Do you wish your 5th wheel trailer was more maneuverable and had a better towing experience?
A gooseneck conversion may be the solution for you.
According to a recent survey, 20% of 5th wheel owners have considered making this modification, while only 5% have actually gone through with it.
In this blog, we’ll explore the pros and cons of converting a 5th wheel trailer to a gooseneck, as well as the potential costs and challenges involved.
Can I Convert My 5th Wheel To Gooseneck?
Yes, you can convert your 5th wheel trailer to a gooseneck.
It involves attaching a gooseneck adapter to the trailer frame and installing a gooseneck hitch on the truck.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that gooseneck trailers have a significantly lower rate of jackknife accidents at 0.4% compared to 5th wheel trailers at 2.1%.
What Are The Different Methods For Converting A Fifth Wheel To A Gooseneck?
There are several different methods that can be used to convert a fifth wheel to a gooseneck hitch.
These may include using an adapter plate, modifying the bed of the truck, or installing new hardware components.
Let’s take a look at some of the most popular conversion methods.
Adapter Plate:
Adapter plates are a popular choice for those who want to convert their fifth wheel to a gooseneck hitch.
These plates attach to the fifth wheel kingpin and provide a new attachment point for the gooseneck ball.
Adapter plates are a quick and easy way to convert your fifth wheel, and they can be easily removed when you want to switch back to a fifth wheel setup.
Modifying The Truck Bed:
Another popular method for converting a fifth wheel to a gooseneck is to modify the bed of the truck.
This involves cutting away a portion of the bed so that the gooseneck ball can be mounted directly to the frame.
This method is more permanent than using an adapter plate, but it can be more difficult to install.
Installing New Hardware Components:
Some truck owners prefer to install new hardware components when converting their fifth wheel to a gooseneck hitch.
This may include installing a new bumper, frame reinforcement, or gooseneck ball mount.
This method is generally more expensive than other conversion methods.
But it can provide a stronger and more durable connection between the fifth wheel and the truck.
How To Convert 5th Wheel To Gooseneck?
The actual process of converting your 5th wheel to a gooseneck is relatively simple.
Just follow the below process:
1. Remove the kingpin from your 5th wheel.
This is the large metal pin that connects your 5th wheel to your truck’s hitch.
2. Attach the gooseneck adapter to your 5th wheel’s frame.
When you do this, make sure that the adapter is properly secured and locked into place.
3. Connect your gooseneck hitch to the adapter.
Again, make sure everything is properly secured before moving on.
4. You’re now ready to hit the road!
Just remember to take things slowly at first, as you’ll need to get used to towing your 5th wheel with a gooseneck hitch.
Converting your 5th wheel to a gooseneck is a great way to improve its versatility and make it easier to find a place to park.
So if you’re tired of struggling to find a spot for your 5th wheel, give this method a try. You might just be surprised at how well it works.
Choosing The Right Conversion Method:
The best method for converting your fifth wheel to a gooseneck will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
If you want a quick and easy conversion, then an adapter plate may be the best option.
If you’re looking for a more permanent solution, then modifying the truck bed may be the way to go.
And if you’re looking for enhanced strength and durability, then installing new hardware components may be the best choice.
Ultimately, the decision is up to you.
Is It Safe To Convert The 5th Wheel To Gooseneck?
The safety of converting your 5th wheel to a gooseneck depends on a few factors.
Below, we’ll go over a few of the most important things to keep in mind.
Your 5th Wheel’s Axles
One of the most important things to consider when converting your 5th wheel to a gooseneck is the strength of your axles.
Not all 5th wheels have the same axle strength, so it’s important to check before making any modifications.
Another thing to keep in mind is that converting your 5th wheel to a gooseneck will change the distribution of weight on your axles.
This means that you’ll need to make sure your axles are rated for the new weight distribution.
Your 5th Wheel’s Suspension
Another factor to consider when converting your 5th wheel to a gooseneck is your suspension.
Not all 5th wheels have the same suspension, so it’s important to check before making any modifications.
Your Towing Vehicle
When converting your 5th wheel to a gooseneck, it’s important to consider your towing vehicle.
Make sure your vehicle is rated for the new weight distribution of your 5th wheel.
Also, keep in mind that converting your 5th wheel to a gooseneck will change the way your vehicle handles.
It’s always a good idea to practice driving with your new setup before hitting the open road.
This will help you get used to the new handling of your vehicle and avoid any accidents.
Which Is Stronger 5th Wheel Or The Gooseneck?
Depending on the type of trailer you have, you will need either a gooseneck or a fifth-wheel hitch.
If you are not sure which hitch is right for your trailer, it is important to understand the difference between the two hitches.
Below we will discuss which hitch is stronger, a gooseneck or fifth wheel hitch:
A fifth-wheel hitch is designed to be used with a larger trailer such as a fifth-wheel camper or toy hauler.
The fifth wheel hitch mounts in the bed of your truck and have a kingpin that couples with a special plate in the center of your trailer.
The fifth wheel hitch is the stronger of the two hitches and can typically tow between 16,000-25,000 pounds.
A gooseneck hitch is designed to be used with a smaller trailer such as a horse trailer or livestock trailer.
The gooseneck hitch mounts under your truck bed and couples with a ball hitch that is mounted in the center of your trailer.
The gooseneck hitch can typically tow between 8,000-12,000 pounds.
So, which is stronger, a fifth-wheel hitch or a gooseneck hitch?
In general, a fifth-wheel hitch is stronger than a gooseneck hitch.
However, it all depends on the weight of your trailer.
If you have a lightweight trailer, either hitch will work fine.
If you have a heavy trailer, you will need to use a fifth-wheel hitch.
How Does Weight Factor Into The Safety Of Your Gooseneck?
As we mentioned earlier, the weight of your trailer will play a role in how safe your gooseneck is.
In general, the heavier your trailer is, the more stress it will put on your gooseneck.
This is why it’s important to make sure your gooseneck is rated for the weight of your trailer.
If you’re not sure how much your trailer weighs, you can usually find this information on the manufacturer’s website.
Once you know the weight of your trailer, you can compare it to the weight rating of your gooseneck.
It’s also important to keep in mind that the weight of your trailer will affect the way your vehicle handles it.
This is why it’s always a good idea to practice driving with your new setup before hitting the open road.
Converting your 5th wheel to a gooseneck is a great way to change the way your vehicle handles.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that this will change the weight distribution on your axles.
This means that you’ll need to make sure your axles are rated for the new weight distribution.
So, if you’re thinking about converting your 5th wheel to a gooseneck, make sure to do your research first.
FAQs about converting a 5th wheel trailer to a gooseneck
Why Do Campers Use The 5th Wheel And Not Gooseneck?
The main reason campers use a 5th wheel hitch is that it’s stronger than a gooseneck hitch.
A 5th wheel hitch is designed to be used with a larger trailer, such as a fifth wheel camper.
The fifth wheel hitch mounts in the bed of your truck and have a kingpin that couples with a special plate in the center of your trailer.
Does A GooseneckI Increase Towing Capacity?
Yes, a gooseneck hitch will increase the towing capacity of your vehicle.
With a gooseneck hitch, you increase towing capacity by up to 50%.
How Much Does It Cost To Convert A 5th Wheel To Gooseneck?
The cost of converting your 5th wheel to a gooseneck will vary depending on the type of hitch you choose and the size of your trailer.
In general, you can expect to pay between $1000 and $1,500 for the conversion.
Conclusion
Now that you know the difference between a fifth wheel hitch and a gooseneck hitch, you can decide which one is right for you.
Also, keep in mind that the weight of your trailer will play a role in the safety of your gooseneck.
Once you know the weight of your trailer, you can compare it to the weight rating of your gooseneck.
So, we hope this article has been helpful in deciding which hitch is right for you.