Reese goose box

[pressure_welder]

Good morning hope all is well.

I recently just came across this newish? product from reese, and I must say it has me very intrigued especially since it seems its one of the first products endorsed by Lippert and dosent void warrenties. We have a 2015 ram 3500 dually, and just last summer moved upto a 2018 montana high country 305RL from our Laredo. Iam also running a B&W companion fifth wheel hitch with oem prep, I must say I love this hitch but I do just about everything I can to avoid removing it from the truck because its so heavy. Iam just curious as to who may have made this switch over to the goose box? seems like a very smart move, comes with air bag, eliminates the need for fifth wheel hitch, and you can remove the gooseneck ball in seconds and have a flat bed. Ive always preferred gooseneck when towing because I feel its a much stronger connection, but again have never had issue with my B&W. About the only downside I do see is the fact its slightly harder to hook up on your own. One concern I do have is bedrail clearance with the goose box? it looks to me that it would extend down into the bed far more than a conventional pin box so as to still provide the 5-6" needed at the bedrails. I am sure the " high-rise ball " would also help with that issue. Also seems like a much cheaper avenue to go, once selling the B&W should actually make a couple dollars. Not sure about in the states but the B&W was almost 2400$ here in Canada after tax, whereas the goose box is about 1600 CDN. Anyway... looking to see some opinions!

thanks!

[TXiceman]

Second Chance wrote:
The only reason that the GooseBox is approved by Lippert and doesn't void Lippert frame warranties is that Lippert and Reese are in bed together ($$). I'm still not fond of it from an engineering point of view (read up on levers and torsion). The product has been around a while, though, and I have not read of any failures on any of the four forums I frequent - but that's just anecdotal evidence.

Rob

As a retired mechanical engineer, this does not look like a good idea. We have one friend that bought a 1 year old used trailer with the Goose Box and he said it had a horrible ride, no matter what the air pressure. He remove it and went to a Mor/Ryde pin box and was a happy camper.

Ken

[pressure_welder]

Second Chance wrote:
The only reason that the GooseBox is approved by Lippert and doesn't void Lippert frame warranties is that Lippert and Reese are in bed together ($$). I'm still not fond of it from an engineering point of view (read up on levers and torsion). The product has been around a while, though, and I have not read of any failures on any of the four forums I frequent - but that's just anecdotal evidence.

Rob

Well in bed or not, the fact that your frame warranty isn't void while using this system is all that really matters. I will fully agree that previous fifth wheel to gooseneck adapters screamed leverage on the pin box super structure. About the only downside I see if it is even one is the smaller contact surface as compared to a fifth wheel plate. But in reality this is true with all gooseneck applications and a ball connection characteristically has a much higher rating. I think I may throw up the b&w for sale and test the waters. Again I absolutely LOVE this hitch but this goose box seems like an excellent setup

[Second_Chance]

The only reason that the GooseBox is approved by Lippert and doesn't void Lippert frame warranties is that Lippert and Reese are in bed together ($$). I'm still not fond of it from an engineering point of view (read up on levers and torsion). The product has been around a while, though, and I have not read of any failures on any of the four forums I frequent - but that's just anecdotal evidence.

Rob

[mowermech]

I googled it, and it looks interesting.
However, I see no provisions for safety chains. I don't know what the laws are in your state or province, but here in Montana (and many other states) any ball hitch is required by law to have safety chains. Just a guess on my part, but it would seem that the Reese Goose Box hitch would be illegal unless safety chains are added.
Just something to think about...