Does Using an Offset Gooseneck Ball Change where the Pin Weight is Carried in the Truck Bed

Question

Question:

I have a 2015 Silverado 2500 HD short bed towing a 33foot 5th wheel using a Reese Goose Box. By moving the ball back 4inch will this effect the weight of the trailer on the ball being 4inch further back from the rear axle? Or does the pin weight remain where the ball was normally? Thank you,

asked by: Wayne

0

Expert Reply:

If you were to use the 4 inch offset ball # BWGNXA4085 the pin weight on the ball will not be changed. What will change is where the weight is carried on the truck. Using the offset ball will put more weight 4 inches back from the center of the gooseneck ball hole in the truck bed.

This may or may not affect the truck. Some things that could happen include reduced steering and braking and headlights angled upward. If the weight is far enough behind the rear axle it can lift the front of the truck a little which is what causes these things to happen. If that does occur then I recommend adding some helper springs, # TGMRCK25D, to your 2015 Chevy Silverado 2500 which will help alleviate those issues.

expert reply by: Michael H

0

Quade

10/16/2024

How does it move the weight back if the ball is elevated and still coupled in the same connection point?

Bryce D.

10/16/2024

@Quade Because the weight is resting on the hitch ball which is 4" from where the hitch is dropped in.

Quade

10/16/2024

@BryceD but the ball is elevated and pinned in the same place as the original ball in turn transfers the weight to the square tube not directly under the new ball. So far we’ve not found that it shifts the weight. I’m still weighing and checking but so far I’ve seen no reel transfer of weight any farther to the rear of the truck and I’m running a long extender to keep our horse trailer off the glass.

Paul

3/9/2025

@Quade I have a similar set up and question. I think the answer is not that simple and requires an answer by the hitch designer. If you offset the ball by 4" it still has the same down force but it also puts a torque on it. For example, my trailer has a 2850lb hitch weight it still applies 2850lb on the hitch, but there is an added torque on the hitch (2850x4/12= 950 ft-lbs). That would be eqv. to a 200lb person hanging on a 4.75ft arm off of the hitch. Can the hitch handle the offset torque, I am not sure? It probably can, but over time it could fatigue, again need the hitch designer to answer. Technically the hitch weight would be reduced by about 25lb because of the added length but it is negligible really. If you add in a 10" offset on the gooseneck it would reduce the weight further without adding load or torque to the hitch, maybe about 90lbs, but still not much difference.

Answer 1

Hey Jeff! The MORryde GooseTech 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Pin Box #MR97MV comes with a Demco eZ-Latch. The best option for a lock is the InfiniteRule Lock for Cast Demco eZ-Latch Trailer Couplers #IR66FR. This is designed to for a standard coupler but…

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Answer 2

While there isn't an air ride suspension upgrade for your gooseneck with tandem 12,000 lb axles, and the SumoSprings with a 5k rating would get smooshed under such a heavy load, there is one option, from Timbren: - Timbren Trailer Suspension…

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Answer 3

Hey Jeff, we can definitely help! But first off thanks for all of the info you listed as that makes getting you exactly what you are looking for a lot easier. Based on that I would highly recommend the MORryde GooseTech part #MR74MV which is correct…

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Answer 4

Hey Jeremy, With an 8' bed you should not need an offset ball as there's more than enough space to make a 90 degree turn. The B&W Ball and Safety Chain Kit for Ram Underbed Gooseneck Trailer Hitch #BWGNXA2062 you were looking at is for…

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Answer 5

If you're towing most of the time then I would go with the Timbren Rear Suspension Enhancement System #TGMRCK25D. These will provide the most support for your 2020 GMC Sierra 2500 while towing your 5th wheel. If you're more concerned about…

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Answer 6

The Replacement Brushed Chrome Brackets for AirrForce RV Ceiling Fan with Light - Qty 4 #277-000399 does match the 1-1/2" and 3-7/16" measurements provided, so you can use these on your ceiling fan. If you also need new fan blades, the…

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Answer 7

It sure is Bill and thanks for the pictures! The Andersen Aluminum Ultimate 5th Wheel Connection 2 Gooseneck version item #3220 will indeed work with the basic model Lippert Rhino pin boxes. The Kingpin Coupler Block is going to attach directly to…

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Answer 8

Hey Rob! You can actually use either one, but my recommendation would be the Custom Underbed Installation Kit for B&W Companion 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches #BWGNRK1320-5W. B&W makes some of the best hitches available, and the Turnoverball is no…

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Answer 9

Hi Ray! The MORryde GooseTech 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Pin Box for 11.5K to 14K Trailers #MR74MV can definitely be used in a short bed 3/4 ton pickup, like your 2024 Ram 2500. Just be aware that not all trailers have a tapered nose and you may not get…

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Answer 10

Hi Eric, I reached out to MORryde directly and they sent me the schematics for the GooseTech boxes. They all have the same dimensions but are rated for different weights based on differences in their internal rubber spring component. From the top of…

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Answer 11

Hey Henrick, yes I can help you out with finding a good solar panel for the Rich Solar Alpha 1 Pro Lithium Battery #RS74VR. First let's do some quick math based on your electronics: A 12V fridge (60W × 10 hours) = 600Wh LED lights, fan,…

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Answer 12

While the Convert-A-Ball Cushioned 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Adapter w/ Offset #CAB-C5GX1216 is compatible with the 4" Offset Ball #BWGNXA4685 do note this will void your chassis warranty and possibly any other warranties on your 5th wheel camper.…

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Does Using an Offset Gooseneck Ball Change where the Pin Weight is Carried in the Truck Bed

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