How Hard Is It To Install Gen-Y Nomad Adapter In Place Of Lippert 5th Wheel Pin Box? What Hardware?

Updated 12/22/2025 | Published 12/03/2025

Products Featured in This Question

Gen-Y Hitch Nomad 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Pin Box - Lippert Rhino - 30K GTW - 6.5K TW

(11)

$749.95

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

(262)

$100.95

Gen-Y Hitch Nomad 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Pin Box - 1621,1116, 1716 - 30K GTW - 6.5K TW

(37)

$749.95

Question:

I’ve never swapped a pin box before. If I go with the Nomad Lippert Rhino version # GY37ND, is it hard to install? And do I need to buy new bolts or re-use the factory ones?

asked by: Cheryl

Expert Reply:

Cheryl, you’re asking exactly the right questions before diving into this. The good news is the Nomad installs using the same bolt count you remove from your original pin box - Gen-Y even specifies that in their instructions. A minimum of five Grade-8 bolts per side is required, and they call for 5/8 inch x 2 inch Grade-8 bolts torqued to 160 ft-lbs.

Most folks re-use their existing hardware if it’s in good shape, but if your original bolts are worn or corroded, this is the perfect time to refresh them with new Grade-8 hardware. The rest is just supporting the old box when removing it, lifting the Nomad up, and torquing it to spec. An extra hand will help out here.

Cheryl, if you can share your trailer year and pin box model, I can walk you through the exact bolt pattern and step-by-step process. And if you aren't quite sure which pin box you have, check out the help article I've attached on this page.

Once you find that out, here are the two options to choose from: the # GY57ND for Lippert 1621, 1116, 1716 pin boxes, or the # GY37ND for Lippert Rhino pin boxes. You'd also need to add safety chains # GY49GR. If you happen to have some less common pin box, I'll see if we have an option for you.

expert reply by: Andrew N

Cheryl

12/22/2025

One more thing. is this something most people tackle in the driveway, or is it better done at a shop?

Andrew N.

12/22/2025

@Cheryl Most folks do it right in the driveway, but it could help to do it at a shop if you don't have all the tools or room to do it. As long as you can safely support the old pin box and have a way to lift the Nomad into place (jack or extra set of hands is good here), it’s very manageable at home. A shop just makes it quicker and easier for you, but it’s not required! I personally would tackle this myself with the help of a friend/relative. It requires basic tools only.