Do 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapters Place Additional Stress on Trailer Frame

Updated 03/19/2024 | Published 04/26/2015

Question:

I here it puts stress on trailer hitch and breaks frames of trailer. any comments? That is fifth wheel to goose neck adapters.

asked by: Rick

Expert Reply:

Yes, it is true that most types of 5th wheel to gooseneck adapters will cause stresses on the trailer's frame and in some instances may actually void the warranty on the trailer frame. However, there is one type of 5th wheel to gooseneck adapter that does NOT place any extra stress on the coach's frame and that will NOT void your frame warranty. That type of adapter is called a Goosebox, made by Reese.

A Goosebox such as # RP85FR is a replacement pin box that bolts on in place of your 5th wheel trailer's existing pin box and allows the trailer to be directly coupled to the gooseneck ball without placing any extra stress on the trailer frame. In fact, Lippert Components, the maker of 90% of 5th wheel trailer frames, endorses only this type of adapter. A Goosebox is more costly than an adapter like the Rapid Hitch # AM3139 but for long term use it is the way to go. The Rapid Hitch and similar adapters are fine for occasional or one-time short-distance towing, but for the long term the Goosebox will deliver far superior ride quality and safety.

The linked article gives you great background on adapters in general and will help you check to see if your pin box has a direct bolt-on replacement Goosebox made to fit in its place.

expert reply by: Adam R

Ken H.

3/18/2024

In your response you only refer to Goosebox by Reese. My question is will the Gen Y conversion work as well as the Reese? It is a complete Goosebox conversion also.

Mike L.

3/19/2024

@KenH The Gen-Y works really well but it hasn't been endorsed by Lippert. If your rig is still under warranty, you'll want to go with the Reese Goosebox. The Goosebox is approved by Lippert for use with their frames so there won't be any warranty implications.