Reese Goosebox

I've used the Reese Goosebox since fall of 2012. The only issue I have is I have to put air in the air bag every time I use it. The relieve valves on the air bags sometimes have a slow leak in them. Trailer rides just fine. Got caught on the edge of a tornado last year and it behaved better than some semi's I've driven.

Last time I talked to Lippert they talked about offering it as OEM.

According to Reese since it's an RV and built to some standard (can't remember the numbers) 5th wheel rules apply and chains are not required. Since I have spare hole in my "pin box wings" I was thinking about adding a set just to avoid any discussions with law enforcement.

My Goose Box is mounted in the bottom holes. When it as not, the ends of the "wings" on the pin box mounting brackets would get too close to my bed rails for comfort. In the bottom holes I have plenty of clearance.

I'd check your local laws before believing Reese. Some simply state "all ball style hitches require safety chains". Whatever they do to dampen the movements that can damage the frame, the connection to the tow vehicle is still a standard ball hitch.
(some locations it affects the ability to double tow as the primary connection cannot be a ball hitch).

Had I known about the Goose Box before grabbing the Andersen altimate, I would have been all over that Goose Box!!! No fifth wheel hitch to drag out of the box to use the full box, althought the Andersen is about 60lbs...that Goose box looks pretty sweet!! I pull goose necks for work and paly with the fifth wheel on days off, so hooking up safety chains is nothing. Adding safety chains to the Goose Box wouldn't kill the deal for me.

some locations it affects the ability to double tow as the primary connection cannot be a ball hitch).

Transportation Alberta:

Two trailers can only be towed if the lead is a fifth wheel trailer with at least two axles in tandem. (length of TV and first trailer to a max of 20m)


No rules on what one uses for a hitch for the fifth wheel trailer .

No specified rules on safety chain requirements for RV trailers in Alberta either. must correct this 0-2 chains, 0 if fifth wheel, 1 for other,, 2 is recommended but not required.

BC requires one safety chain for RV trailers.

I've never heard someone giving up a B&W companion for any reason none, zip nada. Lets see here, a 5th wheel hitch is pretty simple to back into, straight shot first time every time. Now you bring a ball into the equation not to mention chains which 5er's don't need.
Sounds like your retired and have plenty of time my freind. Believe me my GN is never a back under 1st try ever ( can't see it) . Same with the boat although it has a wheel to cheat or move around at bit.
IMO your trailer emergency brake switch is much safer and eaiser than safety chains.

All goosenecks require safety chains in VA. Only 5th wheels can be towed without them.

No rules on what one uses for a hitch for the fifth wheel trailer .

A fifth wheel trailer uses a fifth wheel hitch. If it is converted to a gooseneck then it is considered a gooseneck trailer. The term "fifth wheel" is refering to the hitch type, not what the rest of the trailer looks like. Big truck trailers could be flat bed, box car, tanker,etc... but all are considered fifth wheel.

45Ricochet wrote:
I've never heard someone giving up a B&W companion for any reason none, zip nada. Lets see here, a 5th wheel hitch is pretty simple to back into, straight shot first time every time. Now you bring a ball into the equation not to mention chains which 5er's don't need.
Sounds like your retired and have plenty of time my freind. Believe me my GN is never a back under 1st try ever ( can't see it) . Same with the boat although it has a wheel to cheat or move around at bit.
IMO your trailer emergency brake switch is much safer and eaiser than safety chains.

x2. The simplicity is intriguing but the execution isn't.

Supreme Oppressor wrote:

No rules on what one uses for a hitch for the fifth wheel trailer .

A fifth wheel trailer uses a fifth wheel hitch. If it is converted to a gooseneck then it is considered a gooseneck trailer. The term "fifth wheel" is refering to the hitch type, not what the rest of the trailer looks like. Big truck trailers could be flat bed, box car, tanker,etc... but all are considered fifth wheel.

He's referring to the BACK of the 5th wheel trailer for the connection to the second trailer.

We considered this hitch when first getting our FW but it was backordered so we went B&W companion. The reason for consideration was that it would allow for clean bed without heavy hitch removal and according to dealer, it was covered under manufacturer warranty of the frame. We watched the videos of the hitch at the dealer and were impressed. Had it not been backordered, it would be what we are using. We have no problems whatsoever with the B&W but DH has a bad shoulder and usually needs help removing the hitch. One of our grown sons usually does it for him. The hitch comes out after ever trip because he pulls gooseneck trailers regularly. Some say it takes more than one try to hook up a gooseneck...he usually hits it spot on first try. He is 50 years old and has been pulling gooseneck trailers since before he was legally old enough to drive. Everything from cattle trailers to flatbeds. I guess it is really all in what you are used to. I don't see us spending the money to switch hitches now but when our new shop/RV storage is built (within the next few months) we will have a hoist installed for easy removal of the hitch. Even though we haven't personally used the goosebox, I still believe they are a great alternative to the B&W and our dealer sure did like them and claimed to have sold a lot of them. He was who suggested the hitch to us in the first place.