5th Wheel Trailer Frame Stress from Using Gooseneck Adapters

Question:

Have you ever had any problems with the forward frame of a 5th wheel trailer coming apart from installing a goosenck adapter to a pin box and of course using the gooseneck ball to tow? Seems like a lot more stress is happening with that, but I could be wrong. Thx.

asked by: Gary

Expert Reply:

There are different types of 5th wheel/gooseneck adapters that do introduce different levels of stress in a 5th wheel trailer's frame. Some trailer makers may caution against use of certain types of adapters for this reason. The frame warranty may be voided in some conditions.

The linked article on adapters explains the available types and includes information about the one type that adds no additional stress to the trailer frame, the replacement pin box type called a Goose Box, from Reese. The linked page will display the three such items we offer which are direct bolt-on replacements for several popular pin boxes.

On each item's page we list the specific pin boxes that it can replace. For instance, part # RP85FR fits in place of Lippert pin box models 1621, 1621HD and 0719. You can find your pin box number on your pin box and compare it to those that these three products fit to find out if one is compatible.

expert reply by: Adam R