Upgrading To A Gen-Y Hitch Shock Absorbing 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Pin Box - Factors To Consider

Published 12/22/2023

Products Featured in This Question

Curt X5 5th-Wheel Base Rail Adapter Plate for EZr Double Lock Gooseneck Trailer Hitch

(282)

$749.95

Gen-Y Hitch Shock Absorbing 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Pin Box - Lippert Turning Point - 21K - 3.5K TW

(288)

$1899.95

Safety Chain with 2 Hooks for Gen-Y 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Pin Box - 84" Long - 26,000 lbs

(222)

$100.95

Question:

Good morning from Edmonton Alberta Canada. I bought a 2020 Rockwood Ultra Lite 2881S fifth wheel camper this past spring. During the course of the camping season we discovered how rough towing the camper can be due to the chucking jarring, slamming, banging - whatever the correct terminology is when going over rough roads. My research on what the options for achieving a smoother ride has brought me to considering the GenY fifth wheel conversion to a gooseneck. I am wondering if there are any implications to the structural integrity of the trailer if one were to convert. Are there any other factors that I would need to consider before making a switch? Thankyou

asked by: Wes R

Expert Reply:

The Gen-Y Hitch Shock Absorbing 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Pin Box # GY48GR is a great option to help reduce the chucking and jarring. Since the turning point pin box offers no shock absorption at all, this will be a very nice upgrade. Also, I am not sure what fifth wheel hitch you are using, but often times the hitch itself can be responsible for contributing to a rough ride. So taking that out of the mix should benefit you as well.

As far as implication to the structural integrity of the trailer frame, there is no need for concern. If anything, the cushioning and shock absorption this goosebox offers will put less strain on the frame than the original pin box. Also, Gen-Y makes an extremely durable, well-made product. We have complete faith in their product and we frequently recommend the Gen-Y goosebox as a replacement. So it certainly has our seal of approval. It is worth noting that replacing an OE pin box with a Gen-Y will technically void your frame warranty, if you are still within that time period. Most frame warranties are only 1 or 2 years. So if your warranty is already up, no worries.

It is worth mentioning that you will need to get a gooseneck ball for your truck, which I am happy to recommend if you can share more information on your vehicle. You will also need the Safety Chain # GY49GR

expert reply by: Jesse M