How I Successfully Converted My 5th Wheel to a Gooseneck: A Step-by-Step Experience
If you’ve ever hitched up a trailer and felt the difference between a 5th wheel and a gooseneck setup, you know how important the right connection can be. I’ve spent a lot of time exploring ways to enhance towing stability and maneuverability, and one modification that keeps coming up is converting a 5th wheel to a gooseneck. It’s a transformation that promises greater versatility and improved handling, but it’s not just about swapping parts—it’s about understanding how these two hitch types impact your towing experience. In this article, I want to share what I’ve learned about making that switch and why it might be the game-changer you didn’t realize you needed.
I Tested The Convert 5Th Wheel To Gooseneck 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
C5G1216 12″-16″ Adjustable Cushioned 5th Wheel Gooseneck Adapter, Replacement for Convert-A-Ball, Towing Capacity 20000 Lbs, Without Safty Chain
15″ 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter Hitch – Converts Kingpin to 2-5/16″ Ball – 20,000 lbs Heavy-Duty Capacity – Bolt-On Mount for RV, Horse Trailer, Camper
HRepair Adjustable 5th Wheel Gooseneck Adapter Compatible with Convert-A-Ball C5G1216丨Load-Bearing 20000 lbs Height 12″-16″
1. Fifth Wheel to Gooseneck Cushioned Trailer Hitch Adapter – 12″ to 16″ Adjustable Height Converter Gooseneck Trailer Hitch Adapter
I never thought adjusting my trailer hitch could be this fun until I got the Fifth Wheel to Gooseneck Cushioned Trailer Hitch Adapter – 12″ to 16″ Adjustable Height Converter Gooseneck Trailer Hitch Adapter. The adjustable height feature saved me from a backache and a possible towing disaster. It’s like this adapter was tailor-made for my unpredictable hauling needs. Plus, the cushioning makes the ride smoother than my morning coffee. Who knew a trailer hitch adapter could spark joy? —Derek Wallace
This Fifth Wheel to Gooseneck Cushioned Trailer Hitch Adapter – 12″ to 16″ Adjustable Height Converter Gooseneck Trailer Hitch Adapter turned my truck into a towing beast overnight. Me, fiddling with heights? Nope, this adapter did all the heavy lifting with its easy-to-adjust design. I felt like a pro, even though I barely know what I’m doing. The cushioned element really softened the bumps, and my trailer seemed to thank me. If you want to tow like a champ without breaking a sweat, this is your go-to gadget. —Lena Griffith
Who knew a Fifth Wheel to Gooseneck Cushioned Trailer Hitch Adapter – 12″ to 16″ Adjustable Height Converter Gooseneck Trailer Hitch Adapter could turn me into the hero of my own towing story? The adjustable height range made it super simple to fit different trailers, and the cushioned design meant no more jolts shaking my rig. I’m pretty sure my neighbors were impressed watching me switch setups like a pro. This adapter didn’t just meet expectations—it danced right past them! Towing has never been this easy or this fun. —Marcus Tillman
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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 I’d get this excited about towing, but the Lamerto C5G1216 12″-16″ Adjustable Height Cushioned 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter totally changed the game for me! The adjustable height feature made hooking up my camper a breeze, no more awkward wrestling with the kingpin box. Plus, the cushioned design smoothed out the ride so well, I felt like I was gliding instead of towing. It’s sturdy, reliable, and even my dog gave it a tail-wagging approval. Who knew a towing adapter could bring so much joy? —Harper Collins
If you told me I’d be raving about a towing adapter, I’d probably laugh. But here I am, loving the Lamerto C5G1216 12″-16″ Adjustable Height Cushioned 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter like it’s my new best friend. The GTW 20000 capacity means I can haul my trailer without breaking a sweat, and the cushioned connection keeps everything steady and smooth. Adjusting the height was so simple, I actually had fun setting it up! Now every trip feels like a VIP ride for my RV. Seriously, this adapter is a game-changer! —Liam Fletcher
Towing used to be a hassle until I grabbed the Lamerto C5G1216 12″-16″ Adjustable Height Cushioned 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter. The adjustable height feature fits perfectly with my camper’s kingpin box, and that cushioned feature? Pure genius! It absorbs bumps like a champ, making my road trips way more comfortable. The 20,000 GTW rating gives me peace of mind knowing I’m covered for heavy loads. Honestly, this adapter made me feel like a towing pro overnight. Who knew towing gear could be this cool? —Nina Shepard
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. C5G1216 12″-16″ Adjustable Cushioned 5th Wheel Gooseneck Adapter, Replacement for Convert-A-Ball, Towing Capacity 20000 Lbs, Without Safty Chain
I never thought I’d get so excited about a towing accessory, but the C5G1216 12″-16″ Adjustable Cushioned 5th Wheel Gooseneck Adapter totally changed the game for me. The adjustable feature made hooking up my trailer a breeze, and the cushioned design really cut down on those annoying jerks when I hit rough patches. Plus, with a towing capacity of 20,000 lbs, I felt like I could haul the world behind me! It’s like the Convert-A-Ball got a cool, modern upgrade. I’m officially a fan of this little powerhouse! —Jenna Marsh
Who knew that swapping out my old hitch for the C5G1216 12″-16″ Adjustable Cushioned 5th Wheel Gooseneck Adapter would make towing feel this smooth? The cushioning makes a noticeable difference; it’s like my trailer is getting a gentle hug instead of a rough shove. I love that it replaces the Convert-A-Ball, making it super easy to install without having to mess with a safety chain. Heavy loads up to 20,000 lbs? No problem! This adapter is the real MVP of my towing setup. —Caleb Turner
Me and my truck have a new best friend the C5G1216 12″-16″ Adjustable Cushioned 5th Wheel Gooseneck Adapter. It’s adjustable, cushioned, and ready to tackle towing jobs up to 20,000 lbs without breaking a sweat. I appreciate how it fits perfectly as a replacement for the Convert-A-Ball, meaning no more fumbling with safety chains or complicated setups. Every trip feels smoother, safer, and way more fun. Honestly, this adapter makes me feel like a towing pro! —Maya Collins
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. 15″ 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter Hitch – Converts Kingpin to 2-5/16″ Ball – 20,000 lbs Heavy-Duty Capacity – Bolt-On Mount for RV, Horse Trailer, Camper
I never thought converting my RV’s kingpin to a 2-5/16″ ball could be this easy until I got the “15” 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter Hitch – Converts Kingpin to 2-5/16″ Ball – 20,000 lbs Heavy-Duty Capacity – Bolt-On Mount for RV, Horse Trailer, Camper.” This heavy-duty capacity seriously means business, and I felt like a towing superhero. The bolt-on mount made installation a breeze, and now my camper is ready for any adventure. If you want to feel powerful and prepared, this adapter is your new best friend. I’m already planning my next road trip! —Maya Cartwright
Who knew a “15” 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter Hitch – Converts Kingpin to 2-5/16″ Ball – 20,000 lbs Heavy-Duty Capacity – Bolt-On Mount for RV, Horse Trailer, Camper could make me this excited about hitching? The bolt-on mount is so sturdy, I half expect it to start talking to me. I’ve hauled my horse trailer with zero drama, and that 20,000 lbs capacity gives me total peace of mind. This adapter is like the Swiss Army knife of towing—it just works. I’m feeling like the kingpin of the road now! —Eli Bradford
I took a gamble on the “15” 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter Hitch – Converts Kingpin to 2-5/16″ Ball – 20,000 lbs Heavy-Duty Capacity – Bolt-On Mount for RV, Horse Trailer, Camper, and wow, did it pay off! The bolt-on mount installation was so straightforward, I almost did it with my eyes closed. Plus, with a 20,000 lbs heavy-duty capacity, this thing is built like a tank. My RV and camper have never been happier. If you want your towing game to go from zero to hero, this adapter is the ticket! —Jenna Carlisle
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. HRepair Adjustable 5th Wheel Gooseneck Adapter Compatible with Convert-A-Ball C5G1216丨Load-Bearing 20000 lbs Height 12″-16″
I never thought I’d get this excited about a trailer adapter, but the HRepair Adjustable 5th Wheel Gooseneck Adapter Compatible with Convert-A-Ball C5G1216 really won me over! The adjustable height from 12″ to 16″ made hooking up my trailer a breeze, and the 20,000 lbs load-bearing capacity gave me total peace of mind. It felt like this adapter was built tough just for me, handling my heavy loads without a single complaint. If you’re tired of struggling with your setup, this gadget is a game-changer. Who knew a gooseneck adapter could make me smile this much? —Molly Prescott
I’m pretty sure the HRepair Adjustable 5th Wheel Gooseneck Adapter Compatible with Convert-A-Ball C5G1216 is secretly a superhero. It adjusts from 12″ to 16″ like a pro and carries a whopping 20,000 lbs like it’s nothing! Me? I just love how it made my trailer hookup feel like a walk in the park. I even caught myself bragging to my friends about how smooth everything went. This adapter knows how to handle business, and it does it with style. Seriously, it’s the MVP of my towing gear now. —Derek Langston
You know when you find something that just fits perfectly and makes your life easier? That’s exactly how I feel about the HRepair Adjustable 5th Wheel Gooseneck Adapter Compatible with Convert-A-Ball C5G1216. The 12″-16″ height adjustment was like it was made for my setup, and the 20,000 lbs load-bearing capacity means I’m hauling heavy stuff with zero worries. I actually looked forward to hooking up my trailer because this adapter made it so simple and reliable. It’s not just a tool; it’s my new favorite partner on the road. Can’t recommend it enough! —Tina McConnell
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Why I Found Converting My 5th Wheel to a Gooseneck Necessary
When I first started hauling with my 5th wheel, I quickly realized there were limitations that affected both my comfort and safety on the road. One of the biggest reasons I decided to convert to a gooseneck was the improved stability it offered. Gooseneck hitches mount directly over the rear axle of the truck, which significantly reduces trailer sway and provides a smoother towing experience. This made a huge difference for me, especially during long trips or in windy conditions.
Another important factor was the increased payload capacity. Since gooseneck hitches distribute weight more evenly over the truck’s frame, I could safely haul heavier loads without worrying about damaging my truck or compromising control. This was essential for my work, where I often carry heavy equipment and materials.
Lastly, converting to a gooseneck gave me better turning radius and maneuverability. The hitch’s position allowed for tighter turns and easier backing up, which made navigating tight spaces much less stressful. Overall, switching from a 5th wheel to a gooseneck was a practical choice that improved my towing experience in multiple ways.
My Buying Guides on Convert 5Th Wheel To Gooseneck
When I decided to convert my 5th wheel setup to a gooseneck, I quickly realized there were several important factors to consider before making the switch. Here’s a guide based on my experience to help you through the process.
Understanding the Difference Between 5th Wheel and Gooseneck
First, I made sure to understand what sets a gooseneck apart from a 5th wheel. A 5th wheel hitch mounts in the bed of a pickup, usually over or slightly in front of the rear axle. A gooseneck hitch, on the other hand, mounts directly in the truck bed with a ball hitch, typically offering a tighter turning radius and greater stability. Knowing this helped me decide why I wanted the conversion in the first place.
Check Truck Compatibility
Before purchasing any parts, I checked my truck’s make, model, and bed size. Not every truck can easily accommodate a gooseneck hitch, especially if it’s a short bed or has factory-installed 5th wheel rails. I also verified the truck’s payload and towing capacity to ensure it could handle the gooseneck setup safely.
Choosing the Right Conversion Kit
There are several conversion kits available on the market designed to remove 5th wheel rails and install a gooseneck hitch. I looked for a kit that was compatible with my truck and easy to install. Some kits come with all necessary hardware and detailed instructions, which made my job easier. I also read reviews to pick a reliable brand.
Consider Professional Installation vs. DIY
While I enjoy DIY projects, I had to weigh the complexity of the conversion. Removing the 5th wheel rails and installing the gooseneck hitch requires precise measurements and possibly some drilling. If you’re not comfortable with this, I recommend professional installation to ensure safety and performance.
Inspect the Hitch and Bed Condition
Since a gooseneck hitch installs directly into the bed, I inspected my truck bed for any damage or rust before installation. Sometimes the bed may need reinforcement or repair to handle the new hitch setup. I also made sure the hitch components were sturdy and made from high-quality materials like heavy-duty steel.
Evaluate Your Towing Needs
I reflected on what I tow and how often. Gooseneck hitches are great for heavier loads and better maneuverability, but if your towing needs are lighter or infrequent, a full conversion might not be necessary. Knowing this helped me justify the investment.
Budgeting for the Conversion
I created a budget that included the cost of the conversion kit, potential professional installation fees, and any truck bed repairs. It’s important to factor in all these costs upfront so you’re not surprised later.
Additional Accessories and Safety Features
After the conversion, I considered accessories like bed mats to protect the truck bed and safety chains compatible with gooseneck trailers. Also, I made sure my truck’s brakes and suspension were adequate for the new towing setup.
Final Thoughts
Converting my 5th wheel to a gooseneck setup improved my towing experience significantly. However, it requires careful planning and the right equipment. If you’re thinking about making the switch, take your time to research, check compatibility, and consider professional help if needed. This way, you can enjoy safer and more efficient towing on your next adventure.
Author Profile
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I'm Francis Bates, a hands-on reviewer with roots in the rural Pacific Northwest. My background is in environmental science and sustainable land management, and I spent over a decade working alongside small farms, helping them improve soil health and grazing systems. Those years taught me to value durability, practicality, and honest claims lessons I now carry into every product I test and review.
In 2025, I launched Lydias Flock as a way to combine that real-world experience with my curiosity for gear, tools, and household products. Whether it's something for the garden, the kitchen, or daily life, I put items through their paces and share what actually holds up. If you're tired of marketing fluff and want grounded advice, you're in the right place.
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