Reese Goosebox Compatibility with 2017 Ford F-350 with Factory Pucks and Gooseneck Hitch Ball

Published 02/28/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Hitch w/ Slider - Single Jaw - Ford Super Duty Prep Package - 18K

(741)

$1965.00

Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Hitch w/ Slider - Single Jaw - Ford Super Duty Prep Package - 21K

(741)

$2245.00

Question:

If I did my math right, I have -3.5 inches of clearance based off the gooseneck ball location and current pin box. My current pin box is 18.5" from center of kingpin to first bottom bolt. The Reese goose box is about 1 inch shorter, which means my negative clearance goes to -4.5 inches. So, what does that translate to in degrees? How do I figure that out? I am also considering a B&W Companion fixed and slider version of the 5th wheel hitch. Which one out of all three do you recommend? Also, to clarify, the clearance takes into account my trailers most front point. But my trailer is very cone shaped and the cutouts on the trailer sides are a maximum distance of 20 inches from the front. So frankly, I am just royally confused right now.

asked by: Chris

Helpful Expert Reply:

With a 2017 Ford F-350 the Goose Box Pin box replacements do work with the standard bed size. The standard bed has an inside height of 21.1 inches, so you will have adequate clearance with the Goose Box being completely inside your truck bed yet ensuring your trailer is over the bed rail height. The Goose Box has adjustability so you can ensure the correct angle to ensure a fit.

I've attached a couple photos to assist with the clearances you should look for with your trailer and the measurements of the Goose Box # RP85FR to assist.

In order to use the Goose Box you will need to have a specific trailer pin box. If the pin box is a Lippert 0719, 1621, 1621HD you can use Goose Box # RP85FR.

If the pin box is a Lippert 0115, 0116, or 1716 you can use # RP94716-61301.

The pin box manufacturer and model number should be on a sticker or plate on the pin box itself, but if you can't find that number, I've attached an article to assist in measuring your pin box to determine the size and pin box number to help you get the correct Goose Box.

Let me know if you have further questions.

expert reply by: Jason S

click to enlarge

Chris

2/28/2018

Jason S.

2/28/2018

For your short bed truck and trailer combination, I recommend you go with a sliding hitch. This will give you more height adjustability and the sliding function to give you the turning clearance needed. The rounded trailer helps some, but I recommend still utilizing a sliding hitch since you already have the puck system because it will increase your clearance and still be easy to remove for your clean bed. The best option for you is the Demco Hijacker Autoslide 5th Wheel Hitch w/ Slider # DM8550024 for an 18K or # DM8550038 for 21K, both of which are made for your OEM pucks. They will automatically slide as needed to give you the turning clearance you need versus using a manual slider to change between the two positions. These sliding hitches will give you 14 inches of travel from front to back and have 3 hitch height settings that will help you tow your trailer level and give you the clearance needed for your side rails. I've attached a couple videos to assist.