How to Determine if Reese Goose Box Will Have Clearance for Short Bed Truck

Updated 09/30/2020 | Published 09/29/2020

Question:

Good morning, I have a 2017 Ram 3500 Megacab that has the 6-4 inch box which is actually a little smaller than that. I want to change the hitch on my Forest River Vengeance Rouge 324A13WS toy hauler from the dealer installed Pop Up - RV1 fifth wheel to gooseneck conversion, as it is a terrible hitch. I have an auxiliary tank in the bed of the truck hence the reason for converting to a gooseneck. Can I use the Reese Goose box with this configuration? Please let me know your thoughts, and thanks in advance.

asked by: Tim G

Expert Reply:

The Reese Goose Box is a fantastic upgrade for a 5th wheel to gooseneck adapter, so I can certainly understand the desire to upgrade from your sub-par adapter, and while the answer is technically yes, you can use a Goose Box with a short bed truck, you are likely to have turning clearance issues on sharp turns. There is a way you can figure out if you can make a 90 degree turn by using this forumula:

(A + B) - C = Clearance

A = Distance from center of gooseneck ball to truck cab
B = Length of offset (this will be zero for the Goose Box and no offset ball)
C = Width of trailer divided by 2

You want the "Clearance" to be at least 4 inches in order to make a full 90 degree turn, though realistically it is unlikely with a short bed you will be able to do so. If you are okay with that and know you won't be making those type of sharp turns, the correct Goose Box will depend on the model of your current pin box.

- Lippert 0719, 1621 and 1621HD, as well as Fabex PB-600 Series pin boxes: Reese Goose Box 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Air Ride Coupler Adapter - 20,000 lbs # RP85FR

- Lippert 0115, 1116 and 1716 pin boxes: Reese Goose Box 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Air Ride Coupler Adapter - 20,000 lbs # RP94716-61301

If this won't work for you then the best option is to use an adapter that fits on your gooseneck ball, and use a sliding 5th wheel hitch. I've added links below to our selection of both for you to check out.