Will Using a Reese Goose Box Provide Enough Height Clearance Between Truck and Trailer

Updated 08/31/2015 | Published 08/30/2015

Question:

2012 F-350, long bed DRW, BandW turnover ball installed. Im looking at the 20,000 lb Goosebox for towing my triple axel 5th wheel. Im currently using a companion 3500, and Im constantly removing and reinstalling the companion, which is just too heavy for this old guy. With the companion, I have about 6-7inch of bed to camper clearance. How much clearance will I have with the Goosebox? Will I need the BandW 1inch taller ball? Thanks!

asked by: Dave B

Expert Reply:

First, you should not have to have a taller ball to use a Reese Goose Box. It couples to a standard 2-5/16 inch ball. The Goose Box measures 19.2 inches from the center of the lowest front bolt hole down to the bottom of the coupler that couples to the ball. Compare this to your current set up. You need 5 or 6 inches between the tops of the bed sides and the bottom of the 5th wheel trailer overhang. If you determine a taller ball is needed you could use one.

Regarding the horizontal clearance on Goose Box # RP85FR the distance from the center of the first row of bolt holes to the center of the ball cavity is 17-3/4 inches. Compare this to your current set up to determine horizontal clearance. Since you have a long bed truck it shouldn't be an issue but you can always measure to be certain.

Goose Box # RP94720 is specifically designed to fit in place of Lippert 1621 and 1621HD pin boxes. If you have a different pin box, let me know and I can determine if there is a Goose Box that fits.

expert reply by: Michael H