Will Reese Goose Box Resolve Severe Chucking When Towing Fifth Wheel

Published 05/15/2019

Question:

I am pulling a Montana Mountaineer 290 RLT with a 97 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4 ext cab long box with the cummins engine. I currently am experiencing significant almost violent at times chucking and vertical lurching in the tow vehicle. The hitch being used is a Pullrite 2600 attached to a BandW underbed gooseneck. There currently is no dampening hitch pin solution and I am considering the goose box solution. The trailer GVWR is 13,865 with a dry weight of 9870. I have several questions, first would you see the goose box as a contender solution, and if so, which size would you recommend given the described conditions above. Is the 16k sufficient or would the 20k provide better adverse ride attenuation? I believe the trailer currently has a Lippert 1716 but could use help confirming that. I would also like to talk to a 5th wheel hitch and ride expert if possible.

asked by: Gary E

Expert Reply:

If you are experience excessive chucking the Reese Goose Box # RP94716-61301 is a great option because it has both an air bag and shock absorbers and is designed to heavily reduce the amount of back and forth shock (chucking) as well as up and down shock you are currently experiencing.

It also completely removes one of the other factors that could be coming into play, which is a hitch with a loose jaw system or a worn-down king pin. Either (or both) of these things could be a factor in the violent chucking and jarring which is occurring, and a Goose Box takes them out of the equation.

To confirm the pin box you currently have, take a look at it and you should be able to find a sticker or stamp that has the pin box number on it. For a Lippert 1716, 0115, or 1116 the Reese Goose Box # RP94716-61301, which has a 20,000 lb capacity, would be sufficient for your trailer with a 13,865 lb GVWR. A higher-rated Goose Box will not positively affect the ride

If you do find you have a different pin box here is the other Goose Box and the models it work with:

- Reese Goose Box # RP85FR (20,000 lb capacity): Lippert 1621, 1621HD, and 0719 pin boxes as well Lippert 1716, though 1716 does require Spacer Kit # RP61301

I've added links to video reviews of the Goose Boxes for you to check out.

expert reply by: Kyle S