Reese goose box on 2020 Raptor 351

KimberDon · 01-19-2021, 09:19 AM

We have a new Raptor 351 and a 2019 F350 short bed. Since we've added a new Polaris Razor 50" trail to our mix, which fits between the wheel wells, I want to replace our 5th wheel hitch with a goose box connection. We're just not up to lifting the 200# 5th hitch in & out. By the measurements, the Reese Goosebox will set the nose of the trailer about 4" further back from the cab than the existing RotaFlex Trailair kingpin. Does anyone have any direct experience with this set-up? We will be replacing a Curt Q20 5th wheel hitch w/slider. Given that the slider certainly creates plenty of turning radius room, I've never actually needed to slide it, so the extra 4" length in the goosebox seems like a very workable approach.

**chuckster57** · 01-19-2021, 02:21 PM

So you want to put the bike in the bed, in front of the goosebox?

**JRTJH** · 01-19-2021, 03:00 PM

I'm not sure where he's planning to put it. My guess is that he's planning to use the truck bed when the hitch is not in place, so he can transport the RZR.

I've got a 2009 RZR "Trail model" LE. It's 102" long and 50" wide. It's not fitting in any pickup bed, even an 8' long bed (with the tail gate closed), and it certainly won't fit in a short bed "in front of the hitch, even a gooseneck hitch.

In my "standard bed F250" it barely fits between the wheelwells in the bed with standard tires and won't fit with "flotation tires" or "sand lug tires". It barely fits with the tail gate down (the rear tires are on the tail gate).

My guess is that he's looking for a lighter hitch that is easier to get in and out of the bed so he can haul the RZR OR hitch the trailer (not at the same time) easier than having to remove the CURT Q20 slider.....

KimberDon · 01-19-2021, 04:09 PM

That's right John. I've already transported the Razor strapped into the truck bed. I want to continue to do so over short distances from camp to off-road areas. Removing the 5th wheel hitch is too much to repeatedly do.

**chuckster57** · 01-19-2021, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KimberDon

That's right John. I've already transported the Razor strapped into the truck bed. I want to continue to do so over short distances from camp to off-road areas. Removing the 5th wheel hitch is too much to repeatedly do.

In that case, I would do it in a heartbeat. Added bonus is the airbag built into the goosebox, should improve the trailer ride too.

KimberDon · 01-19-2021, 05:34 PM

Thanks a lot Chuckster, always appreciate your input.

Mmeyer · 01-19-2021, 06:42 PM

I have a Reese goose box 16k and really like it. It’s really easy to hook up with the help of the bed camera. I installed the b&w hitch and have the 4” off set ball to give me some more space between the cab and the camper. Hope this helps.

KimberDon · 01-20-2021, 10:32 AM

Thanks. I wish I could use an offset ball, but my ball mount is round, so my ball position will be 4" closer to the cab than yours. I'm anxious to see what clearance that gives me.

Mmeyer · 01-20-2021, 10:57 AM

Look at trailer jacks .com they have a round 5" Gooseneck Hitch Offset Extension 2-5/16" or curtis not sure if this will fit a ford or not. I think my turn radius is about 75 degrees now. I also think fords ball to cab measurement has a greater distance than a dodge. hope this helps.

KimberDon · 01-20-2021, 02:41 PM

I'll check that out, thanks.

dahvger · 01-21-2021, 07:49 AM

The easiest way to install the goosebox(and take off king pin) is to lay it on the back of the truck or a sturdy table and use the lift on the trailer to lower it down on the goosebox. Bolt it up and raise it. I don't have any clearence problems in my F450 but then it has an 8' bed. You will love it.

twvette · 01-21-2021, 05:08 PM

I have similar setup with a RAM short bed. Switched to the Goose Box a little under a year ago and its really nice. It was too close for comfort without an offset ball for me, but am good with a 4in offset ball as makes a lot of difference in angle. Was running an Andersen (steel version) for many years prior and really liked it (just wanted an air ride) so that is probably the best option as also fairly easy to get out and best for more offset. I don't have a bed camera so a little tougher to get the Goose Box hitched up but I am also use to an Andersen ball previously so already have a ton of practice, just much lower hitch point now obviously.

MotoDad293 · 02-07-2021, 08:43 PM

I have a 2021 Raptor 351 and a 2021 F350 LB. When I bought the Raptor, I had the selling dealer install the Goosebox 20K. Love it!!

The reason I did this was so when we unhook at camp, I can move dirt bikes from TH garage to the truck to go to a different place to ride. Did not want the hassle of removing and remotely securing a 200#+ kingpin.

With this setup, I am able to haul a 50gallon water tank, pressure washer and 3-4 5 gallon gas jugs along with firewood and other stuff I do not want in the TH.

Very pleased.

Stizzack · 11-29-2021, 07:34 AM

Did they charge you for removing the pin box that was installed? I’m buying a 2021 Raptor 413 this week and the dealership Lakeshore Rv is acting like they don’t do anything at all. They want to just give me the pin box, and said I can buy and install the goose box. I’d like the exact same setup. I also have a 2022 F350 LB coming in a few months.

Brantel · 11-29-2021, 10:33 AM

You say you will gain 4" more clearance vs the Rotoflex nose to cab.

I had a Rotoflex on my rig and switched to the GB. I did not gain any clearance or if I did it was minimal. In my case I would have loved to have more open tailgate to 5er clearance and that did not happen.

Not sure your gonna gain any useable clearance from nose to cab.

**chuckster57** · 11-29-2021, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stizzack

Did they charge you for removing the pin box that was installed? I’m buying a 2021 Raptor 413 this week and the dealership Lakeshore Rv is acting like they don’t do anything at all. They want to just give me the pin box, and said I can buy and install the goose box. I’d like the exact same setup. I also have a 2022 F350 LB coming in a few months.

Welcome to the forum

Every dealership is different so it’s hard to say, but the ones I worked at charged 1hr labor to swap out pin boxes.

Stizzack · 11-30-2021, 06:26 PM

Thank you Chuckster! I appreciate it. Looking forward to talking to all you fine folks about the new 5th wheel. I can’t wait to get it. I’ve never owned one before, only a smaller camper. Love everything about it!

haulinit · 06-30-2022, 02:25 PM

I have a 2021 Fuzion 428 that I’m seriously thinking about putting a Reese gooseneck on. Do they help with chucking?

Haulinit
Aka The Monster McMansion

bsmith0404 · 06-30-2022, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuckster57

Welcome to the forum

Every dealership is different so it’s hard to say, but the ones I worked at charged 1hr labor to swap out pin boxes.

Same with the one I worked at. The service, parts, and sales departments were all separate entities within the scheme of things. Service would charge the sales side for any add on work, sales would charge the customer. It was very common for the sales manager to confirm with the parts manager what the charge would be. Saw every single thing they did on my commission report.

gearhead · 07-01-2022, 04:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by haulinit

I have a 2021 Fuzion 428 that I’m seriously thinking about putting a Reese gooseneck on. Do they help with chucking?

Haulinit
Aka The Monster McMansion

I don't have any chucking.

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