Answering the search query intent, this guide highlights top gooseneck conversion kits that turn a fifth-wheel setup into a gooseneck hitch for trailers. The featured products cater to builders, fleet operators, and RV owners seeking bed access, easier hookup, and strong towing capacity. Each entry explains who it’s best for, why it was chosen, and any practical limitations. A quick summary table follows to compare key specs at a glance.
| Product | Brand | Max GTW | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shocker 5th Wheel to Gooseneck & Demco Coupler Conversion Kit | Shocker Hitch | 24,000 lbs | Auto-latching, 3-height options |
| STEGEWOP 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter | Stegewop | 30,000 lbs | 15″ height, bolt-on, no welding |
| Shocker 5th Wheel to Gooseneck & Demco Coupler (fits Lippert) | Shocker Hitch | 24,000 lbs | Quick install, adjustable height |
| GEN-Y Hitch Fifth Wheel to Gooseneck Static Pin Box | GEN-Y Hitch | 30,000 lbs | SnapLatch, bed saver, reversible |
| TOWGUARD Gooseneck to 5th Wheel Kit | TOWGUARD | 30,000 lbs | Complete adapter for 4″ square tubes |
Shocker 5th Wheel to Gooseneck & Demco Coupler Conversion Kit
Best for heavy-duty use with compatible Lippert and Demco components. This kit replaces the factory camper pin box with a gooseneck pin box and installs a Demco gooseneck coupler for automatic latching. It supports up to 24,000 lbs GTW and offers three height adjustment holes. The kit is ideal for users who want gooseneck towing without removing the entire bed slider system.
Who it’s best for: Truck owners needing full bed accessibility and a reliable 2-5/16″ gooseneck ball system. Limitations: installation requires precise pin box replacement and may involve aligning height with the truck bed for optimal clearance.
STEGEWOP 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter
Best for users needing high towing capacity with straightforward bolt-on installation. The adapter handles up to 30,000 lbs and provides a 15″ height clearance to accommodate short-bed trucks and overhanging loads. A bolt-on approach avoids welding and keeps the setup reversible.
Who it’s best for: Fleet operators and campers with tall hitch clearance requirements. Limitation: no custom pin box options beyond the included hardware details; ensure compatibility with your 5th wheel plate.
Shocker 5th Wheel to Gooseneck & Demco Coupler Conversion Kit (Lippert 1716 etc.)
Best for compatibility with multiple Lippert configurations. This kit includes a Demco Gooseneck Coupler with a 24,000 lbs GTW rating and three height settings. It enables quick attachment and a cleaner bed with gooseneck towing while maintaining full bed access.
Who it’s best for: Owners with varied Lippert-based 5th wheel plates. Limitation: verify exact Lippert model fit and ensure proper alignment of height settings for your truck-bed combination.
GEN-Y Hitch Fifth Wheel to Gooseneck Static Pin Box
Best for maximizing truck bed usage when not towing. The SnapLatch automatic coupling keeps a low profile, with a maximum rating around 30,000 lbs and a tongue weight capacity of 6,500 lbs. It is designed to be durable and weather-resistant with a matte powder coat finish.
Who it’s best for: Users who value quick detach and a bed-friendly design. Limitation: Static pin box systems may feel different when coupling versus more integrated gooseneck hardware.
TOWGUARD Gooseneck to 5th Wheel Adapter Kit
Best for square-tube trailer configurations. This kit supports level towing with up to 30,000 lbs capacity. It includes inner tube components to complete the gooseneck-to-fifth-wheel conversion for 4″ square tube trailers, offering a robust, reinforced base.
Who it’s best for: Operators with square tube frames needing a solid, full-conversion setup. Limitation: ensure the inner-tube dimensions match your trailer’s square tube geometry for a proper fit.
Buying Guide
- Capacity and compatibility: Match GTW and tongue weight ratings to your trailer and truck. Check that the adapter works with your existing fifth-wheel plate and gooseneck ball size.
- Install method: Bolt-on vs. weld-required; bolt-on is reversible but may require factory pin box replacement alignment.
- Height adjustments: Consider the vertical clearance needed to avoid cab/bed interference during turns or over uneven terrain.
- Bed access: A core benefit of gooseneck kits is more bed space. Ensure the design reduces bed obstructions and chucking.
- Ease of hook-up: Auto-latching couplers provide faster connection. Verify latch mechanisms and lever actions suit typical operating conditions.
- Vehicle compatibility: Some kits are designed for specific brands or Lippert/RhinoBox configurations. Confirm fit before purchase.
FAQ
- What is the main benefit of a gooseneck conversion kit? It converts a fifth-wheel setup to gooseneck towing, freeing bed space and often simplifying hookups.
- Will these kits work with all trucks? Compatibility depends on truck bed height, hitch type, and trailer frame. Always verify mounting and clearance.
- Are bolt-on installations permanent? Bolt-on conversions are reversible but may require proper alignment and torque settings during installation.
- What is the typical GTW for these kits? Most listed kits handle between 24,000 and 30,000 lbs GTW, depending on model and configuration.
- Do these kits require special tools? Some bolt-on kits may require common hand tools; others might benefit from basic workshop equipment for precise alignment.
- Can I remove the gooseneck conversion when not towing? Yes, many kits allow bed access without the heavy fifth-wheel gear, but check the specific kit’s removal process.