How To Fix Gooseneck Pin Box Adapter Causing Pin Box To Hit Bed Sides When Turning

Updated 06/18/2021 | Published 06/16/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Convert-A-Ball Cushioned 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Adapter - 12" to 16" Tall - 20,000 lbs

(983)

$579.02

Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit

(779)

$88.64

Question:

I have a 2003 Keystone Cougar, 27 foot. I have a 5th wheel to gooseneck converter on the trailer. I was pulling it with a 2008 Silverado 2500 HD. It was okay, but not great. The trailer tipped back a bit so I wouldnt hit the truck bed caps. I just bought a 2021 Silverado 2500 HD high country. Its a little taller than the 2008. Now I have a problem. I cant turn without hitting the bed rails and there is no adjustment left. Should I do a trailer Lift or something else? I use the truck for ranch work and need to truck box so a 5th wheel hitch is not an option. Help!

asked by: Sharon L

Expert Reply:

Thanks for the picture!

Since your new 2021 Silverado 2500HD High Country has higher bed sides causing the pin box to make contact when turning the only option is going to be going with an 5th wheel to gooseneck adapter that is taller. For example the Convert-A-Ball Cushioned 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Adapter - 12" to 16" Tall - 20,000 lbs # CAB-C5G can be adjusted between 12" and 16" measured from the top of the gooseneck ball to the base of the pin box. You will need to measure your current adapter and see if it is shorter and the above height will give you enough clearance.

If it does not you will need to go with a 5th wheel to gooseneck pin box like the Gen-Y Hitch Shock Absorbing 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Pin Box which replaces your entire pin box and has the pin box at a steeper angle to prevent the contact issues you are currently having.

To know which replacement pin box will fit your trailer you will need to look for the sticker on your current pin box that has a 4 digit number like 1116 or 1621 on it. If you cannot find this sticker then just send me a picture of the serial number on the pin box and I would be happy to identify it for you.

For example if your trailer has a 1621 pin box then the # GY58GR would be a great option that works with trailers weighing up to 21000lbs with pin weight up to 3500lbs.

If you find you have a different model pin box then just let me know.

Now since your truck is quite a bit taller and the rear of the trailer is pretty close ground at the rear lifting the trailer will fix that issue. The easiest way to lift a trailer is an axle over-under kit like the Dexter # K71-385-00 which fits 3" diameter axles which is likely what your trailer has. An over-under kit moves the axle from on top of the leaf springs to underneath which lifts the trailer by the diameter of the axle plus the height of the leaf spring stack.