Find the right gooseneck adapter plate to convert a 5th wheel hitch into a gooseneck towing setup. This guide focuses on plates that fit standard 5th wheel rails, offer solid payloads, and provide practical mounting options. Ideal buyers include heavy-haul drivers, livestock trailer operators, and RV owners who want towing flexibility without changing hitches. Below, five top options are compared, with who they suit best and any notable trade-offs.
Quick buying snapshot
- Best for all-around versatility: CURT 16055 Rail Mounted Gooseneck Hitch
- Best budget universal fit: Mepareri Universal Gooseneck Ball Plate
- Best for high-capacity, rugged use: CURT 16085 Spyder Adapter
- Best for long- and short-bed trucks: Universal Gooseneck Hitch by Nrovonis
- Best for added height and wobble reduction: TOWGUARD 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter (raised kingpin)
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Product Comparison
| Product | Key Benefit | Best For | Notable Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| CURT 16055 Rail Mounted Gooseneck Hitch | Mounts to standard 5th wheel rails; easy four-pin install/remove | Owners with 5th wheel rails needing quick gooseneck capability | May require rail compatibility check for some trucks |
| Mepareri Universal Gooseneck Ball Plate | Universal fit on any standard 5th wheel track | Budget-conscious buyers seeking broad compatibility | Maximum capacity specified as 30,000 lbs GTW; follow vehicle manufacturer limits |
| CURT 16085 Spyder 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter | Heavy-duty conversion with industry-standard rails | Owners prioritizing robust construction and compatibility | May be heavier and require proper fitment check |
| Universal Gooseneck Hitch by Nrovonis | 2-5/16-inch ball; 2″ offset to fit long/short beds | Trucks with varying bed lengths needing offset solution | Detail on load rating not included here; verify vehicle specs |
| TOWGUARD 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter (2-5/16″ ball) | PU washer system and lube plate for smoother operation | Those wanting vibration reduction and added stability | Includes additional components; ensure compatibility with hitch |
CURT Manufacturing 16055 Rail Mounted Gooseneck Hitch
Best for quick conversion, this CURT rail-mounted gooseneck hitch attaches to standard 5th wheel base rails. It enables gooseneck towing from trucks already equipped with 5th wheel rails and supports four-pin installation for bed access. Best for buyers who want a straightforward swap without replacing the hitch system. Limitations include ensuring rail compatibility with specific truck models and confirming bed clearance when installed.
Mepareri Universal Gooseneck Ball Plate
Designed as a universal gooseneck plate for use with any standard 5th wheel rail, this unit is marketed for heavy tows such as livestock and equipment trailers. It is positioned as a versatile, high-capacity adapter, rated up to 30,000 pounds GTW with a 7,500-pound tongue standard. Best for buyers who want broad compatibility and a straightforward conversion. Caution: verify vehicle manufacturer limits before towing heavy loads, and note the data specifies offset back to the cab for more cab space.
CURT 16085 Spyder 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter Hitch
This CURT adapter converts a 5th wheel rail system to a gooseneck hitch, rated up to 25,000 lbs gross trailer weight. It fits industry-standard rails and is positioned for trucks requiring a robust gooseneck option with reliable mounting. Best for those who want a mid-range capacity with broad rail compatibility. Limitation: ensure the chosen rail style matches the Spyder design and vehicle specifications.
Universal Gooseneck Hitch Fit for All Standard 5th Wheel Rails
This universal adapter claims compatibility with standard 5th wheel rails and includes a 2-5/16-inch ball with a 2-inch offset to accommodate different bed lengths. It emphasizes an offset design to increase cab clearance and provide a stable towing point. Best for buyers needing a flexible bed-length solution. Caution: verify exact rail geometry and capacity ratings before purchase.
TOWGUARD 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter, 1.5″ Raised Kingpin
This adapter raises the kingpin by 1.5 inches to improve clearance, pairing a 2-5/16″ gooseneck ball with a raised 1.5″ kingpin design. It includes a polyurethane washer system and lube plate to reduce vibration and wear. Best for buyers who need to improve nose-height alignment and reduce harsh metal contact. Limitation: ensure the raised design fits your truck bed height and hitch plate geometry.
TOWGUARD Fifth Wheel to Gooseneck Ball Adapter
This model converts a fifth-wheel hitch to a gooseneck trailer connection using a 2-5/16″ ball and kingpin configuration. It includes a lube plate and PU washers to reduce wear and dampen movement. Best for buyers who want a simple, durable conversion with added lubrication and vibration control. Caution: confirm compatibility with the existing hitch plate and ball size before purchase.
Buying Guide: Key Considerations
How to choose the right 5th wheel to gooseneck adapter plate:
- Rail compatibility: Confirm that the adapter fits your truck’s 5th wheel rails and hitch brand. Some adapters are branded to specific rail systems, while others are universal.
- Weight rating: Check gross trailer weight (GTW) and tongue weight limits. Choose a unit that exceeds your typical towing loads and aligns with vehicle manufacturer guidance.
- Bed clearance: Consider offset and raised designs to ensure cab-to-trailer clearance and avoid interference with bed components or tailgate.
- Ease of installation: Four-pin or straightforward mounting reduces bed access time and ensures a secure connection.
- Stability features: Look for washers, lube plates, and reinforced structures that reduce wobble and wear during towing.
- Durability: Powder-coated finishes and heat-treated components improve resistance to weather, corrosion, and road grime.
- Maintenance: Consider removable swappable plates or components for easier servicing and inspection.
FAQ
- What is a gooseneck adapter plate? It converts a 5th wheel hitch to tow gooseneck trailers by providing a ball connection that fits the gooseneck trailer coupler.
- Do I need to match the adapter to my bed length? Yes. Offset designs help with cab clearance and bed length compatibility; verify with your truck model.
- Can these adapters handle livestock trailers? Many are designed for heavy-duty use, but always verify GTW and tongue weight limits for your vehicle.
- Are washers and lube plates important? They reduce wear, dampen vibration, and provide smoother coupling between the hitch and plate.
- Do these adapters require professional installation? Most can be installed by a confident DIYer with basic tool access; follow manufacturer instructions closely.
- Will installing a gooseneck adapter affect warranty? Some manufacturers may have stipulations; consult your vehicle and hitch warranties for guidance.