Max trailer and pin weight for a Reese Goosebox

[MarkEHansen]

We are considering moving up to a 5th wheel trailer and we're trying to determine whether we can use the Reese Goose box.

Leaving aside for this discussion the question of payload capacity (I promise I will be considering that later), I see by looking at my truck's OM, the max weight of the 5th wheel/Gooseneck hitch is 5,500 lbs. The maximum trailer weight is 23,300 lbs.

The question is around the limits on the Reese Goose box. Looking at it's specs, it shows a capacity of 20,000 lbs and a max pin weight of 4,000 lbs.

The trailer we're considering has a GVWR of 18,000 lbs. This is within the 20,000 lbs limit of the Goose Box, but when I estimate the pin weight of this trailer, I get this:

• At 20% of 18,000, we get 4,000 lbs
• At 25% of 18,000, we get 5,000 lbs

Seems like the hitch really isn't made for a trailer this big. Am I reading this wrong?

Is there a gooseneck option which would work for an 18,000lb trailer?

[notanlines]

There is not a Reese product that you can exceed 4000 box weight. Maybe you can ask owners of the particular RV what their loaded pin weight is.
I would probably go this route if this is your required hitch: https://www.etrailer.com/Gooseneck-a...ch/GY36FR.html

[MarkEHansen]

Hmmm, I hadn't considered another manufacturer. Thanks for that link. I'll look into it.

[JDDilly]

If you go that way, only the Reese Goose Box is approved by Lippert for frame warranty, anything else will void the warranty.

[MarkEHansen]

According to the e-trailer site, this will not void the trailer warranty. Definitely something I want to check with the trailer and/or frame manufacturer though.

[chuckster57]

Read the attachment in the first post. I know the thread is about Anderson, but the memo is fairly explicit
https://www.keystoneforums.com/forum...light=Goosebox

[MarkEHansen]

Thanks, Chuckster57. My proposed 5th wheel trailer is not a Keystone. I do plan to check with the trailer and/or frame manufacturer though.

[JDDilly]

Most frames for RVs are made by Lippert, so this applies to most brands. Something more to be aware of as you look at
RVs.

[gearhead]

Look at a Gen Y. Much higher pin weight capacity. Our 5th is 18,000 GVW and I'm usually at 17,500. My pin weight has been 4100 the two times I weighed fully loaded.
I occasionally wish I had gone to the Gen Y, but the Goosebox has been great.
Weigh your truck when very empty, then weigh your 5th when very empty and save the scale ticket.

[sourdough]

Originally Posted by MarkEHansen

Thanks, Chuckster57. My proposed 5th wheel trailer is not a Keystone. I do plan to check with the trailer and/or frame manufacturer though.

I believe I read that Lippert will not warrant the Gen-Y on their frames. They would be the ones to contact. Also, it doesn't matter if it's a Keystone or not, Lippert is used on many/most RVs and they will be the ones that will or won't authorize warranty repairs. Just be sure and double check with them if the warranty is important to you.

[MarkEHansen]

Yeah, I think I've been talked out of the goose neck anyway. I think we'll be looking at the B&W Companion 5th-Wheel hitch instead. The two reasons I was considering the goose neck are both non-issues anyway, so no need to continue down that path

[travelin texans]

Originally Posted by MarkEHansen

Yeah, I think I've been talked out of the goose neck anyway. I think we'll be looking at the B&W Companion 5th-Wheel hitch instead. The two reasons I was considering the goose neck are both non-issues anyway, so no need to continue down that path

You'll be very satisfied with the B&W!

[chuckster57]

Originally Posted by travelin texans

You'll be very satisfied with the B&W!

I agree, it is an excellent hitch.

[CUTiger80]

If you are a Facebook user, I would suggest joining the Reese Goosebox FB group. You will get answers to any Goosebox question there.
I have been very pleased with my Goosebox. Went from an Andersen to the Goosebox.

[wiredgeorge]

Originally Posted by CUTiger80

If you are a Facebook user, I would suggest joining the Reese Goosebox FB group. You will get answers to any Goosebox question there.
I have been very pleased with my Goosebox. Went from an Andersen to the Goosebox.

Not sure there is any 3/4 ton on the planet capable of the payload for a 16,600 lb 5th wheel. What is the payload sticker say sir?

[xrated]

B&W Companion for the Win!......



I have the 25K version of the Companion, but they also make a 20K version. My Toy Hauler has a 20K GVWR and the pin will be over 4000 lbs at times...so I went with the larger one for my application.