Good idea to measure. I will do so.

This will also be important when backing under the goosebox. I don't want to injure the tailgate against the 5rt.

 

Well I have it al hooked up, Test run and all.

measurement from the tailgate to the ball

how much room in front of my tool box

space between the goosebox and tool box

 

works well, test run results in a smoother ride over bridges and no chucking.

 

Thanks for the update! I'm planning to get a fifth wheel and this looks like the best set up for me.

 

What I did to hook up was to use the center pockets above the axles. I ran that lanyard you see in the pic across so as to just back up enough that it touched the goosebox. I was then directly over and able to lower it on the ball.

 

I also have the B&W turnover for my 6-3/4' bed. I do use the 4" offset with my Goosebox. I like the idea of the extra clearance. For differences in towing I couldn't say as I have never used the standard ball. I have an early 2020 Coachmen Chapparal 298rls. Mine has an aggressive front cap for tight turns. The late 2020 mid profile Chapparals lost the aggressive front cap. I have never intentionally tried to see if I can get a 90 degree turn. But one instance backing into a tight space on an incline, I came within a few inches of the cab of my truck. My wife thought it was 90 degrees, but I don't think it was quite that tight. Without the offset ball I probably would have hit the cab of my truck because of the incline of the spot. I think I can make a 90 degree turn (or really close to it) on a flat surface because of both the offset ball an the front cap of my fifth wheel.

The only issue I have with the offset ball is that it raised the front of the trailer about an inch. I cannot lower the goosebox anymore because I won't have enough clearance above the bed rails of the truck. I have about 6 inches of clearance over my bed rails at the lowest point. At some point I will probably upgrade some suspension components on the trailer to fix this, but I am good with the ride height for now.

 

Thanks for the helpful information, Sanspy. I’m not sure how my 2020 Montana nose compares to your Chapparal. My trailer is in the shop right now, and I probably won’t get it until this fall. I’m hopeful that the combination will work well with the Goosebox.

Regards,
John

 

My son and I installed a GB last Friday. I towed with it today, much smoother than the Reese 5th wheel hitch. Rapid Off-road in TX has the 16k for $899 and the 20k for $1099 plus $50 shipping

 

ATC_F350, what hitch do you have Ford or B&W?

 

I use the factory (reese) ball and curt pucks.

Curt pucks are much larger to accommodate the 20K chains.

 

I have had some issues with the factory type ball getting them out of the bed, so any more it is B&W. More costly, but fewer headaches.

 

I would like to know if you use a B&W hitch or stock Ford. I want a Goose Box but I have the stock Ford 5th wheel prep, so that means I can't use the B&W 4" extension goose ball.

 

I have the Ford pucks. I have a Curt and a Pullrite. I lubed my Curt every 3-4 months, the last time I had to bounce it a couple of times to get it to release. I ran across an amazing deal on a Pullrite and got it. Pullrite is also not exposed on the topside, but you can’t use the safety chain plate if you have a mat. Right now I’m using the Pullrite ball and the Curt safety chain mounts. I think the Pullrite is a bit quieter than the Curt.

 

Pullrite maybe as nice as the Curts, but will not work with a mat or verify with a Bedrug.

 

ATC_F350, In the above post you said you have a goose box. Is that on your son's truck?