Can the Reese Goose Box be Used on a Short Bed 2016 Ram 2500

Published 10/24/2018

Products Featured in This Question

5" Offset Ball for Hide-A-Goose Gooseneck Trailer Hitches

(46)

$265.18

Curt Custom Fifth Wheel Installation Kit for Ram Truck - Carbide Finish

(225)

$296.64

Reese M5 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Single Jaw - 20,000 lbs

(465)

$981.58

Question:

I have a 2016 Ram 2500 Bighorn shortbed and getting a 41’ fifth wheel. Want to put the Reese Goose Box 94623 on the camper, it has Lippert 1621 and install a Draw-Tite 9467 Hide-A-Goose in the truck. What else do I need to get for this set up? Such as chains, wiring, offset ball, etc.?

asked by: Danyl

Expert Reply:

The correct Reese Goose Box 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Air Ride Coupler Adapter for a Lippert 1621 pin box is part # RP85FR which is rated for up to 20,000 lbs. With that being said, it is not recommend to use the Reese Goose Box on a short bed truck due to limited turning clearance.

They do make an offset gooseneck ball adapter for the Hide-A-Goose Underbed Gooseneck Trailer Hitch part # 9467 on your 2016 Ram 2500, the 5" Offset Ball part # 19308 but this still is more than likely not enough in order for you to execute a full 90 degree turn. You can test this by using the below formula.

(A + B) - C = Clearance

A = Distance from Center of Gooseneck Hitch Ball to Cab of Truck

B = Length of Pin Box Arm

C = Width of Trailer Divided by Two

The other thing you would need assuming the Goose Box and 5" Offset Ball provided enough turning clearance is a set of safety chains for which I recommend using the Reese Safety Chain Kit part # RP49151. If you do not already have an in-bed wiring harness, I recommend the 5th Wheel/Gooseneck 90-Degree Wiring Harness part # 50-97-410.

If it turns out that the Goose Box and 5" Offset Ball do not provide enough turning clearance which I do not believe it will, your best option is to install a fixed 5th wheel hitch and rotating pin box. This is not going to require you to enter and exit the truck each time you need to make a sharp turn and you can also get the rotating pin box with a cushioned airbag so ride comfort will not be lost. For this, I recommend using the Reese M5 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Single Jaw - 20,000 lbs # RP30928 with the Curt Custom Fifth Wheel Installation Kit part # C16427-204 and the 5th Airborne Premium 5th Wheel Air Ride King Pin part # RP61422. You will also need the Sidewinder Wedge # RP44FR.

I have attached several review videos for you as well.