A homemade 5th wheel to gooseneck adapter allows you to convert your 5th wheel trailer hitch to a gooseneck hitch.
This can be a useful modification for those who need to switch between towing with a gooseneck and a 5th wheel, or for those who want the flexibility of using either hitch type.
With a little DIY knowledge and some basic tools, you can easily make your own adapter at home.
So, before settling on one, you should do some research and try out a few different approaches.
This article will help you do that.
How to make a homemade 5th wheel to gooseneck adapter?
To make a homemade 5th wheel to gooseneck adapter, you will need the following materials:
- A piece of flat steel or aluminum, at least 4 feet long and 6 inches wide
- Four steel plates, each at least 6 inches square
- Eight bolts, at least 3 inches long, with nuts and washers
- A welder
- A drill with a 1-inch hole saw
- A cutting tool, such as a grinder or saw
Instructions:
- Measure and mark the center of the flat steel or aluminum. This will be the center of the gooseneck ball.
- Using the hole saw, drill a 1-inch hole in the center of the marked area.
- Cut the flat steel or aluminum into four equal lengths, each about 1 foot long. These will be the legs of the adapter.
- Weld one steel plate to the end of each leg, making sure the plate is perpendicular to the leg.
- Using the drill and bolts, attach the legs to the flat steel or aluminum by bolting the steel plates to the flat steel or aluminum through the holes you drilled earlier. Make sure the legs are evenly spaced around the center hole.
- Weld the nuts onto the bolts to secure them in place.
- Your homemade 5th wheel to gooseneck adapter is now complete.
- To use it, simply attach the gooseneck ball to your trailer hitch and slide the adapter onto the ball.
The 5th wheel hitch on your trailer will then be able to connect to the adapter.
Basic details of Homemade 5th wheel to gooseneck adapter:
There are some basic features of a Homemade 5th wheel to gooseneck adapter that fall within a certain range.
So, it gives us a clear picture of how much a fortune it would cost and what benefits it may offer. Check it out:
Homemade 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter
| Height (maximum) | Cost (Estimated) | Weight Capacity (gross) | Towing Capacity |
| 15 Inches | Around $300 | Up to 25,000 pounds | Up to 20,000 pounds |
How To Prepare A Homemade Adaptor?
There are a few different approaches one may take when making a 5th wheel to gooseneck converter at home.
However, the basic and most effective two are as follows:
Method 01 of preparing a homemade 5th wheel to gooseneck adapter:
First, you have to determine the size of the tow ball.
After that, take a precise measurement of the gooseneck receiver height.
As we have stated earlier, if you get this wrong, the whole thing will malfunction.
The cost will be at least $300 and your valuable time.
And all of these for nothing.
After that, fasten the fifth-wheel hitch with the adaptor in the manner specified in the manual.
This manual should be your guide throughout.
It’s important that the adaptor includes properly balanced set screws.
To prevent the adapter from accidentally coming loose, secure it in place using those screws.
Method 02 of preparing a homemade 5th wheel to gooseneck adapter:
Altering the hitch that attaches the storage box to the fifth wheel is still another possibility.
Instead of buying a gooseneck adapter, you might go with this alternative instead.
It is more straightforward to make and would save you a substantial amount of money.
You can simply make it using materials that are not heavy and that can be disassembled with the help of just two individuals.
Once you have prepared it, it will amaze you with its amazing features.
The remote release feature allows you to quickly separate the fifth-wheel trailer from the gooseneck adapter.
What Is The 5th Wheel To Gooseneck Adapter?
How do you connect a fifth-wheel trailer to the gooseneck ball that comes standard on most trucks?
Yes, the 5th wheel to gooseneck adapter is the device that you use to connect the two!
Put simply, it is a straightforward piece of hardware that connects a fifth-wheel trailer to the gooseneck ball.
To sum up the 5th wheel to gooseneck adapter precisely:
- It does a significant job of lifting the ball to the appropriate height while sitting on the bed of the truck. This way, it simply makes sure that the fifth-wheel trailer remains finely attached to the kingpin.
- Because of its unique metal tubes, it is possible to attach the kingpin of a fifth-wheel trailer straight to the adapter.
Easy to set up:
It is very simple to set up and install the 5th wheel to gooseneck adapter.
Additionally, it strikes the necessity of any fifth-wheel hitch. It is kind of two birds with one stone!
Excellent pulling capacity:
It offers many benefits at the same time.
Yet, surprisingly, it doesn’t compromise the gross weight capacity at all.
It has the capacity to withstand a maximum gross weight of 25,000 pounds.
Homemade adapter:
If you want to fashion your own adaptor, a homemade 5th wheel to gooseneck adapter, to convert the fifth wheel to a gooseneck, you can do it easily.
However, you need to take into account that the project will not be economical.
The Ins And Out Of A Homemade 5th Wheel To Gooseneck Adapter:
For financial reasons, some individuals opt to fabricate their homemade 5th wheel to gooseneck adapters.
Adjustable in height, this do-it-yourself 5th-wheel to-gooseneck adapter is precisely very handy.
They let you raise the bed of the vehicle without sacrificing cargo space.
Create a level adapter:
It may be challenging to create a level adapter if you don’t measure the trailer box rightly.
So, it is essential to accurately estimate the dimensions of the trailer box.
Most people make the classic error of using a degree preview to measure the kingpin plate.
Alternatively, you need to take the measurement from the top of the gooseneck ball to the bottom of the kingpin ball.
The maximum height:
15-inch trailers are the standard bearer for the industry.
In fact, the famous T Built prepares adapters of this size only.
It will offer you a towing capacity of 20,000 pounds.
Moreover, if you buy it, you will get it with all of the essential gear already installed
Homemade adapters are bigger:
When you measure the kingpin plate as mentioned above, you end up with a bigger adapter.
In other words, as a consequence of this, the handmade adapter for connecting a fifth wheel to a gooseneck is typically far bigger than the graded version.
Ploy-Cushion feature:
You will find some adapters offering cushioned polyurethane foam pads.
It makes the ride more pleasant and protects the tow vehicle from damage.
These adapters, however, are not made to fit under the low roof of a trailer.
Therefore, they cannot be used with such a vehicle.
The gross trailer weight limit:
It is not recommended to utilize a DIY 5th wheel to gooseneck adapter for the transportation of big payloads.
The maximum gross trailer weight that it should support is 20,000 pounds.
The time frame of use:
The DIY 5th wheel to gooseneck adapter may not be as steady and safe as the store-bought ones.
It is a preferable option for usage over a shorter period of time.
Nevertheless, use over a longer period of time may impose stress on the framework of the trailer.
Inappropriate usage of the trailer may potentially render the manufacturer’s warranty null and invalid.
So, if you plan to utilize one for an extended period of time, we suggest you seek the help of a professional.
Professional assistance is essential in this regard.
Cost Of A Homemade Adapter:
A homemade adaptor can convert gooseneck trailers to fifth-wheel trailers.
So, converting a fifth-wheel trailer into a fifth-wheel gooseneck trailer may be done quickly and easily with the use of such an adapter.
But how much will it cost?
If you include the expense of labor, purchasing an adaptor that converts a fifth wheel to a gooseneck would set you back between $1500 and $2000.
But, when you possess the necessary tools and a sufficient amount of expertise, you can accomplish the task on your own.
It’s not hard to construct your own 5th wheel to gooseneck adaptor.
Moreover, the project can even be a cheap one.
Fits securely onto the frame of a fifth-wheel trailer using bolts.
The capacity to relocate the fifth-wheel kingpin is one benefit shared by both designs.
Creating your own adaptor to convert a fifth wheel to a gooseneck will run you approximately $300.
However, it will be money well spent if you can’t buy a product of higher quality.
Gooseneck adaptor vs the homemade version:
A gooseneck adaptor may operate as effectively as a regular fifth-wheel hitch.
But it comes at a much greater price and is not nearly as adaptable as a version that can be manufactured at home.
The enhanced stability is the primary advantage of this homemade 5th wheel to gooseneck adapter.
However, there are a number of other drawbacks too.
This alternative might not be the ideal choice for you if you plan on dragging a big camper behind your vehicle.
There is a significant disparity in mass between the two.
So, a handmade adapter for a fifth wheel can give you the support and protection you want in situations.
FAQs on a homemade 5th wheel to gooseneck adapter:
Is There Any Safety Risk With A Homemade Adapter?
Yes, we must think about security.
Possible problems with using a DIY 5th wheel to gooseneck adaptor include the trailer shifting unexpectedly.
Is It Safe To Use A Homemade 5th Wheel To Gooseneck Adapter For Towing?
If you need to tow, don’t use a homemade 5th wheel to a gooseneck hitch.
Incorporating the adaptor into your trailer’s hitch setup will place strain on the hitch.
Is There Any Law Regarding Homemade Adapters?
Yes, there are certain laws in different states.
Make sure your DIY 5th wheel to gooseneck adapter follows state regulations if you intend to use it for an extended period of time.
Incorrectly installing a handmade adapter might result in costly repairs to your high-end automobile.
Can A DYI Adapter Void Warranty?
A DIY gooseneck adapter may violate the warranty on your truck if it is not already equipped with a gooseneck hitch.
In fact, Some RV manufacturers forbid their use.
Final Words:
This all-inclusive guideline has discussed every aspect of a homemade 5th wheel to gooseneck adapter.
Yet, as a concluding remake, it should be reinforced that an excellent adapter will be sturdy and reliable enough to withstand harsh terrain without breaking.
It shall be strong enough to support both the fifth-wheel and fifth-wheel trailer weight.
So, decide wisely which option is ideal for you considering your needs.