Towing With A 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch or Goosebox

Question:

Hello, I just purchase a new GMC 3500HD with a puck system prep for 5th wheel or goose neck. I presently have a 5th wheel however I have been told there are a few advantages to going with a Goose box. My RV is a #16000 Montana. Thank you Lynn

asked by: Lynn E

Expert Reply:

Whenever you tow a 5th wheel trailer with a truck that has less than 8' there is a good chance there may be some clearance issues with turns. Typically a sliding hitch, or a rotating pin box is used to gain clearance and prevent the nose of the trailer from hitting the cab.

A goose box like # RP85FR you referenced is used when you want to tow a 5th wheel trailer with a gooseneck hitch. The main benefit is that there's no adapters needed to hook up and it doesn't put any extra stress on the frame of the trailer. They are cushioned, so they give a nice comfortable ride as well. Another benefit is that when you aren't towing it's much easier to remove the ball and safety chain loops from the truck bed, rather than a 5th wheel hitch.

I think that towing your Montana with a 5th wheel hitch is the way to go since it is set up for that from the factory and you have the option for both a gooseneck and fifth wheel hitch in your truck. A sliding 5th wheel hitch would be the best route, because it will take care of the clearance issues, and it will hook right up to your Montana.

I recommend B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch w/ Slider # BWRVK3775. This is specifically designed to fit directly into the factory puck system, and has a built in slider that will slide the hitch a full 12" to the rear for clearance. It's rated for 20K GTW, and 5K vertical load limit, so it will be plenty for your Montana. B&W are my favorite fifth wheel hitches and are some of the nicest on the market.

If you are going to be converting your trailer with a goosebox then you'll a gooseneck ball and safety chain connections. For a gooseneck ball and safety chain kit that will fit into the puck system on your 2020 GMC 3500 HD I recommend the Curt Ball and Safety Chain Loop Kit # C60692. This will give you a 2 5/16" ball and safety chains to hook up a gooseneck trailer. It has a nice hard carrying case to store everything whenever your not towing, and can be installed or removed extremely quick and easy.

To determine the correct goose box for your trailer, I'll need to know the pin box number, however I linked our selection of gooseboxes for you to check out along with the parts mentioned above and a couple videos.