Comparing The Reese Goose Box And Versus A Pin Box And 5th Wheel Hitch For Ride Quality

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Question:

I am in search of a hitch that will provide me with the smoothest ride possible. Isnt everybody, right? Well, my wife has neck and shoulder issues from dealing with horses earlier in life and the jarring about in the truck, with or without the fifth wheel attached is aggravating injuries to the extent she considers following me in the car whenever we go anywhere with the 5r! We have a 22 GMC Denali 4WD CC LB DWD with the 6.6 Duramax. We just attained a 18 Grand Design Solitude 310gk which has the 1621HD chassis. I am leaning towards a Reese 16K RP94716 but I read recently in a response posted by Bud M. - RVs use 5th wheel hitches as they provide a smoother ride than gooseneck hitchesinch and Gooseneck hitches are primarily used in the agriculture and commercial industry as they do not have to worry about carrying such fragile components outside of its packaginginch - referring to fragile components in a 5th wheel such as T.V.s, dishware, decorative trim and glass lighting. If this is true, then a gooseneck hitch like the RP94716 might not be my best choice. Is there a BandW or Curt 5th wheel hitch setup that would be smoother? I prefer the gooseneck to keep the truck bed clear but not if its going to provide a rougher ride. Your input in this matter would be greatly appreciated.

asked by: Mark F

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Expert Reply:

Hey Mark,

So Bud is correct but the Reese Goose Box # RP94716 is designed with a gas shock and air spring to provide a more comfortable ride. If it were a standard gooseneck hitch without any cushioning then yes, you would have ride quality issues.

Owners of the # RP94716 praise the difference this pin box makes in ride quality, but the air chuck location is less than ideal on this model. It's on the bottom of the box so some people have a hard time connecting to it once coupled to the trailer to inflate the air spring. I think this design was more for people who have a 5th wheel tailgate and can get closer to the pin box, so this is one flaw that might be a deal breaker for you.

If it is then I would go with a B&W Companion # BWRVK3500-5W and a MORryde Cushioned Pin Box # MR84VR. The Companion is one of the highest quality 5th wheel hitches on the market and would be easily removable to give you a clear bed. MORryde's cushioned pin box has a shear spring and glide pads to absorb road shock/vibration and help eliminate chucking. If you don't already have B&W's Turnoverball hitch then you'll want the # BWGNRK1020 as well.

expert reply by: Kevin C

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Mark F.

9/14/2024

Thanks for your response. I noticed after reading your reply that I failed to tell you that I do have the factory installed 'Gooseneck/5th wheel prep package' in the 8 ft. bed. Would this change the recommendation you gave? It seems to me the B&W Companion and the B&W Turnoverball hitch would be for a truck WITHOUT the prep package. Also, regarding the Reese Goosebox RP94716 with the gas shocks and air spring, that WOULD provide a smoother ride than a traditional commercial/agriculture style gooseneck connection that has neither a gas shock nor air spring. But would the ride be better/smoother than the 5th wheel hitch (in your opinion)? I understand what you're saying about the schrader valve location but I am not one to have an issue with getting in and out of the bed of the truck accessing the air valve location. Thanks Mark F

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Kevin C.

9/17/2024

@MarkF If you have the puck system then yes, that will change the hitch you would need since it would have to have a compatible base. You would need the B&W Companion OEM # BWRVK3710 instead if you went with the fifth wheel hitch setup. Typically a 5th wheel hitch and pin box setup can give you a more comfortable ride quality because both parts can have shock absorption built into them. That being said, the Reese Goosebox reviews say it majorly improved their ride quality because it has both the air spring and shock to help absorb road shock. I haven't had the opportunity to tow with the Reese Goosebox but I have with a Companion numerous times and can say from experience that the ride quality has been great. Your trailer's suspension can also play a big part as well. Shock absorbers can be built into the equalizer or added to the spring stack to help absorb the shock before it travels through the frame up to the connection point to the tow vehicle. If your leaf springs sit below the axle you would need part # SS33HR, and if they sit above the axle you'll need # SS26MV. Personally, I'd go with the Companion, a MORryde upgraded pin box, and maybe add in some SumoSprings to help cushion the suspension as well for the best ride quality

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Comparing The Reese Goose Box And Versus A Pin Box And 5th Wheel Hitch For Ride Quality

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