Towing heavy trailers requires the right connection between truck and trailer, and for many owners, choosing between a 5th wheel hitch and a gooseneck hitch can feel limiting. A 5th wheel to gooseneck hitch adapter offers a flexible solution, allowing a truck equipped with a gooseneck hitch to safely tow a 5th wheel trailer. Understanding what this adapter is, how it works, and when it makes sense to use one can help trailer owners make a confident and informed decision.

Understanding 5th Wheel vs. Gooseneck Hitches

Before diving into adapters, it helps to understand the difference between the two hitch styles.

A 5th wheel hitch uses a large, flat hitch plate mounted in the truck bed. The trailer connects via a kingpin that locks into the hitch jaws, similar to how a semi-truck connects to its trailer. This design distributes weight evenly and typically offers a smoother ride, making it especially popular with large RVs.

A gooseneck hitch, on the other hand, uses a ball mounted in the center of the truck bed, usually tied directly into the truck’s frame. Gooseneck hitches are common in agricultural, commercial, and industrial towing because they are strong, compact, and leave the truck bed mostly open when not in use.

Traditionally, a trailer is designed for one hitch type or the other. A 5th wheel to gooseneck hitch adapter bridges that gap.

What Is a 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Hitch Adapter?

A 5th wheel to gooseneck hitch adapter is a towing accessory that allows a 5th wheel trailer—normally designed to connect to a 5th wheel hitch plate—to be towed using a standard gooseneck ball.

Rather than modifying the truck, the adapter attaches to the trailer side of the connection. It converts the trailer’s kingpin interface into a gooseneck-style coupler that drops onto a 2-5/16" gooseneck ball in the truck bed.

This setup is especially appealing to truck owners who already have a gooseneck hitch installed and want to avoid installing, removing, and storing a bulky 5th wheel hitch.

How a 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter Works

The operation of a 5th wheel to gooseneck adapter is straightforward, but its design plays a critical role in safety and performance.

Attachment to the Trailer

The adapter mounts directly to the trailer’s kingpin or replaces the trailer’s pin box entirely, depending on the design. Once installed, it creates a vertical extension that ends in a gooseneck coupler.

This means the trailer is now configured to connect just like a traditional gooseneck trailer.

Connection to the Truck

Instead of backing the truck under a 5th wheel hitch plate, the driver aligns the coupler over the gooseneck ball in the truck bed. The coupler locks onto the ball, and safety chains are attached to the truck’s anchor points as an added safeguard.

The entire connection sits lower-profile than a traditional 5th wheel hitch, leaving more usable bed space.

Load Transfer and Towing Forces

Once connected, towing forces and tongue weight are transferred through the adapter into the gooseneck hitch, which is mounted directly to the truck’s frame. This creates a strong towing connection but also changes how stress is applied to the trailer frame compared to a traditional 5th wheel setup.

This change in stress distribution is why adapter selection and manufacturer approval matter so much.

Why Trailer Owners Choose Gooseneck Adapters

There are several practical reasons drivers choose a 5th wheel to gooseneck adapter.

More Usable Truck Bed Space

A gooseneck ball sits nearly flush with the bed when not in use, unlike a 5th wheel hitch plate that occupies significant space and can weigh over 150 pounds. This makes adapters appealing for owners who use their trucks for hauling, work, or daily driving.

Convenience and Flexibility

For drivers who tow multiple trailers—such as RVs, livestock trailers, or flatbeds—using one gooseneck hitch system simplifies switching between loads.

Reduced Equipment Weight

Adapters are typically much lighter than full 5th wheel hitch assemblies, making installation and removal easier without specialized equipment.

Important Considerations Before Using an Adapter

While convenient, 5th wheel to gooseneck adapters are not a one-size-fits-all solution.

Trailer Frame Stress and Manufacturer Approval

Some trailer manufacturers do not approve certain adapter styles, especially clamp-on models. Adapters can introduce additional leverage on the trailer frame, potentially increasing stress at the pin box area.

Using a non-approved adapter may void the trailer’s warranty, so it is essential to check manufacturer guidelines before installation.

Ride Quality Differences

Traditional 5th wheel hitches offer better shock absorption and articulation. Basic adapters may produce a harsher ride, known as “chucking,” especially on rough roads.

Higher-end adapters with cushioning or air-ride features help mitigate this issue.

Height and Turning Clearance

Adapters can change the trailer’s effective height and pivot point. Improper setup may lead to bed rail contact during tight turns or uneven trailer leveling. Careful adjustment and measurement are critical.

Types of 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Hitch Adapters

Not all adapters are created equal. The main types include:

Clamp-On Kingpin Adapters

These attach directly to the existing kingpin. They are affordable and easy to install but provide minimal shock absorption and are the least likely to be manufacturer-approved.

Replacement Pin Box Adapters

These replace the entire pin box assembly and are engineered to distribute loads more evenly. Many trailer manufacturers prefer or approve this style.

Cushioned or Air-Ride Adapters

Designed to reduce vibration and frame stress, these are ideal for heavy RVs or long-distance towing. They offer the best ride quality but come at a higher cost.

Is a 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter Right for You?

A 5th wheel to gooseneck hitch adapter can be an excellent solution when:

• Your trailer manufacturer approves the adapter type
• The adapter is rated for your trailer’s weight
• You value a clean truck bed and towing flexibility
• Ride quality considerations are addressed with cushioning or air-ride designs

For some users, especially full-time RVers or those towing very heavy loads over long distances, a traditional 5th wheel hitch may still be the better option.

Final Thoughts

A 5th wheel to gooseneck hitch adapter offers a practical way to combine towing strength with everyday truck usability. When properly selected and installed, it allows drivers to tow 5th wheel trailers using a gooseneck hitch without sacrificing safety or convenience.

As with any towing equipment, the key is matching the adapter to the trailer, the truck, and the intended use. By understanding how these adapters work and their limitations, trailer owners can make a confident decision that supports both performance and long-term reliability.