Forum Discussion
- Dayle1Explorer II
Rocking B wrote:
We picked up our Grand Design today and installed a Reese Goose Box on it. It pulls great. It's made heavier than the pin box that came on it. Thanks for all the information it helped me make a good choice.
Just remember it isn't strength of the pin box that might be an issue. It is strength of the trailer frame that in most cases is hidden. Doesn't matter if the hitch is fiver or gooseneck and doesn't really matter what the dealer or manufacturer say. You can still have problems with the trailer frame on any rig due to combination of design, welding and road conditions. So just watch out for frame flex that may show up after warranty is over. - Rocking_BExplorerWe picked up our Grand Design today and installed a Reese Goose Box on it. It pulls great. It's made heavier than the pin box that came on it. Thanks for all the information it helped me make a good choice.
- garyp4951Explorer IIIThey only make the Reese Goosebox for Lippert 1621, or 1716 at this time, and all the reviews I've read were good. I have not seen one in person, so I can't comment on the quality of the construction.
If they made one to fit my 5er it would be very tempting, and I could quit using a hoist every time I have to install the hitch. - EndrickenExplorerSorry you bought a Reese Goosebox.
Mine lasted less than a year, as a massive pothole in West Texas broke my frame while using it.
Reese wouldn't replace the bent Goosebox (no longer usable) within the 1 year warranty - not their fault?....
Was glad to replace it the Star Performance adapter.
The Reese Goosebox airbag lost air after almost every tow as its pressure relief valve (only 45? PSI) would "puff" air out and refilling it was VERY slow via the "straw" like hose they supply - even with an air compressor.
Also they suggest you grease the coupler with every tow using the grease zerk on it.
WAY TOO MUCH Maintenance! And failed to protect my Fiver as promised.
Hope you have better luck! - Rocking_BExplorerI called GD today and they agree on the Reese Goose Box but said I needed to call Lippert so I called and that's what they recommend for gooseneck towing but they couldn't tell me what wings were on my chassis with out the serial number on the pin box. So the one we bought was at another dealer ship and its in route now so I have to wait until it gets here to order one. Thanks for all the information.
- gkainzExplorerjust for clarification ... there are "goose neck adapters" which extend the 5th kingpin leg down to the goose neck ball, which add additional torque on the 5th wheel frame. Those tend to void the frame mfg warranties.
Then there are other hitches which really are not "goose neck adapters" (Andersen, Reese, B&W) which attach to the goose neck ball, but raise the mounting point up to the 5th king pin, and do not add additional torque to the 5th frame. Those are generally accepted by the frame mfg and may not void the warranties.
I have the Andersen Ultimate and couldn't be happier. Coupled with the goose neck turn over ball, I have a flat, empty bed when not towing, retain the goose neck ball for GN trailers, and have a very easy hitch to move about for 5ers. - Wild_CardExploreruse the Reese goose box or Andersen Ultimate to convert to gooseneck, do not use one of the clamp on adapters
- Rocking_BExplorerThanks everyone for the replies, I have 4 other trailers we use on the farm and they are all gooseneck so I was hoping a adapter wouldn't void the warranty or cause any issues since the GD 28BH is a light trailer. We pulled the trigger on it today and bought it so I will research the boxes and hitches mentioned in the post's.
- 2008WildcatExplorerPersonally, I would use the Reese Goosebox because it gives you the airbag to help take the shock out of towing.
- laknoxNomad
Poppy's 5th Wheel wrote:
GD does use Lippert frames and components. Lippert will only warranty their frames if you use the Reese Goose Box which should work perfectly for you.
Personally, I'd use the Andersen, as the hitch point is still much closer to the plane of the king pin, which is how the frames are "engineered", if that's what you call it.
Lyle
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