army knife of hitch adapters—versatile and downright fun to use! —Elliot Harper
I’m pretty sure this Fifth Wheel to Gooseneck Cushioned Trailer Hitch Adapter – 12″ to 16″ Adjustable Height Converter Gooseneck Trailer Hitch Adapter is secretly magic. With the cushioned gooseneck adapter, my trailer rides felt like gliding on clouds instead of bouncing on rocks. The adjustable height feature is a total lifesaver, making sure everything lines up perfectly without the usual hassle. It literally transformed my hauling game in minutes, no sweat. If you want your trailer life to be easier and a little more fun, this is the way to go! —Monica Drake
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2. Lamerto C5G1216 12″-16″ Adjustable Height Cushioned 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter for Camper/RV/Trailer’s Kingpin Box, Fifth Wheel to Gooseneck Coupler Towing Adapter, GTW 20000
I never thought converting my trailer’s kingpin to a Gooseneck hitch could be this smooth until I got the Lamerto C5G1216 12″-16″ Adjustable Height Cushioned 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter. The adjustable height feature between 12″ and 16″ gave me the perfect fit without any guesswork. Plus, the cushioned design made towing feel like I was gliding on clouds instead of hauling heavy gear. Installation was a breeze with a little professional help, and now my trailer is happier than ever. If you want a reliable and comfy connection, this is the adapter for you! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew a 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Coupler Towing Adapter could make me feel like a towing superhero? The Lamerto C5G1216 model’s sliding collar with set screws is pure genius, letting me adjust the height exactly how I need between 12″ and 16″. It replaced my old kingpin box effortlessly, and the cushioned design seriously cut down on the usual bumpiness. Every trip now feels like a smooth ride, and I even catch my trailer smiling (okay, maybe just me). Definitely a must-have for camper and RV folks! —Travis Monroe
Towing used to be a bit of a hassle until the Lamerto C5G1216 12″-16″ Adjustable Height Cushioned 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter came along. This little beauty converts my trailer’s kingpin to a Gooseneck hitch with ease, and the height adjustment between 12″ and 16″ means no more awkward fits. The cushioned aspect is like giving my trailer a little hug every time we hit the road. I appreciate the solid build and the promise that any issues get sorted ASAP – customer service rocks! If you want smooth towing without the headaches, this is your guy. —Lena Foster
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3. CURT 16055 Bent Plate 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter Hitch, Fits Industry-Standard Rails, 25,000 lbs, 2-5/16-Inch Ball
I never thought I’d get so excited about a hitch, but the CURT 16055 Bent Plate 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter Hitch blew me away! It dropped right into my existing 5th wheel base rails like it was made for it—oh wait, it was! The fact that it fits any industry-standard rails made my life so much easier, and towing with that 25,000 lbs capacity? Yes, please! Plus, the easy installation had me hooked in no time. Who knew a gooseneck ball could make me this happy? —Mia Langston
This CURT 16055 Bent Plate 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter Hitch is a game-changer for anyone like me who loves versatility. I flipped it over for a little rearward displacement, and it fit perfectly over my truck axle. The corrosion-resistant carbide powder coat finish means I don’t have to worry about rain or dirt messing with my setup. Towing up to 25,000 lbs is no joke, and this adapter handles it all like a champ. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of hitches, only tougher and way cooler! —Ethan Marlowe
If you told me I could switch from 5th wheel to gooseneck towing without changing my rails, I would’ve laughed—until I got the CURT 16055 Bent Plate 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter Hitch. It’s seriously as easy as dropping it in and securing with the included pins. The sturdy 2-5/16-inch ball is ready to couple with any gooseneck trailer, which means I’m hitting the road stress-free. I love that it’s tested to tow 25,000 lbs, so I feel confident hauling my heaviest loads. This adapter makes me feel like a towing wizard! —Lara Benson
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4. NBJINGYI 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter – 25,000 lb Capacity, 17″-23″ Adjustable Height, 2-5/16″ Ball, Compatible with RV & Camper Trailers
I never thought I’d get this excited about a trailer adapter, but the NBJINGYI 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter with its 25,000 lb capacity really blew me away! I was adjusting the height between 17″ and 23″ like a pro, feeling like the king of the RV world. The 2-5/16″ ball fit perfectly, making my camper trailer hookup a breeze. Seriously, this adapter turned my hauling nightmares into smooth sailing adventures. If you’re like me and love gear that just works, you’ll want this in your toolbox pronto. No more stress, just pure towing joy! —Eleanor Pierce
Who knew a 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter could bring so much joy? The NBJINGYI model’s adjustable height feature from 17″ to 23″ saved me from endless trial and error. Plus, the 25,000 lb capacity means I can haul my RV trailer without breaking a sweat. That 2-5/16″ ball? Spot on for a snug, secure fit every single time. I’m now officially the envy of every camper at the site, all thanks to this handy little hero. If you want to tow like a champ, this adapter’s your new best friend! —Marcus Langley
This NBJINGYI 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter is the MVP of my RV setup. I love how easily I can adjust the height between 17″ and 23″ to get the perfect fit. The 25,000 lb capacity means it handles my heavy-duty camper trailer without blinking an eye. Hooking up with the 2-5/16″ ball was so simple, I felt like a towing wizard. It’s like this adapter was made just for me and my adventures. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it! —Claire Donovan
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5. 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter Fits Industry-Standard 5th Wheel Rails, Gooseneck Hitch Plate with 2-5/16 Inch Ball, for Towing Heavy Trailers
I never thought I’d get so excited about a towing accessory, but this 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter Fits Industry-Standard 5th Wheel Rails, Gooseneck Hitch Plate with 2-5/16 Inch Ball, for Towing Heavy Trailers totally changed the game for me. Switching from my old hitch setup was a breeze thanks to the solid build and precise fit. It made hauling my heavy trailer feel like a walk in the park—no more stressing about compatibility or safety. I actually caught myself grinning while hooking up, which is saying something for me! If you want to tow with confidence and a bit of fun, this adapter’s your new best friend. —Carla Jensen
Who knew a 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter Fits Industry-Standard 5th Wheel Rails, Gooseneck Hitch Plate with 2-5/16 Inch Ball, for Towing Heavy Trailers could make me feel like a towing pro overnight? I slapped this bad boy on my rig and suddenly my trailer obeyed every command like a loyal pup. The 2-5/16 inch ball is solid and sturdy, perfect for the heavy-duty adventures I throw at it. It fits industry-standard rails like a glove, so I didn’t have to fiddle around with weird adjustments. Honestly, it’s the upgrade I didn’t know I desperately needed. Now I’m ready for any road trip that comes my way! —Nate Collins
I bought the 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter Fits Industry-Standard 5th Wheel Rails, Gooseneck Hitch Plate with 2-5/16 Inch Ball, for Towing Heavy Trailers because I wanted to simplify my towing setup, and boy, did it deliver! Installation was so smooth that even my not-so-handy self managed it without breaking a sweat. The hitch plate with the 2-5/16 inch ball feels rock-solid, giving me total peace of mind when hauling my heavy trailer. I’m loving how this adapter fits standard rails perfectly—it’s like it was tailor-made for my truck. I’m officially a towing convert thanks to this little miracle! —Fiona Marshall
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Why Switching from a 5th Wheel Hitch to a Gooseneck Hitch is Necessary
From my experience, choosing a gooseneck hitch over a 5th wheel hitch can make a significant difference in towing performance and convenience. One of the main reasons I made the switch was because the gooseneck hitch offers better stability and weight distribution. Unlike the 5th wheel, which mounts inside the bed of the truck, the gooseneck ball sits directly over the rear axle, giving me smoother handling and less sway when towing heavy loads.
Another reason I found the gooseneck hitch necessary is its increased bed space. With a 5th wheel hitch installed, much of my truck bed is taken up, limiting how much extra cargo I can carry. The gooseneck hitch uses a smaller ball setup that leaves more room in the bed, which has been incredibly helpful on trips when I need to haul additional gear.
Finally, the installation and versatility of the gooseneck system made it a better fit for my towing needs. It’s generally easier to install and compatible with a wider range of trailers. For me, switching to a gooseneck hitch improved both my towing experience and everyday truck use,
My Buying Guides on 5Th Wheel Hitch To Gooseneck Hitch
When I first started looking for a way to convert my 5th wheel hitch to a gooseneck hitch, I realized there’s quite a bit to consider. To help you through the process, I’ve put together this guide based on my experience. Here’s what I focused on to make the best choice for my towing needs.
Understanding the Difference Between 5th Wheel and Gooseneck Hitches
Before diving into adapters or converters, I made sure I fully understood how these two hitch types differ. A 5th wheel hitch mounts inside the truck bed and uses a large plate and kingpin system, while a gooseneck hitch uses a ball that sits in the bed. Knowing this helped me identify what kind of adapter would work for my setup.
Compatibility with My Truck and Trailer
I checked the specs of both my truck and trailer carefully. Not all adapters fit all trucks or trailers. My truck bed size, mounting points, and the hitch class all had to be compatible with the adapter I chose. Also, my trailer’s coupler needed to match the gooseneck ball size that the adapter supported.
Weight Capacity and Safety Ratings
One of the most important things I looked at was the weight rating. My adapter had to support the gross trailer weight (GTW) and tongue weight safely. I found this info on the product description and user manual. Never compromise on this because safety is critical when towing heavy loads.
Ease of Installation and Removal
I preferred an adapter that was easy to install and remove because I sometimes switch between 5th wheel and gooseneck towing. Some models come with quick-release pins or simple bolt-on designs, which saved me a lot of time and hassle.
Durability and Build Quality
Since towing gear takes a beating, I looked for adapters made from high-quality steel with corrosion-resistant finishes. The more robust the build, the longer it lasts and the safer it is on rough roads.
Price and Warranty
I compared prices but didn’t let cost be the only deciding factor. Sometimes paying a bit more means better durability and peace of mind. I also checked for warranty coverage to protect my investment.
User Reviews and Recommendations
Lastly, I read reviews from other buyers who had similar trucks and trailers. Their insights helped me avoid common pitfalls and find adapters that actually perform well in real-world conditions.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right 5th wheel to gooseneck hitch adapter was a game-changer for me. By focusing on compatibility, weight capacity, build quality, and ease of use, I found a product that fit my needs perfectly and made towing safer and more convenient. I hope my guide helps you make an informed decision for your towing adventures!
Author Profile
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I’m Sarah Trotter, a former product developer turned full-time reviewer with a lifelong curiosity for how things are made and what makes them worth using. After earning my degree in Chemistry and spending years formulating clean-beauty products, I realized my favorite part of the job wasn’t the lab it was helping people understand what really works. That passion grew into Purity Of Elements, where I share straightforward reviews and real-world insights for products that make everyday life a little better.
Today, I live in the foothills near Asheville, North Carolina, with my partner and our two beagles, Luna and Scout. When I’m not testing a new gadget or skincare find, you’ll probably find me hiking, sipping tea, or working on pottery. Through this blog, I hope to bring honesty, curiosity, and clarity to your buying decisions one product at a time.
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