Whether you are towing heavy gooseneck trailers with a 5th wheel rail system or converting for occasional gooseneck use, these picks are designed to maximize compatibility, safety, and ease of use. This guide highlights five reliable adapters and hitches that work with standard 5th wheel rails to tow gooseneck trailers. Best for truck owners who want flexible towing options without changing beds.
The following buyer’s table summarizes the top options, focusing on compatibility, weight capacity, and installation notes to help you decide at a glance.
| Product | Best For | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Curt Manufacturing 16055 Rail Mounted Gooseneck Hitch | Trucks with 5th wheel rails | Simple four-pin installation; mounts to standard rails |
| Fifth Wheel to Gooseneck Cushioned Trailer Hitch Adapter (PSAUTO) | Quick conversion needs | Cushioned, easy in-minute conversion |
| CURT 16085 Spyder 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter | Heavy-duty towing | Up to 25,000 lbs GTW capacity |
| Mepareri Universal Gooseneck Plate | Universal rail compatibility | 30,000 lbs GTW, versatile mounting |
| C5G1216 Cushioned Gooseneck Adapter (GELUOXI) | Adjustable height gooseneck | 12″–16″ height range with safety features |
Curt Manufacturing 16055 Rail Mounted Gooseneck Hitch
This hitch mounts to industry-standard 5th wheel rails and enables towing of gooseneck trailers from a standard pickup bed. It supports four-pin installation for straightforward bed access. Best for owners who already have 5th wheel rails and want a reliable gooseneck option without a bed modification.
Best for: Truck owners with existing 5th wheel rails who need a straightforward gooseneck conversion. Why selected: It provides rail compatibility and a stable gooseneck connection with simple installation. Limitation: Requires compatible 5th wheel rail system; not a standalone gooseneck hitch.
Fifth Wheel to Gooseneck Cushioned Trailer Hitch Adapter
This adjustable cushion-style adapter converts a 5th wheel to a gooseneck quickly, offering a cushioned connection that helps reduce shock during towing. Best for: Users seeking a fast, comfortable conversion for occasional gooseneck towing. Why selected: Simplifies the conversion process and adds a cushioning feature for smoother operation. Limitation: Cushioned adapters may require careful alignment during installation.
CURT 16085 Spyder 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter
Designed to fit industry-standard rails, this adapter supports up to 25,000 lbs gross trailer weight and 2-5/16-inch ball compatibility. Best for: Heavy-duty towing applications where higher GTW is required. Why selected: Strong load rating and broad rail compatibility. Limitation: Heavier duty units may be less forgiving during precise alignment compared with lighter adapters.
Mepareri Universal 30,000 lbs Gooseneck Plate
Universal gooseneck ball plate designed for any standard 5th wheel track, suitable for large trailers and equipment trailers. Best for: Users who need a highly adaptable plate for various trailer types. Why selected: High GTW capacity (up to 30,000 lbs) and compatibility with standard rails. Limitation: Not specified for trucks with bed lengths under certain configurations; verify bed clearance before use.
NUOVEPE 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter
Heavy-duty adapter rated for 30,000 lb GTW and 6,500 lb vertical load, with a universal fit for standard rails and a 3-inch offset design to accommodate various bed sizes. Best for: Users needing a long/short bed offset and robust construction. Why selected: The 3″ offset design helps align the gooseneck with different truck bed lengths. Limitation: Not recommended for trucks with beds shorter than certain lengths; confirm bed size compatibility.
Buying Guide
Key considerations when choosing a 5th wheel to gooseneck adapter:
- Weight rating: Ensure GTW and tongue weight ratings meet or exceed your trailer’s requirements.
- Rail compatibility: Confirm the adapter mounts to your truck’s 5th wheel base rails.
- Height/offset: If your bed length varies, choose an adjustable height or offset design to maintain proper clearances.
- Cushioning and safety: Cushioned adapters can reduce shock, while safety pins and locking mechanisms improve security.
- Installation: Four-pin or simple bolt-on installations ease bed access and reduce downtime.
- Bed size and clearance: Verify that the adapter fits your truck bed length and does not interfere with tools or cargo.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a gooseneck adapter with any 5th wheel rail system? Yes, if the adapter is designed for standard industry rails and matches the rail pattern.
- What is the typical weight rating I should look for? Look for GTW ratings from 20,000 to 30,000 pounds depending on trailer size and towing needs.
- Do these adapters require welding or permanent modifications? No; most are bolt-on or clamp-style installations designed for quick removal.
- Are cushioned adapters safer for long trips? Cushioned designs can reduce road shock, potentially improving overall stability, but ensure proper installation.
- What bed lengths affect compatibility? Some models are not recommended for beds shorter than 6 feet; always verify bed length requirements.
- Can I convert from 5th wheel to gooseneck on the same truck without switching hitches? Yes, when using a compatible adapter, you can switch between towing configurations without changing truck hitches.