Can the Ranch Hitch Coupler Adapter # AM3100 be Bolted to the Pin Box Plate
Question:
My fifth wheel is very long and narrow and seems impossible to reach in to place the nuts on the bolts. Its a 2006 255BHS Prowler by Fleetwood. It it acceptable to thread the king pin plate and bolt into just the plate? Please advise
asked by: Dave D
Expert Reply:
Step 8 in the instructions for the Ranch Hitch Universal 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Coupler Adapter # AM3100 states the following:
8) Locate the grade 8 bolts, lock washers, nuts and your drill and bit. There are eight holes drilled in the Ranch Hitch Adapter Base, but only four need to be used. You will be responsible to choose which 4 holes will be used to accept the Grade 8 Bolts; try to evenly spread the load as much as possible. Take care to locate the bolts where they will not interfere with any gusseting that might be inside the pin box. Drill the four holes. Insert the bolts into each hole and secure with a lock washer and nut. Tighten to 55 ft-lbs. Some pin boxes are enclosed and-cannot be accessed for placement of the washers and nuts. In this case, or in any other application, the Grade 8 Bolts can be replaced by 4 one-inch tack welds placed by a certified welder. (NOTE: drilling and tapping the pin box metal to accept the grade 8 bolts will not offer sufficient strength and is not acceptable.)
As you can see from the installation instructions, you should not bolt the adapter just to the plate of your king pin. It is extremely important when dealing with heavier trailer weights to follow all instructions completely to avoid harm to yourself or those around you.

Product Page this Question was Asked From
Ranch Hitch Universal 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Coupler Adapter
- 5th Wheel Gooseneck Adapter
- Adapts Trailer
- Fifth Wheel Trailer to Gooseneck Hitch
- No Offset
- 24000 lbs GTW
- Bolts Over King Pin
- Adjustable Height
- King Pin Adapters
- Andersen
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Video: Feature Breakdown: Ranch Hitch Universal 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Coupler Adapter
- Shop: Ranch Hitch Universal 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Coupler Adapter
- Shop: Safety Chains for Ranch Hitch 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Coupler Adapter
- Shop: Gen-Y Hitch Shock Absorbing 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Pin Box - Lippert Turning Point - 21K - 3.5K TW
- Shop: Gen-Y Hitch Shock Absorbing 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Pin Box - Lippert 1116/1716 - 30K GTW - 4.5K TW
- Video: Review of the Safety Chains for Ranch Hitch 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Coupler Adapter
- Q&A: Why Weld or Bolt On Ranch Hitch Universal 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Coupler Adapter
- Search Results: axle flip kit
- Shop: Curt CrossWing Lightweight 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - 20K
- Search Results: lc373566
- Shop: Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit
- Shop: Gooseneck to 5th Wheel Trailer Coupler Adapter - Square - 30,000 lbs
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Q&A: Towing a 5th Wheel Trailer with a Pop Up Gooseneck Ball in a 2001 Ford Super Duty
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: b&w 5th wheel hitch
- Q&A: How Does Ultra-Fab 2" Trailer Hitch Receiver # UF35-946403 Attach to I-Beam Frame
- Q&A: Bracket Dimensions of Ultra Fab Multi Fit Trailer Hitch # UF35-94603
- Q&A: Will Ultra-Fab RV Trailer Hitch Receiver Extend Past Rear Bumper On Winnebago 2106 Trailer
- Q&A: Dimensions of Mounting Brackets of Ultra-Fab 2" Trailer Hitch part # UF35-946403
- Q&A: Can Andersen Ranch Hitch Install without Welding
- Article: Best 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapters (2023)
- Article: 4 Steps to Choosing Your 5th Wheel Pin Box
- Search Results: gooseneck hitch
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Article: Gooseneck to 5th Wheel Adapters
- Search Results: 5th wheel gooseneck adapter
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Search Results: fifth wheel hitch
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement