5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter for Short Bed Reviews: 5 Best Options

Towing a fifth-wheel camper with a short-bed truck often means worrying about cab clearance during tight turns. A 5th wheel to gooseneck adapter solves this by converting your kingpin to a gooseneck ball, freeing up bed space and improving maneuverability.

This guide reviews five top adapters, focusing on offset designs, adjustable heights, and weight capacities to help you choose the right one for your setup.

FlexHitch Patented 6" Offset – Best for Clearance

The FlexHitch adapter stands out with its patented 6-inch backward offset, which significantly increases the gap between your truck cab and trailer. This is a game-changer for short-bed owners who need extra turning clearance without sacrificing stability. The cast steel construction handles up to 30,000 lbs GTW and 4,000 lbs VTW, making it suitable for heavy fifth-wheel campers.

You can adjust the height across five positions (17 to 23.6 inches) to match your truck’s hitch height, eliminating uneven towing. The included safety chains add peace of mind. Installation is straightforward, and the offset design means you won’t need a sliding hitch—saving bed space and simplifying your setup.

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• Converts your standard 5th wheel kingpin box to gooseneck hookup(fit 2-5/16" gooseneck ball), no need for a large 5th wheel hitch, saving truck bed space and simplifying towing
• 6" Offset Design: The 6-inch backward offset design can significantly increase the longitudinal clearance between the towing vehicle and the Fifth Wheel Camper. This is particularly beneficial for vehicles with longer front ends such as short-cab pickup trucks, as it effectively prevents collisions between the front of the trailer and the truck's cab or cargo bed during turns, providing additional safety assurance for towing operations
• 5-Level Adjustable Height Design: freely switch 17/18.8/20.6/22.4/23.6 inch heights, easily match different towing heights, eliminate uneven tilt for smooth and safe towing
• Heavy-Duty 30000 lbs GTW & 4000 lbs VTW: Made of Cast Steel, Built for heavy-duty use with full-size 5th wheel RV trailers, safe for highway and long-distance travel
• Dual installation options for your choice: Drill-free quick install & bolt-on install. Drill-free setup retains your kingpin box factory structure for light daily towing. Bolt-on mounting offers stronger, more stable connection for heavy loads & long trips

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PSAUTO Cushioned Adapter – Smoothest Ride

The PSAUTO cushioned gooseneck adapter is designed to reduce jerky movements and shock loads during towing. Its built-in cushioning system absorbs road bumps, providing a smoother ride for your trailer and reducing stress on your truck’s suspension. This is especially helpful when towing over uneven terrain or during sudden stops.

Height adjusts from 12 to 16 inches, giving you flexibility to match different truck bed heights. The adapter converts your fifth-wheel kingpin to a gooseneck ball in minutes, with no permanent modifications needed. While its 20,000 lb GTW rating is lower than some competitors, it’s more than adequate for most mid-size fifth-wheel campers and offers excellent ride comfort.

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• The cushioned gooseneck adapter converts your 5th wheel into a gooseneck within minutes.

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GELUOXI C5G1216 – Budget-Friendly Adjustable

The GELUOXI C5G1216 offers a practical solution for converting your fifth-wheel to a gooseneck without breaking the bank. It features a cushioned design to dampen road vibrations, and its height adjusts from 12 to 16 inches using a sliding collar with set screws. This makes it compatible with a range of truck bed heights.

Safety is addressed with locking pins that secure the connection, plus included safety chains. The 20,000 lb GTW and 4,000 lb tongue weight rating handle many standard fifth-wheel campers. While it lacks the offset of premium models, its straightforward design and lower cost make it a solid entry-level choice for short-bed owners who don’t need extreme turning clearance.

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• ▼【Product Description】: Fifth wheel to gooseneck coupler: C5G1216. Adjustable cushioned 5th gooseneck adapter: Towing capacity 20,000 lb. GVW, tongue weight 4,000 lbs. The gooseneck adapter is cushioned 360 degrees, plus up and down from 12" to 16". Package includes as picture shown. 【INCLUDE SAFETY CHAINS】
• ▼【Compatibility】: The adapter is to convert a kingpin of trailer to connect to a gooseneck hitch. The sliding collar with set screws allows it to be adjusted to any height between 12" and 16". Not recommended for trucks with beds shorter than 6 feet or cushioned style king pin boxes. Not recommended for trucks with beds shorter than 6 feet.
• ▼【Safety Features】: Safety is paramount when towing. This adapter includes locking pins to secure the connection between your truck and trailer. These additional safety measures provide extra security during transportation, ensuring that your load remains safe and stable.
• ▼【Adjustable Height Settings】:12" to 16", this adapter features multiple height adjustment settings, allowing you to customize the hitch height according to your specific towing needs.
• ▼【After Purchase】: Within 10 months, should you encounter any issues with this 5th gooseneck adapter, let us know, we will solve it for you. Please check the adaptability carefully before purchasing.

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T Built Forward Offset – USA-Made Quality

The T Built adapter features a 7 3/4-inch forward offset, which moves the trailer connection point forward relative to the gooseneck ball. This design helps center the load over the axle and can improve weight distribution. Made in the USA from high-quality materials, it comes with a 2-year warranty for added confidence.

It includes a self-latching and remote-release coupler that fits a 2-5/16-inch ball, and the coupler can be padlocked for security. With a 20,000 lb rating, it’s built for durability. The forward offset is unique among these options and may benefit trucks with specific bed configurations, though it doesn’t provide the backward clearance that short-bed owners typically need.

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• VERSATILE COMPATIBILITY: T-Built 5th wheel to gooseneck adapter 12" with 7 3/4" Forward Offset. Works with your B&W turn over ball, or any other goose neck hitch with a 2 5/16" ball
• HEAVY-DUTY TOWING POWER: fifth wheel to gooseneck adapter with a 20,000 Pound Rating. Self latching and remote release coupler. 2-5/16" Ball pocket. Coupler can be pad locked. Attaches to most standard kingpin boxes
• MADE IN USA QUALITY: 5th wheel gooseneck adapter constructed from high-quality materials for long-lasting durability, with a 2-year manufacturer warranty backing your purchase
• SIMPLE INSTALLATION & SAFETY: 5th wheel adapter to gooseneck easy bolt-on installation to your 5th wheel, with the option to padlock the coupler for extra security during transport or storage
• DURABLE AND EASY INSTALLATION: t-BUILT fifth wheel to gooseneck adapter, converts your 5th wheel to be pulled like your horse trailer or gooseneck trailer

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TOWGUARD 6" Offset – Heavy-Duty Alternative

The TOWGUARD adapter mirrors the FlexHitch with its patented 6-inch offset design, specifically engineered for short-bed trucks. This offset moves the trailer connection point rearward, giving you extra turning room and preventing cab contact during sharp maneuvers. The cast steel construction is rated for 30,000 lbs GTW and 4,000 lbs VTW, matching the highest capacity in this roundup.

Five height settings (17 to 23.6 inches) let you fine-tune the towing angle for a level ride. Safety chains are included, and the installation is bolt-on with no drilling required. If you need maximum strength and clearance for a large fifth-wheel camper, this adapter delivers comparable performance to the FlexHitch at a competitive price point.

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• Convert 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Towing: Designed to convert a standard 5th wheel kingpin box to a 2-5/16" gooseneck ball connection, helping reduce the need for a bulky 5th wheel hitch and freeing up valuable truck bed space.
• Patented 6" Offset Design: The 6-inch offset helps move the trailer connection point farther from the truck cab, giving short bed truck owners extra turning clearance when towing a 5th wheel camper. Always check cab-to-trailer clearance before sharp turns.
• Heavy-Duty Cast Steel 30K GTW: Built with a cast steel upper body for heavy-duty towing setups. Rated for 30,000 lbs gross trailer weight and 4,000 lbs vertical tongue weight. Do not exceed your truck, trailer, hitch or adapter rating.
• 5-Level Adjustable Height: Adjusts through 17", 18.8", 20.6", 22.4" and 23.6" height positions with 1.8" increments, helping match different truck bed heights and reduce nose-high or nose-low trailer tilt.
• Dual Installation Options: Choose no-drill collar installation for a quicker setup, or bolt-on installation for a stronger fixed connection. Bolt-on installation requires drilling mounting holes into the kingpin box. Please confirm before purchase.
• Package Included & TOWGUARD Support: Includes gooseneck adapter, locking collar, pin lock, rubber hole plugs, safety chain, remote release cable, lug nuts, bolts and mounting hardware. TOWGUARD provides 24-month support.

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Buyer’s Guide: What to Consider

Choosing the right 5th wheel to gooseneck adapter for your short-bed truck involves a few key factors. Here’s what to consider.

• Offset Design: A backward offset (e.g., 6 inches) increases cab-to-trailer clearance, essential for short-bed trucks to avoid contact during turns.
• Weight Capacity: Match the adapter’s GTW and tongue weight ratings to your trailer’s weight. Higher ratings (30K lbs) suit larger campers.
• Height Adjustability: Adjustable height (e.g., 17-23 inches) lets you level the trailer, improving stability and reducing strain on the hitch.
• Cushioning System: Cushioned adapters absorb road shocks, providing a smoother ride and reducing wear on your truck and trailer.
• Build Material: Cast steel offers superior strength and durability for heavy towing, while lighter materials may suffice for smaller trailers.

Conclusion

Selecting the best adapter depends on your specific needs. For maximum cab clearance and heavy towing, the FlexHitch or TOWGUARD with 6-inch offset are top picks. If ride comfort is your priority, the PSAUTO cushioned model delivers a smooth experience.

For budget-friendly options, the GELUOXI offers solid performance, while the T Built provides a unique forward offset for load balance. Evaluate your truck’s bed length, trailer weight, and turning requirements to make the right choice.