If you own a fifth wheel trailer but your truck is set up with a gooseneck ball in the bed, a quality adapter is the part that bridges that gap. It lets you keep your open truck bed and still tow a fifth wheel without bolting in a full rail-mounted hitch. The catch is that not all adapters are built the same, and the wrong one can introduce chucking, noise, and uneven loading that wears on both your trailer and your nerves on a long haul.
We looked at the adapters most towing owners actually rely on, weighing weight rating, how the unit handles pin box stress, ease of installation, and how stable the trailer feels at highway speed. Below are seven adapters worth considering, ranked best first, with honest notes on where each one shines and where it falls short.
| Photo | Product | Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter Best Overall Capacity: 20,000 lbs GTW, 5,000 lbs pin / fits OEM gooseneck prep packages |
9.5 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
B&W Companion RVK3500 5th Wheel Hitch Best Stability Capacity: 20,000 lbs GTW, 5,000 lbs pin / rail-mounted with included base |
9.3 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
CURT 16055 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter Plate Best Value Capacity: 25,000 lbs GTW, 6,250 lbs pin / 12-inch by 14-inch mounting plate |
9.1 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
Andersen Hitches Ultimate 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter Lightest Design Capacity: 24,000 lbs GTW, 4,500 lbs pin / funnel-style aluminum coupler |
9.0 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
Reese Goosebox 20K Air Ride Pin Box Smoothest Ride Capacity: 20,000 lbs GTW, 5,000 lbs pin / air-ride pin box replacement |
8.8 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
Gen-Y Hitch Executive 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Pin Box Best Cushioning Capacity: 21,000 lbs GTW, 4,500 lbs pin / torsion-cushioned pin box |
8.5 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
Reese 30868 Gooseneck Adapter for 5th Wheel Trailers Best Simple Plate Capacity: 20,000 lbs GTW, 5,000 lbs pin / bolt-on adapter plate with ball coupler |
8.2 | 🛒 Check Price |
1. B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter: Best Overall
The B&W Companion OEM version is the adapter we would put on our own truck first. It drops straight into the factory puck system found on gooseneck-prepped trucks, so there are no rails to bolt down and no drilling. Once seated, the cam-action jaws clamp the kingpin firmly, and the articulating head soaks up road imperfections that would otherwise translate into that annoying chuck and jerk you feel through the cab.
The honest weakness is access. If your truck does not already have the OEM under-bed mounting pucks, this version simply will not fit, and you would need to look at the rail-mounted route instead. It is also a genuinely heavy piece, so getting it in and out of the bed alone is a workout. For owners with the right truck, though, the towing feel is about as good as it gets.
- Drops into factory gooseneck under-bed mounting pucks with no rails
- Cam-action latching jaws wrap the kingpin for a tight, rattle-free hold
- Fully articulating coupler head absorbs road bumps and curves
Pros: Rock-solid stability with almost no chucking on the highway; Removes in seconds to leave a fully open bed; Trusted, heavy-gauge construction that inspires confidence
Cons: Only works on trucks already fitted with OEM under-bed puck systems; Heavier unit that takes some effort to lift in and out
2. B&W Companion RVK3500 5th Wheel Hitch: Best Stability
The RVK3500 is technically a full hitch rather than a slip-in adapter, but towing owners constantly cross-shop it against gooseneck adapters because it delivers the gold-standard feel. Its coupler design wraps the kingpin instead of resting it on a plate, which is why so many users describe the ride as noticeably quieter and tighter than what they had before. For heavy fifth wheels, that confidence matters.
The trade-off is that this is a more involved setup than a simple ball adapter. You need the matching rail base in the bed, and the unit itself is heavy enough that you will want help or a hoist to move it around. If you are willing to commit to that, the stability payoff is real and lasting.
- Coupler-style jaws fully wrap the kingpin for zero slack
- Built-in flex absorbs bumps for a smooth, quiet ride
- Removes completely from the bed when not towing
Pros: Among the smoothest and quietest fifth wheel connections available; Heavy-duty steel that handles big trailers with margin to spare; No-rattle latch keeps the trailer planted at speed
Cons: Requires a compatible rail base, adding to install effort; Substantial weight makes one-person handling difficult
3. CURT 16055 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter Plate: Best Value
The CURT 16055 takes the practical route. It is a steel adapter plate that mounts to standard fifth wheel base rails and connects to your existing gooseneck ball below. With a 25,000 pound gross rating, it has plenty of headroom for most fifth wheels, and the bolt-on install is friendly to anyone who has done basic hitch work. The Carbide powder coat also holds up well against the elements.
Its compromise is the same one shared by all ball-and-plate designs. Because the trailer pivots on a single ball rather than clamped jaws, you will feel a bit more chucking and hear more of that clack over rough pavement than you would with a coupler-style unit. For the value and capacity it offers, many owners happily accept that.
- Bolts to standard fifth wheel base rails or a head unit
- Adjustable 2-5/16 inch gooseneck ball coupler beneath the plate
- Carbide black powder coat resists rust and chipping
Pros: High weight rating that suits larger fifth wheels; Straightforward bolt-on installation to common rail patterns; Strong protective finish for long outdoor life
Cons: Ball-style coupling allows more chucking than a wrap-around jaw; Plate adds height that can affect trailer level on some setups
4. Andersen Hitches Ultimate 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter: Lightest Design
The Andersen Ultimate flips the usual heavy-steel formula on its head. Instead of a bulky plate, it uses a funnel-shaped greaseless coupler that the trailer pin drops into, and the whole assembly is light enough to lift with one hand. That alone makes it a favorite for owners tired of wrestling fifty plus pound steel units in and out of the bed. The greaseless design also keeps your truck bed clean.
The honest caveat is the pin weight rating, which sits lower than the beefiest steel adapters, so very heavy front-heavy fifth wheels may push its limits. The funnel hookup is also a slightly different motion than a traditional plate, so expect a couple of practice connections before it feels second nature. For lighter rigs and owners who value convenience, it is excellent.
- Funnel-shaped greaseless coupler eliminates the messy fifth wheel plate
- Lightweight aluminum body is easy to lift and store
- Self-aligning design simplifies solo hookups
Pros: Dramatically lighter than steel adapters, easy to handle alone; Greaseless operation keeps your bed and clothes clean; Quiet, tight connection with minimal chucking
Cons: Lower pin weight rating than some heavy steel units; Funnel coupler is a different system that takes a hookup or two to learn
5. Reese Goosebox 20K Air Ride Pin Box: Smoothest Ride
The Reese Goosebox takes a clever approach: instead of adding hardware to your truck bed, it replaces the trailer’s pin box so the fifth wheel couples straight onto a gooseneck ball. Built into it is an air ride system that cushions road shock, and the difference is genuinely noticeable. Owners towing over rough roads consistently call it the smoothest, quietest setup they have used.
The catch is fitment and effort. You have to confirm the Goosebox matches your trailer’s pin box mounting pattern, and swapping a pin box is more work than sliding an adapter into the bed. Once installed it stays put, which some owners love and others find less flexible. If ride quality is your top priority, it is hard to beat.
- Replaces the trailer pin box to couple directly to a gooseneck ball
- Integrated air ride dampening cuts road shock dramatically
- Eliminates the in-bed fifth wheel adapter entirely
Pros: Air cushioning gives the smoothest, quietest tow in this lineup; Frees up the entire truck bed with nothing left to remove; Reduces chucking and protects trailer contents
Cons: Must match your specific trailer pin box mounting pattern; More involved swap than dropping in a bed adapter
6. Gen-Y Hitch Executive 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Pin Box: Best Cushioning
The Gen-Y Executive is another pin-box-replacement approach, and its standout feature is the patented torsion flex system. Where a rigid ball coupling transmits every start and stop straight into the cab, the Gen-Y absorbs a good chunk of that jerk, which makes stop-and-go driving and rougher roads much more tolerable. It is rated stout enough for most full-size fifth wheels and offers offset versions for clearance.
As with any pin box replacement, the install demands that you match the unit precisely to your trailer’s mounting pattern, so measure carefully before ordering. It also adds noticeable weight to the trailer nose, which you should factor into your pin weight math. For owners who want cushioning without an air system, it is a smart middle ground.
- Patented torsion flex absorbs jerk during stop and go towing
- Replaces pin box for direct gooseneck ball coupling
- Heavy-duty construction with offset options for clearance
Pros: Torsion cushioning smooths out acceleration and braking jerk; Strong build rated for sizable fifth wheels; Offset versions help with bed rail clearance issues
Cons: Pin box swap requires careful matching to your trailer; Heavier unit that adds weight to the trailer nose
7. Reese 30868 Gooseneck Adapter for 5th Wheel Trailers: Best Simple Plate
The Reese 30868 is the no-fuss option for owners who just want a dependable plate-style conversion. It bolts onto standard fifth wheel base rails and drops onto your gooseneck ball, giving you a straightforward path from fifth wheel kingpin to gooseneck ball without exotic hardware. The steel build and 20,000 pound rating cover the needs of most common fifth wheels.
Its limitation is the one inherent to all ball-on-plate adapters: the trailer pivots on the ball, so you will get more chucking and noise than the coupler or air-ride options higher on this list. It can also raise the trailer height a touch, which is worth checking against your level. As a simple, reliable converter, though, it does exactly what it promises.
- Mounts to standard fifth wheel rails for a quick conversion
- Couples to a 2-5/16 inch gooseneck ball below the plate
- Durable steel build with protective finish
Pros: Simple, proven bolt-on design that is easy to install; Solid 20,000 pound rating for typical fifth wheels; Familiar plate layout with no learning curve
Cons: Ball coupling permits more chucking than coupler-style units; Adds plate height that can raise the trailer slightly
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to tow a fifth wheel with a gooseneck adapter?
Yes, when you use a properly rated adapter and install it correctly, towing a fifth wheel with a gooseneck adapter is safe and widely done. The key is matching the adapter’s gross trailer weight and pin weight ratings to your loaded trailer, and confirming your gooseneck ball and bed structure are rated for the same load. Coupler-style and air-ride units tend to ride more stably than simple ball-on-plate adapters, but all of them are safe within their limits. Always torque the hardware to spec, do a hitch and safety chain check before every trip, and inspect the connection periodically for wear.
What is the difference between a fifth wheel and a gooseneck hitch?
A fifth wheel uses a large horizontal plate with a kingpin that locks into a hitch head mounted in the truck bed, similar to a semi-truck. A gooseneck uses a ball in the bed that the trailer couples onto, much like a heavy-duty version of a bumper ball hitch. Fifth wheels are common on RVs and tend to ride smoother, while goosenecks are popular for flatbeds, livestock, and equipment trailers and leave the bed mostly open. An adapter lets you connect one type of trailer to the other type of in-bed connection so you do not have to swap your whole setup.
Will a gooseneck adapter cause more chucking or trailer noise?
It depends on the design. Simple ball-on-plate adapters let the trailer pivot on a single ball, which can introduce more of the back-and-forth chucking and the clack you hear over bumps. Coupler-style units that wrap the kingpin, along with air-ride and torsion pin boxes, reduce that movement significantly and ride much quieter. If smooth, quiet towing is a priority, lean toward a wrap-around coupler or a cushioned pin box rather than a basic ball plate. Proper trailer leveling and correct pin weight also play a big role in how much chucking you feel.
How much weight can a 5th wheel to gooseneck adapter handle?
Most quality adapters are rated in the range of 20,000 to 25,000 pounds gross trailer weight with pin weight ratings commonly between 4,500 and 6,250 pounds. You must check both numbers against your loaded trailer, not the dry weight, because cargo, water, and gear add up fast. The weakest link in the whole chain sets your real limit, so your truck, gooseneck ball, bed, and adapter all need to meet or exceed the load. When in doubt, choose an adapter with capacity margin above your heaviest expected load rather than one that sits right at the edge.
Do I need to replace my pin box or can I just use a bed adapter?
You have two paths. A bed adapter, such as a coupler unit or a plate, stays with the truck and lets your standard fifth wheel kingpin connect to the gooseneck setup. A pin box replacement, like the air-ride or torsion designs, swaps the box on the trailer itself so it couples directly to a gooseneck ball. Bed adapters are quicker to install and let you tow different trailers, while pin box replacements often ride smoother and leave the bed completely open. Choose based on whether you want flexibility across trailers or the best possible ride for one specific rig.
Our Verdict
For most owners, the B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter is our top pick thanks to its rock-solid, rattle-free connection and tool-free drop-in fit on gooseneck-prepped trucks. If your truck lacks the factory puck system or you want maximum stability from a rail-mounted setup, the B&W Companion RVK3500 is the runner up and delivers nearly the same confident, quiet tow. Budget-minded haulers should look hard at the CURT 16055 for its high capacity and easy bolt-on install, while owners chasing the smoothest possible ride will appreciate the air-cushioned Reese Goosebox.
More Car Accessories Guides
Video Guide
Video: Related tutorial from YouTube