If you bounce between towing a fifth wheel and a gooseneck, you know the juggling act your truck bed can become. That’s what lead us to the Eaz-Lift 5th Wheel Gooseneck Adapter, 30,000lb Tow rating (7,500lb Vertical Load), 15 Inches (48501).On paper, it promises the best of both worlds: converting a standard fifth-wheel trailer to a gooseneck setup, freeing up bed space, and simplifying hookups with a locking coupler that clamps onto a 2-5/16-inch ball.
Unboxing, the adapter felt reassuringly stout, and all the hardware we needed was right there. we mounted it to our trailer’s pin box, set the overall height at 15 inches, and hooked to our gooseneck ball without wrestling a bed-rail hitch. The first connection was straightforward-the coupler’s lock engaged cleanly,and the full range of motion made lining up on an uneven gravel lot much less fussy than we expected. Rolling out, we immediately appreciated the open bed: no bulky hitch, just room for totes, a generator, and the bikes.
In this review, we’ll walk through installation, fit and finish, towing manners, and day-to-day usability. We’ll also dig into where that 30,000 lb tow rating (and 7,500 lb vertical load) lands in real-world use, and whether this camco-made adapter truly delivers the convenience it advertises without asking us to compromise on confidence.
Our hands on overview after installing and towing with this fifth wheel gooseneck adapter
Installation was as straightforward as we hoped: the adapter bolted up cleanly with the included hardware, and we where on the gooseneck ball within the hour. The locking coupler latched confidently onto our 2-5/16-inch ball and allowed a full range of motion, which made the first hookup and subsequent alignment surprisingly simple. The 15-inch overall height paired well with our truck’s stance, and the big win was reclaiming the pickup bed-no bulky fifth-wheel hitch dominating our cargo space.
- Convenience: Tow both trailer types with one truck without crowding the bed.
- Ease of use: Swift, positive latch; smooth disconnects.
- Fit and finish: Solid feel with minimal fuss during install.
- Capability: Rated for 30,000 lb towing and 7,500 lb vertical load.
| Height | 15 in |
| Ball Size | 2-5/16 in |
| Tow Rating | 30,000 lb |
| Vertical Load | 7,500 lb |
| Install Time (ours) | ~45 min |
| Bed Space Gained | High |
On the road, the truck-trailer combo felt composed and predictable. The adapter’s simple hookup/disconnect routine trimmed our campsite set-up time, and low-speed maneuvering in tight lots benefited from the coupler’s free movement.With capacity to spare for our rig, we appreciated the confidence of the heavy rating without adding unnecessary bulk.It’s a practical upgrade that blends capability, convenience, and clean bed space into one tidy solution-exactly what we were after for mixed towing duties.
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Features and design details we focused on clamping mechanism ride quality and bed clearance
Clamping mechanism is where this unit feels dialed: the locking coupler latches onto a standard 2-5/16-inch ball with a confident snap, giving us straightforward hookups and quick disconnects. Installation stayed drama-free thanks to the included parts and hardware, and the stout 30,000 lb tow rating (with 7,500 lb vertical load) inspires confidence for heavier fifth-wheel rigs. At an overall height of 15 inches, the adapter’s profile supports solid engagement while still keeping the design simple and purposeful.
- Locking coupler for simple,repeatable hookups
- Full range of motion to accommodate turns and uneven approaches
- No bulky fifth-wheel hitch occupying the truck bed
- All hardware included for easy install
| Tow/Vertical | 30,000 / 7,500 lb |
| Height | 15 in |
| Ball Size | 2-5/16 in |
| Hookup Feel | Positive,low fuss |
| Bed Space | Open and usable |
On the road,the ride quality benefited from that full-motion coupler-starts,stops,and tight turns felt composed rather than jerky,and we appreciated the predictable feedback through the truck. The bed clearance story is equally compelling: by eliminating a large fifth-wheel hitch, we regained valuable cargo room for gear and daily use, while maintaining the security of a locked connection. The result is a clean, uncluttered setup that lets us tow a fifth-wheel like a gooseneck without compromising everyday truck utility.
Our deeper insights setup advice maintenance notes and who this adapter suits best
Deeper insights: This adapter lets us run a single truck for both trailer styles by adapting most standard fifth‑wheel rigs to a 2‑5/16-inch gooseneck ball, freeing up bed space that a large fifth‑wheel hitch would monopolize. The locking coupler offers a full range of motion for smooth hookup and disconnect, and the 15-inch overall height is a sweet spot that helps many trailers sit level without stacking components. Installation is straightforward with all parts and hardware included,but we still treat the first setup like any towing system: measure,test-fit,and verify clearances before committing.
- Setup tips: Confirm a 2‑5/16-inch ball, measure pin box height to maintain a level stance, and dry-fit before tightening.
- Keep rail and tailgate clearance in mind; cycle the suspension to check for contact points.
- After the first haul, recheck fasteners and the coupler latch engagement.
| Spec | Why it matters |
| 30,000 lb tow | Headroom for heavy fifth‑wheels |
| 7,500 lb vertical | Supports pin weight confidently |
| 15″ height | Helps maintain a level trailer |
| Locking coupler | Simple,secure hookup/disconnect |
| Open bed | No bulky hitch to remove |
Maintenance notes & who it suits: We treat the coupler like any high-load connection: clean,inspect,and keep it moving freely. A light film of lube on the ball and latch reduces chatter and wear, and periodic checks help preserve long-term performance. It’s a smart match for drivers who want a clean, usable bed between trips, and for anyone who values simple, hardware-included installation with the confidence of a brand known in RV and towing circles as 1966.
- Best for: Gooseneck-equipped trucks towing fifth‑wheel trailers, from weekend travelers to full-timers.
- Owners wanting easy swaps between trailer types without a permanent fifth‑wheel hitch.
- Users prioritizing quick hookup, full motion, and dependable weight ratings.
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Pros & Cons
In the spirit of “One Truck, Two Trailers,” here’s where the Eaz-Lift 5th Wheel Gooseneck Adapter (30,000 lb tow / 7,500 lb vertical, 15 inches, 48501) shines for us-and where we think twice.
| What we liked | What gave us pause |
|---|---|
| 30,000 lb tow rating inspires confidence | Added leverage can increase stress on pin box/frame-check your trailer’s manual |
| Frees up the bed-no bulky fifth‑wheel hitch rails | Ride quality can be firmer vs.a dedicated fifth‑wheel hitch (possible chucking) |
| Locking coupler with full range of motion makes hookups simple | Short-bed trucks may face cab/bed-rail clearance limits on tight turns |
| Includes all hardware; straightforward install | Requires a 2‑5/16″ gooseneck ball-if you don’t have one, that’s an added cost |
| 15″ overall height keeps setup clean and compact | Fixed height means careful measuring; limited adjustability if your geometry is off |
| One truck can tow both gooseneck and fifth‑wheel trailers | Some manufacturers discourage adapters; warranty implications may apply |
- Pros
- Serious capacity: 30,000 lb tow / 7,500 lb vertical load
- Bed space stays usable for gear, tools, and toys
- Straightforward hookup with a locking 2‑5/16″ coupler and full articulation
- Install-ready out of the box with included parts and hardware
- Lets us run “one truck, two trailers” without swapping massive hitches
- Cons
- Potential for increased frame/pin box stress-verify compatibility and torque specs
- Ride can be less plush than a premium fifth‑wheel hitch
- Clearance and turning radius can be tighter on short-bed setups
- Fixed 15″ height demands accurate measuring before you commit
- Legal and warranty checks: safety chains and manufacturer policies may apply
| Best for | Think twice if |
|---|---|
| Drivers who need bed space and tow multiple trailer types | You want the smoothest possible fifth‑wheel ride |
| Trucks already equipped with a 2‑5/16″ gooseneck ball | Your trailer/manual warns against adapters |
| DIYers comfortable with measuring and torqueing hardware | Your short‑bed setup already struggles with clearance |
Q&A
Q: What does the Eaz-Lift 5th Wheel Gooseneck Adapter actually do?
A: It converts most standard fifth-wheel trailers to connect to a 2-5/16-inch gooseneck ball in the truck bed.For us, that meant one truck could tow both our gooseneck and our fifth-wheel without swapping a giant hitch in and out.
Q: What are the key specs we should know?
A: Tow rating is 30,000 lb with a 7,500 lb vertical load limit, and this model (48501) stands 15 inches tall overall. The coupler is a locking style that attaches to a standard 2-5/16-inch ball.
Q: Will it fit our trailer and truck?
A: If your trailer has a standard fifth-wheel king pin box and your truck has a 2-5/16-inch gooseneck ball, you’re in the right neighborhood. That said, trailer frames and pin boxes vary-always check your trailer manufacturer’s guidance on adapters and frame warranty, and confirm bed/cab clearance on your specific truck.
Q: Is it easy to install?
A: We found the installation straightforward with the included parts and hardware. Plan for careful measuring and torqueing per the manual. Two people make alignment safer and faster.
Q: How does it tow compared to a traditional fifth-wheel hitch?
A: Our ride felt secure, with the usual “ball-and-coupler” feel-slightly more fore-aft tug than a premium fifth-wheel hitch, but nothing unexpected. The big win was having our bed space back when unhitched.
Q: Will this work with a short-bed truck?
A: It can, but pay attention to turning clearance between the trailer nose and your cab. This adapter does not add built-in offset. If you need more room, consider a properly rated offset gooseneck ball (and verify with your trailer maker). Avoid mixing in rotating pin boxes unless specifically approved-many are not compatible with gooseneck adapters.
Q: How do we set the correct height?
A: Start with the adapter’s 15-inch height and your truck’s ball location, then confirm you still have roughly 6 inches of bed-rail clearance and the trailer rides level. You may need to adjust your pin box mounting holes to fine-tune stance.
Q: What about safety chains?
A: Some jurisdictions require chains when towing from a ball. Fifth-wheel trailers don’t always include chain provisions, so check your local laws and your trailer’s setup before you roll.
Q: Does it include everything we need?
A: The kit includes the adapter, locking coupler, and the necessary installation hardware. You’ll provide tools (torque wrench, sockets, etc.) and chassis grease for the ball/coupler.
Q: Any effect on our trailer’s warranty?
A: Possibly. Some trailer and pin box manufacturers restrict or discourage gooseneck adapters due to added leverage on the frame. We called our manufacturer before installing-worth the two-minute phone call.
Q: How secure is the connection?
A: The locking coupler clamps onto the 2-5/16-inch ball and allows full range of motion. We perform a visual latch check, a tug test, and we keep the ball and coupler lightly greased to reduce wear and noise.
Q: What maintenance does it need?
A: Keep the coupler clean and lubricated, inspect hardware torque periodically, and check the ball/coupler for abnormal wear. A quick pre-trip look has become part of our routine.
Q: Can we remove it easily if we change setups?
A: Yes. It bolts to the pin box and can be uninstalled later.We like that it lets the truck bed stay mostly open-no big hitch to wrestle with daily.
Q: Who is this adapter best for?
A: Owners who alternate between fifth-wheel and gooseneck towing and value an open bed.If you’re chasing the absolute smoothest ride or have a sensitive trailer warranty, a traditional fifth-wheel hitch may still be your match.
Q: Final verdict from our driveway?
A: For our “one truck, two trailers” life, the Eaz-Lift 48501 delivered the flexibility we wanted, solid capacity, and a clean bed when unhitched-provided we followed the setup basics and checked compatibility up front.
Experience the Difference
Ultimately, the Eaz-Lift 5th Wheel Gooseneck Adapter does exactly what we wanted from a “one truck, two trailers” setup: it frees the bed, keeps hookups straightforward with a locking 2-5/16-inch coupler, and carries serious capacity (30,000 lb tow, 7,500 lb vertical) in a compact 15-inch profile. For us,the appeal is the flexibility-switching hats between fifth-wheel and gooseneck without lugging a bulky hitch-balanced by the usual caveats to check clearances,confirm compatibility,and mind your weights.
If you’re juggling workdays, weekends, and wide-open miles with the same rig, this adapter slots neatly into that lifestyle. It isn’t a magic wand, but it is indeed a solid, simple way to make one truck do more-exactly the point of our “One Truck, Two Trailers” experiment.
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