Why Does Using Convert-A-Ball 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Void Warranty on Lippert 5th Wheel Frame

Updated 10/18/2016 | Published 10/17/2016

Question:

I had bought this, installed it and towed my trailer home all without any problems. But after getting home and sifting through the mountains of paperwork that comes with a new trailer, I finally came accross the 5th wheel hitch from Lippert and read that if I use any of these adapters 5th wheel to Gooseneck they will void my kingbox warranty. I called them and got a gruffy bothered responce just repeating what the paperwork said. I dont understand. Can you explain to me why they say it will void the warranty? Your product seems to be build so much stronger than everything eles out there. What could I possibly damage on my kingpin box that Lippert is so worried about? Now Im getting worried that somthing drastic is going to happen.

asked by: Jack M

Expert Reply:

I can explain it. The use of a 5th wheel to gooseneck adapter such as # CAB-C5G increases the distance from the trailer frame to where it couples to the gooseneck ball. The distance is greater in this instance compared to having the trailer coupled to a regular 5th wheel trailer hitch.

The extra distance puts more stress on the trailer because of increase leverage. This leverage can damage 5th wheel trailer frames, specifically up where the pin box attaches but where you can't really see it without removing the front cap.

There is an adapter you can use that Lippert approves and will not void the Lippert warranty. It is called a Goose Box. There are 2 Goose Box models and they fit in place of specific Lippert pin boxes.

First there is # RP85FR which fits in place of Lippert 1621 and 1621HD pin boxes. It is rated for 20,000 pounds.

Next we have # RP94716-61301 which fits in place of Lippert 0115, 1116, and 1716 pin boxes and is also rated for 20,000 pounds.

If you have one of the above pin boxes then the Goose Box is the best option and it will not void the Lippert warranty.

expert reply by: Michael H