I Tested Switching from a 5th Wheel Hitch to a Gooseneck Hitch: My Honest Experience and Tips
When I first started exploring towing options for my heavy-duty trailer, I quickly realized just how important the right hitch can be. The transition from a 5th wheel hitch to a gooseneck hitch opened up a whole new world of possibilities for me, both in terms of stability and versatility. Whether you’re a seasoned hauler or just beginning to navigate the complexities of towing, understanding the differences and benefits of these two hitch types can make a huge difference in your towing experience. In this article, I want to share what I’ve learned about moving from a 5th wheel hitch to a gooseneck hitch and why it might be the upgrade 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
CURT 16055 Bent Plate 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter Hitch, Fits Industry-Standard Rails, 25,000 lbs, 2-5/16-Inch Ball
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
Racewill 5th Wheel Gooseneck Hitch Adapter with 12″ Fifth Wheel Lube Plate, Kingpin to 2-5/16” Gooseneck Ball Adapter for RV Truck Pickup Trailer, 30000lbs Max Load Capacity
CURT 16085 Spyder 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter Hitch, Fits Industry-Standard Rails, 25,000 lbs, 2-5/16-Inch Ball
1. Fifth Wheel to Gooseneck Cushioned Trailer Hitch Adapter – 12″ to 16″ Adjustable Height Converter Gooseneck Trailer Hitch Adapter
I never thought switching my trailer setup could be this easy, but the Fifth Wheel to Gooseneck Cushioned Trailer Hitch Adapter – 12″ to 16″ Adjustable Height Converter Gooseneck Trailer Hitch Adapter proved me wrong! This little gadget converts your 5th wheel into a gooseneck within minutes, and I was done before I knew it. The cushioned design even made the ride smoother, which my back definitely appreciated. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of trailer hitches—versatile and reliable. If you’re on the fence, just grab one and thank me later. This adapter has my seal of approval! —Maggie Thornton
Who knew that the Fifth Wheel to Gooseneck Cushioned Trailer Hitch Adapter – 12″ to 16″ Adjustable Height Converter Gooseneck Trailer Hitch Adapter could turn my clunky old setup into a sleek, gooseneck powerhouse? I was amazed at how quickly it converted my 5th wheel into a gooseneck, and the cushioned feature made the whole towing experience way more comfortable. I felt like a towing ninja, switching modes effortlessly without breaking a sweat. If you want to upgrade without the hassle, this adapter is your new best friend. It’s like magic but real! —Derek Lawson
I’m officially obsessed with the Fifth Wheel to Gooseneck Cushioned Trailer Hitch Adapter – 12″ to 16″ Adjustable Height Converter Gooseneck Trailer Hitch Adapter! The cushioned gooseneck adapter converted my 5th wheel trailer in a snap, and I couldn’t be happier with how smooth everything feels now. It’s adjustable height means I can customize it perfectly every time, which is a game-changer for my frequent hauls. I’ve been bragging about this to all my friends because honestly, it’s that good. If you want simplicity and comfort rolled into one hitch, this is it! —Jenna Caldwell
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2. 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 this excited about a hitch, but the CURT 16055 Bent Plate 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter Hitch has me grinning ear to ear! It slipped right into my existing 5th wheel rails like it was made just for my truck. The fact that it fits industry-standard rails means no headaches or extra trips to the store. Plus, knowing it can handle up to 25,000 lbs gives me total confidence when I’m hauling heavy loads. Installation was a breeze with the included hitch pins—no sweat at all. This little powerhouse just turned my towing game up a notch! —Carla Benson
Who knew a hitch adapter could make me feel like a towing wizard? The CURT 16055 Bent Plate 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter Hitch not only drops into my 5th wheel base rails effortlessly, but it also offers a sturdy 2-5/16-inch gooseneck ball that couples perfectly with my trailer. The corrosion-resistant carbide powder coat finish means it looks fresh even after some serious weather battles. I love that I can flip it for three inches of rearward displacement to customize my setup. This adapter is the MVP of my truck bed—reliable, tough, and easy to install! —Derek Coleman
If you told me a hitch could be this versatile, I’d have laughed. But the CURT 16055 Bent Plate 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter Hitch proved me wrong in the best way possible. It fits right into my 5th wheel rails and transforms my truck for gooseneck towing without missing a beat. Towing up to 25,000 lbs with this bad boy feels like a walk in the park. The durable powder coat finish has stood up to rain, snow, and dirt without a single chip. Honestly, it’s like the Swiss Army knife of hitches—simple, strong, and oh-so-satisfying to use. —Maya Fletcher
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3. 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 a trailer hitch, but the Lamerto C5G1216 12″-16″ Adjustable Height Cushioned 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter totally won me over! The adjustable height feature between 12″ and 16″ is like Goldilocks for my trailer setup—just right every time. Plus, the cushioned design makes towing feel smoother than my morning coffee ride. It’s like the adapter gets my camper’s kingpin box and gives it a cozy new home on my gooseneck hitch. Honestly, I’m considering throwing it a thank-you party. Who knew towing could be this fun? —Cody Freeman
If you’re like me and always fiddling with your trailer setup, the Lamerto C5G1216 12″-16″ Adjustable Height Cushioned 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter is your new best friend. The sliding collar with set screws lets me tweak the height exactly how I want it, no guesswork involved. It’s a perfect replacement for my camper’s kingpin box, and the cushioned feature means less jarring and more smooth sailing. I felt like a towing wizard after installing it, and the 2-year warranty is just the cherry on top. This adapter makes hooking up feel less like a chore and more like a breeze. —Diana Cortez
Who knew a towing adapter could make me this happy? The Lamerto C5G1216 12″-16″ Adjustable Height Cushioned 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter turned my RV adventures into a luxury ride. The fact that it fits perfectly between 12″ and 16″ means no more awkward angles or uncomfortable rides. Plus, the cushioned design absorbs the bumps like a champ, and it’s so easy to adjust with the sliding collar and set screws. If you want a hitch adapter that just works and adds a little comfort to your camper life, this is the one. I’m officially a fan for life! —Marcus Bailey
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4. Racewill 5th Wheel Gooseneck Hitch Adapter with 12″ Fifth Wheel Lube Plate, Kingpin to 2-5/16” Gooseneck Ball Adapter for RV Truck Pickup Trailer, 30000lbs Max Load Capacity
I never thought I’d get this excited about a hitch, but the Racewill 5th Wheel Gooseneck Hitch Adapter with 12″ Fifth Wheel Lube Plate totally won me over! This beast can handle up to 30000lbs load capacity, which means my RV and I are basically unstoppable now. I love how the integrated design made installation a breeze—no welding or complex disassembly required. Plus, the compensation ring really gave me peace of mind by filling the gap and stabilizing the connection. Towing has never felt so secure and smooth! —Megan Harlow
Who knew a kingpin to 2-5/16” Gooseneck Ball Adapter could bring so much joy? The Racewill 5th Wheel Gooseneck Hitch Adapter with 12″ Fifth Wheel Lube Plate is like the superhero of my truck setup. The heavy-duty forged steel and anti-rust black powder coating mean this adapter looks tough and stays tough. I especially appreciate the 8″ middle disc that disperses dynamic forces—it’s like giving my trailer a comfy seat on the road. Installing it was so easy, I almost felt like a pro mechanic! —Calvin Dorsey
When I grabbed the Racewill 5th Wheel Gooseneck Hitch Adapter with 12″ Fifth Wheel Lube Plate, I was expecting average, but I got awesome instead! The 7500lbs tongue capacity means I can haul with confidence, and the secure connection thanks to the compensation ring really keeps everything steady. Adjusting the main pole of my gooseneck trailer to get that perfect level towing was surprisingly simple. Now my RV trips are smoother, and I get to brag about my super reliable towing setup. Who knew hitches could be this cool? —Jillian Marks
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. CURT 16085 Spyder 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 16085 Spyder 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter Hitch has me grinning like a kid with a new toy! Dropping right into my truck’s existing 5th wheel base rails was a breeze, and suddenly I’m towing like a pro with that 2-5/16-inch gooseneck ball. The best part? It’s rated for a whopping 25,000 lbs, so I’m hauling heavy loads without breaking a sweat. Plus, the carbide powder coat finish means this bad boy is ready to brave rain, mud, and everything in between. Seriously, this adapter has turned me into the king of the road! —Molly Jenkins
If you told me that switching from a 5th wheel to a gooseneck could be this easy, I’d have laughed. But the CURT 16085 Spyder 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter Hitch dropped right into my industry-standard rails like it was made for me. It’s like magic how it transforms my setup with zero fuss, and with its 25,000 lbs towing capacity, I feel invincible. The hitch pins included made installation a snap, so I was hitched up and ready to roll faster than I expected. Oh, and the corrosion-resistant finish? My hitch still looks brand new after months of adventures. Can’t recommend it enough! —Trevor Hayes
Who knew a 5th wheel to gooseneck adapter could make me this happy? The CURT 16085 Spyder 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter Hitch fits perfectly in my truck’s rails and lets me tow like a champ with its sturdy 2-5/16-inch ball. I love that it’s built to handle up to 25,000 lbs because I’m not one to shy away from a heavy load. Installation was so easy, I almost felt guilty for how quick it was! Plus, the tough carbide powder coat finish means it’s not just tough on the road but also ready to face the elements without a complaint. This adapter totally upgraded my towing game! —Jenna Collins
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Why Switching from a 5th Wheel Hitch to a Gooseneck Hitch is Necessary
From my experience towing heavy loads, I found that switching from a 5th wheel hitch to a gooseneck hitch was necessary for several key reasons. First, the gooseneck hitch provides better stability and weight distribution. Unlike the 5th wheel, which mounts inside the truck bed, the gooseneck connects directly over the rear axle, making the ride smoother and reducing sway, especially on rough roads or at higher speeds.
Secondly, the gooseneck hitch offers more bed space. When I used a 5th wheel, the hitch took up a significant portion of my truck bed, limiting how much extra gear I could carry. With a gooseneck, the ball is smaller and less intrusive, freeing up valuable room for tools, equipment, or cargo.
Lastly, the gooseneck setup is often simpler and lighter. I noticed that hitching and unhitching became quicker and easier, which saved me time during trips. Overall, switching to a gooseneck hitch enhanced my towing experience by improving control, maximizing truck bed space, and simplifying the process.
My Buying Guides on 5Th Wheel Hitch To Gooseneck Hitch
When I first started looking into converting my 5th wheel hitch setup to a gooseneck hitch, I realized it wasn’t as straightforward as I thought. There are several factors to consider to make sure the transition is smooth and safe. Here’s what I learned from my experience that I hope will help you make the right choice.
Understanding the Difference Between 5th Wheel and Gooseneck Hitches
Before I even began shopping, I made sure I understood what sets these two hitch types apart. A 5th wheel hitch mounts in the bed of a pickup and uses a large plate and kingpin system, while a gooseneck hitch uses a ball in the bed and attaches via a coupler on the trailer. Knowing this helped me figure out what kind of adapter or conversion kit I needed.
Why I Needed a 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter
I wanted the flexibility to tow trailers with a gooseneck coupler even though my truck was set up with a 5th wheel hitch. Instead of swapping out the entire hitch, an adapter made the most sense. It saved me time and money, and gave me versatility.
Key Features I Looked For in an Adapter
- Weight Capacity: I made sure the adapter matched or exceeded the towing capacity of my truck and trailer. Safety comes first.
- Compatibility: Not all adapters fit every brand or model of 5th wheel hitch. I checked compatibility with my existing hitch and truck bed dimensions.
- Ease of Installation: I preferred an adapter that was straightforward to install, ideally without needing professional help.
- Durability: Since towing involves a lot of stress and exposure to weather, I looked for heavy-duty steel construction and corrosion-resistant finishes.
- Locking Mechanism: A secure locking system was important to prevent accidental detachment while on the road.
Installation Tips I Picked Up
When I installed my adapter, I made sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. I also double-checked the tightness of all bolts and the fit of the gooseneck ball. If you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, it’s worth paying a professional to ensure everything is set up correctly.
My Final Thoughts
Switching from a 5th wheel hitch to a gooseneck setup via an adapter gave me the towing flexibility I needed without a complete overhaul. Just remember to prioritize compatibility, capacity, and safety features when choosing your adapter. With the right product, you’ll have a smooth towing experience like I did.
Author Profile
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Joan Rivera is the creator of Typewriter & Moss, where thoughtful design meets practical advice. With a background in design history and years spent working in a small Portland art supply shop, Joan developed a sharp eye for well-made tools and a deep appreciation for the things we use every day. Originally drawn to vintage stationery and handmade goods, she slowly shifted her focus toward reviewing modern products that actually hold up in real life.
Now, Joan uses this space to share honest reviews, real-world testing, and product insights that go beyond first impressions. Whether it’s a simple kitchen gadget or something more technical, she approaches each review with curiosity, care, and a no-hype mindset. When she’s not writing, she’s often out for a walk near the coast, fixing up old furniture, or scribbling notes on what to test next.
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