If you were outfitting a new long bed pickup to tow a fifthwheel camper would you buy a nice fifthwheel hitch and spend the money instead on a Reese goosebox and ball combo? I’m liking the goosebox idea because removing just a ball doesn’t involve any heavy lifting. What are the pros and cons of both?

the only negatives I have heard with the Reese Goosebox is... having to add air to the airbag often, you have to raise the trailer higher when connecting/disconnecting to clear the ball and a litter harder to line up when hitching. If your truck has the optional air ride...like on the Ram...you can use that to lower the truck to make hitching easier.I'm sure there is more....just wait for it :W

Learjet wrote:the only negatives I have heard with the Reese Goosebox is... having to add air to the airbag often, you have to raise the trailer higher when connecting/disconnecting to clear the ball and a litter harder to line up when hitching. If your truck has the optional air ride...like on the Ram...you can use that to lower the truck to make hitching easier.I'm sure there is more....just wait for it :WIf you have to frequently add air to airbag does that mean that it leaks down and you are likely to have damaged your rig by not having enough bed rail clearance?

I think "add air to the air bag often" depends on your definition of often. I don't have the Goosebox, but do have a 5th Airborne air ride pin box with an air bag. And I add a little air at the first of each season and am generally good for the year.

The "add air to airbag" was an issue with loose fitting(s) letting air out. Once they tightened the fitting up, all was good. This has not been a problem on their second generation.If/when we move up to 5th wheel, the Goosebox is high on my list for the same reasons as the OP.YMMV. Good luck.//KMac

Goosebox vs. fifthwheel | Good Sam Community

BB_TX
Nomad
Sep 06, 2019
Only negative to the chains is having to reach into the bed to hook them.
Huntindog
Explorer
Sep 06, 2019
Me Again wrote:
Because it is a ball hitch many states require safety chains. Weight-be-dammed I would get a B&W puck mounted hitch.
Just curious.. What is the negative on safety chains?

I am considering this myself for our upcoming TH.

The thought of simply removing a ball, to get my bed back is very appealing.
Me_Again
Explorer III
Sep 05, 2019
Because it is a ball hitch many states require safety chains. Weight-be-dammed I would get a B&W puck mounted hitch.
kmac7800
Explorer
Sep 05, 2019
The "add air to airbag" was an issue with loose fitting(s) letting air out. Once they tightened the fitting up, all was good. This has not been a problem on their second generation.

If/when we move up to 5th wheel, the Goosebox is high on my list for the same reasons as the OP.

YMMV. Good luck.

//KMac
BB_TX
Nomad
Sep 05, 2019
I think "add air to the air bag often" depends on your definition of often. I don't have the Goosebox, but do have a 5th Airborne air ride pin box with an air bag. And I add a little air at the first of each season and am generally good for the year.
Charlie_D_
Explorer
Sep 05, 2019
deleted
Groover
Explorer II
Sep 05, 2019
Learjet wrote:
the only negatives I have heard with the Reese Goosebox is... having to add air to the airbag often, you have to raise the trailer higher when connecting/disconnecting to clear the ball and a litter harder to line up when hitching. If your truck has the optional air ride...like on the Ram...you can use that to lower the truck to make hitching easier.

I'm sure there is more....just wait for it :W

If you have to frequently add air to airbag does that mean that it leaks down and you are likely to have damaged your rig by not having enough bed rail clearance?
Learjet
Explorer
Sep 05, 2019
the only negatives I have heard with the Reese Goosebox is... having to add air to the airbag often, you have to raise the trailer higher when connecting/disconnecting to clear the ball and a litter harder to line up when hitching. If your truck has the optional air ride...like on the Ram...you can use that to lower the truck to make hitching easier.

I'm sure there is more....just wait for it :W

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