How to Determine Clearance Using B&W Gooseneck Pin Box With 2009 Ram 3500 Short Bed

Updated 08/20/2026 | Published 07/22/2026

Products Featured in This Question

B&W 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Pin Box - Lippert Rhino - 25K GTW - 3.25K TW

(7)

$1899.00

B&W 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Pin Box - Lippert Rhino - 25K GTW - 4.5K TW

(2)

$1999.00

B&W 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Pin Box - Lippert 1621/1621HD - 25K GTW - 3.25K TW

(6)

$1899.00

B&W 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Pin Box - Lippert 1621/1621HD - 25K GTW - 4.5K TW

(3)

$1999.00

Question:

Will the BandW RVGN3163 hitch allow cab clearance on a 2009 Ram 3500 4 door short box truck towing a Grand Design 100 series/22RK 5th wheel travel trailer using a BandW offset ball? Regards, Fred

asked by: Fred R

Expert Reply:

Hey Fred! You will need to take some measurements to determine if you will have enough clearance with the B&W Gooseneck Pin Box # BW23RV. You can use the following formula:

(A + B) - C = Clearance
A = Distance from the gooseneck ball center to the truck cab
B = Offset used
C = Width of the nose of the trailer divided by 2

As long as you have at least 4" of clearance you will be able to make a 90 degree turn. You can also live with the lost clearance as long as you know your limitations. It looks like your Reflection has a tapered nose so that will definitely help.

The # BW23RV is designed to fit a Lippert Rhino bolt pattern so make sure that matches what is on your Grand Design. If you have a 1621/1621HD you need # BW73RV instead. If you aren't sure, I would be happy to help you identify it if you can tell me the S/N from the pin box sticker.

The 3,250 lbs TW model is appropriate based on the specs of your trailer, so you don't need the higher capacity model. This includes safety chains and replacement hardware so you won't need to pick that up separately either.

Any big trips coming up with your Reflection once you upgrade your pin box?

expert reply by: Robin H

B&W Gooseneck Pin Box
(click to enlarge)

Phil A.

8/13/2026

So this can in fact be used with an offset? Can I use it with the Gen-Y offset for a 26 F350?

Robin H.

8/13/2026

@PhilA yes it can! The Gen-Y # GY43XR is perfectly compatible with the B&W gooseneck pin box.

Jeff S.

8/18/2026

If I have a long bed is this something I have to worry about?

Robin H.

8/18/2026

@JeffS this is not something you have to worry about with a long bed. Clearance is really only a concern on short bed trucks with the gooseneck setup.

Mike T.

8/19/2026

My 5th wheel has a tapered front cap like the Reflection. Does that mean I can assume I'll have enough clearance with a short bed or do I still need to run those measurements?

Robin H.

8/20/2026

@MikeT I would still check the measurements. The tapered front cap definitely helps with clearance, but I wouldn't rely on that alone with a short bed. Using the formula above will give you a much better idea of what kind of clearance you'll actually have before you get everything hooked up. If you're planning on using the setup either way, you can skip the measurements and carefully test it out so you know your limitations. Just be careful so you don't end up with an expensive "whoops" where the cab and trailer meet.