What Fifth Wheel Adapter is Needed for a 2017 GMC Sierra 2500 With Factory Gooseneck?

Question:

I have a 2017 GMC Sierra 3500 pickup on order. It will have a 6-1/2 foot box. The pickup will already have a curt 2-5/8 ball hitch installed from the factory. I will need the adapter to install on my 2017 Crusader fifth wheel so I can hook up to the ball in the pickup. What length adapter do I need so the fifth wheel has plenty of clearance between the top of the box and the fifth wheel so it does not bend up the box on tight turns. I have not received the pickup yet still waiting for delivery.

asked by: Terry H

Helpful Expert Reply:

It may be possible for you to use an adapter, though you'd need to take some measurements first, so you'll have to wait until delivery of your 2017 GMC Sierra 3500. Also, keep in mind the use of a coupler adapter may void the warranty on your trailer, so be sure to contact the manufacturer beforehand. If the use of a coupler adapter does void the warranty, will not fit, or you simply decide to go in another direction, there are other options I'll go over for you.

As for the measurements, because you have a 6-1/2 foot bed the first thing you will want to do is measure to see if you'll need an offset adapter. To do this, take the width of your 2017 Crusader and divide it in half. From my research, it looked like the width of each model Crusader was 96" (though you'll want to double check) and half of that would be 48. Next, measure from the gooseneck ball to the cab of your 2017 GMC 3500. That distance needs to be at least six inches more than half your trailer width. For example, if your Crusader does have a width of 96 inches, then you would only need an offset adapter if the measurement from the gooseneck ball to your cab was less than 54 inches.

To measure the height you'll need, position your 3500 and Crusader fifth wheel as if your were going to hook them up (be sure you are on level ground when doing this). Take a measurement from the bottom of your pin box to the top of your gooseneck ball. Since the Convert-A-Ball adapters are not recommended for use with GM trucks, you would need an adapter from Andersen, and your height measurement would need to fall between 11-3/4" and 14-3/4" to use the Ranch Hitch Adapter # AM3100 or the Ranch Hitch Adapter with Offset # AM3139. There is a Slide Hammer # AM3103 available that would ease the installation of this adapter, and you may also want to use the safety chains # AM3109 that go with the adapter.

Another option for you, and the one I recommend, is to use a fifth-wheel hitch for your fifth wheel trailer. There are base rails from Demco # DM6194 which will fit right into the pucks in the bed of your GMC 3500. You could then add a fixed fifth-wheel hitch that fits in standard industry rails such as the Curt Q20 # C16130. I've added a link to our page with each of our fixed fifth wheel hitches for you.

Using a fifth wheel with a 6-1/2 foot bed would necessitate the use of a Sidewinder in order to make tight turns. This is going to replace the king pin on your Crusader fifth wheel, so you will need to know your pinbox number, which is usually located on a sticker or stamp on your current pinbox. I have added a link to a help article on Sidewinders for you to check out as well.