Will Reese Goose Box Resolve Severe Chucking When Towing Fifth Wheel

Question

Question:

I am pulling a Montana Mountaineer 290 RLT with a 97 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4 ext cab long box with the cummins engine. I currently am experiencing significant almost violent at times chucking and vertical lurching in the tow vehicle. The hitch being used is a Pullrite 2600 attached to a BandW underbed gooseneck. There currently is no dampening hitch pin solution and I am considering the goose box solution. The trailer GVWR is 13,865 with a dry weight of 9870. I have several questions, first would you see the goose box as a contender solution, and if so, which size would you recommend given the described conditions above. Is the 16k sufficient or would the 20k provide better adverse ride attenuation? I believe the trailer currently has a Lippert 1716 but could use help confirming that. I would also like to talk to a 5th wheel hitch and ride expert if possible.

asked by: Gary E

0

Expert Reply:

If you are experience excessive chucking the Reese Goose Box # RP94716-61301 is a great option because it has both an air bag and shock absorbers and is designed to heavily reduce the amount of back and forth shock (chucking) as well as up and down shock you are currently experiencing.

It also completely removes one of the other factors that could be coming into play, which is a hitch with a loose jaw system or a worn-down king pin. Either (or both) of these things could be a factor in the violent chucking and jarring which is occurring, and a Goose Box takes them out of the equation.

To confirm the pin box you currently have, take a look at it and you should be able to find a sticker or stamp that has the pin box number on it. For a Lippert 1716, 0115, or 1116 the Reese Goose Box # RP94716-61301, which has a 16,000 lb capacity, would be sufficient for your trailer with a 13,865 lb GVWR. A higher-rated Goose Box will not positively affect the ride

If you do find you have a different pin box here is the other Goose Box and the models it work with:

- Reese Goose Box # RP85FR (20,000 lb capacity): Lippert 1621, 1621HD, and 0719 pin boxes as well Lippert 1716, though 1716 does require Spacer Kit # RP61301

I've added links to video reviews of the Goose Boxes for you to check out.

expert reply by: Kyle S

0

Answer 1

The 19.2 inch measurement on the Reese Goose Box, #RP85FR, is from the bottom of the ball pocket to the center of the lowest mounting hole. See the image at right. The ball pocket will go on your gooseneck hitch.

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Answer 2

There are four basic types of adapters that can allow a goose neck hitch to pull a 5th wheel trailer. The best option for you will depend on how often you will tow the trailer in this manner. Some of these devices will place additional stress on…

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Answer 3

At just 1 inch of clearance it isn't nearly enough for your trailer. You really need about 4 inches or more to allow for the full travel of the suspension. There are a few reasons I can think of on why this would happen. First, it is…

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Answer 4

It would appear that you have a 1621 pin box. The best way to verify this is by measuring the bolt holes dimensions for the pin box to the trailer. This pin box has vertical holes spaced 2" on center and horizontal holes spaced…

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Answer 5

You will have to go with a sliding hitch to allow the trailer to make tight turns. For a trailer 8 feet wide the only bed length that's going to allow 90 degree turns without a slider is a stationary hitch. That being said you have two…

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Answer 6

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion…

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Answer 7

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 8

Great question, Jeff! When the Rota-Flex first came out it renovated what a pin box could do and be, but at this point in time that technology is a little more dated and the Gen-Y Hitch Shock Absorbing 5th Wheel Pin Box #325-GH-8040 is the…

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Answer 9

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 10

I spoke with my contact at Trailair and from your serial number we were able to determine that your trailer came with a 1621 HD pin box which is a long pin box style. I was unable to obtain the exact part number for your Trailair pin box but from…

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Answer 11

Choosing the right height setting for your 5th wheel hitch is a combination of a few different variables. First of all you want your towing setup to be as level as possible. With your Montana High Country 340BH level you will want to measure from the…

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Answer 12

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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