Does The Gen-Y Nomad 5th Wheel To Gooseneck Adapter Pin Box Improve Ride Quality?

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

Products Featured in This Question

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

(36)

$749.95

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

(261)

$100.95

Question:

I’m towing a 36’ toy hauler and wondering if the Nomad will smooth out the ride any over a standard pin box? Or should I expect it to feel the same?

asked by: Dan

Expert Reply:

Dan, this is a good thing to clarify before you make the switch. The Nomad is a static, non-cushioned pin box, so it won’t soften the ride the way a shock-absorbing or torsion-style upgrade would. You’re choosing the Nomad for simplicity, bed space, and the auto-latching gooseneck connection - not for added comfort.

The ride quality will feel very similar to your factory pin box since the Nomad doesn’t have any internal shock-absorbing components. What it does give you is an easier hookup auto-latch on a 2-5/16 inch ball, no more heavy hitch in the bed, and far fewer parts to maintain.

Dan, if smoother towing is a priority, let me know your pin box model and trailer weight - I can point you toward cushioned options for comparison.

If you do decide to go with the Nomad lineup, we have 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.

expert reply by: Andrew N

Dan

12/22/2025

That makes sense. Sounds like it’s more about convenience than comfort. If I decided later that I wanted a smoother ride, would I have to swap the whole pin box again?

Andrew N.

12/22/2025

@Dan Yes. The Nomad is more about simplicity and bed space. If you wanted added cushioning later on, that would mean switching to a different style pin box with built-in shock absorption. It’s doable, just something to keep in mind if ride comfort ends up being your top priority down the road. If you'd rather go that route, let me know and I can find something for you, such as Gen-Y # GY38FR if you had the Lippert 1621 pin box.