Why Do Offset Gooseneck Balls for OEM Puck Kits Have Brackets to the Safety Chain Loops

Updated 01/27/2026 | Published 01/22/2026

Question:

Can I use the goosepuck offset ball like a BandW without the long bracket and just have separate anchors for chains? Trying to save room in bed and eliminate the big bracket from taking up space when not towing

asked by: Egm

Expert Reply:

Hey Evan, if you want to use an offset ball like the Gen-Y gooseneck ball part # GY23XR that you referenced it will have to use the bracket that goes between the ball and the anchors for the safety chain loops. This is because normally the ball can spin in the ball socket of the hitch so the brackets are needed to prevent the offset from rotating forward and to the sides which would cause all sorts of problems.

The B and W offset ball you saw is one that fits the B and W gooseneck hitch which has a pin that runs down the middle of the shank which prevents it from spinning which is why there aren't brackets like the Gen-Y.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Gen-Y Gooseneck Ball
(click to enlarge)

Travis W.

1/27/2026

EGM I have this offset on my truck and with the updated brackets it’s a lot easier to take in and out the style I seen before goes the breaker goes to the front of the bed on the cab side but the new one relocated the breaker to the back I agree the bmw hits is smaller but that will not fit in a factory puck system due to it being square stock you will have to have a to have that hitch system installed to be able to use that