Recommended Pin Box For 5th Wheel Trailer Towed By 2008 Chevrolet Silverado With Gooseneck

Question:

I am torn between deciding on which one. I was set on the companion but then read about the Reese Goose Box. I currently run the ranch hitch gooseneck adapter onto a turn over ball hitch in the truck bed. Very solid but a rough tiring ride. My truck bed has the Rigid bed - liner in it so not sure how the companion would set on all of those ridges. Im not seeing how the companion is a comfortable ride like I have been reading in reviews. Are the pin boxes of the airborne quality with air bags and shocks. It just seems it would be somewhat rigid and rough where as the Reese Goose Box with the airborne technology built into the pin box cushions the chucking, up and down and side to side. I could continue to use the BandW turnover ball hitch and spend less on the Reese Goose Box vs. The companion and a 5th airborne pin box. What are your thoughts? Can you convince me one over the other? Also my 5th wheel is over 14,000 lbs loaded. My truck is a 2008 Chevy Silverado 3500HD dually

asked by: Robert N

Expert Reply:

Using any adapter to tow your fifth wheel trailer with a gooseneck hitch can create more torque and create a rougher ride like you said you are experiencing. While replacing your pin box with a 5th Airborne would eliminate a lot of the chucking you have, you would also be adding another component like the Companion, part # BWRVK3500. I have attached a link to our page for replacement fifth wheel pin boxes you can check out. Choosing the correct one depends on the pin box you have on your trailer.

Since you already have the turnover ball hitch in your truck bed the best adapter that will offer the smoothest ride and best connection is the Reese Goose Box. I recommend item # RP85FR If your 5th wheel trailer has a Lippert 0719, 1621, 1621HD, or Fabex PB-600 Series pin box.

If the trailer has a Lippert 0115, 1116 or 1716, use # RP94716-61301.

The Goose Box requires replacing the trailer pin box and it is approved by Lippert so it will not void the warranty on compatible trailers.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L