I run a reese 24k for my 44 footer. I actually plan to purchase and install the Gen-y hitch, from what I have been told by friends they absorb even more "shock". I have yet to hear anyone complain about them

 

I keep hearing the Gen Y is shorter or there is some kind of spacer issue at the mount. I wish someone could explain all this better without having to buy one only to find out I'm not happy with it. I'm upgrading to the Reece Goose box or Gen Y before summer.

 

I'm planning on going to look at the 5th wheel this week and see what they say too, just to get their 0.02. Seems like everyone is happy wit their setup, whether its a gooseneck or 5th wheel style hitch. I need to learn more about the GD turning point system they have on their 150 series trailers. Even if I go with something other than the 150 series, I should be good. Just need to find the right hitch for my setup.

 

Interesting, I haven't heard of that. I know 3 guys with them and all have worked without any issues.

 

The specs on the gen-Y webpage show the distance between two vertical lines - center of pin to center of rear bolts to be about 25"
My MOR/ryde pinbox on our DRV is about 28"

That 3" could be a game changer with our trailer, clearance between the side rails on turns (especially off level back ins) and the back of the pinbox frame.
But after trying 4 different pinboxs over the years (all before I retired), experimenting with $600 to $1500 trailer parts that may or may not work is not in the cards anymore.

Although with a 3 mpg increase it could potentially pay for itself in one year.

 

Here's a pic of my rig. Currently have the Reece 18k Signature slider that works with the Ford puck system. I'm looking to go with the Reece goose box or Gen Y soon. I have never had to use the slider on this truck or my Duramax. As you can see the trailer cap allows tight turning angles.

Does anyone have a side by side comparison of the Goosebox & Gen Y? That would be helpful in explaining the differences.

 

While it may not be the easiest 5th wheel hitch to "pick up", some of the "best" 5th wheel hitches made are the air ride hitches by Trailer Saver.

There are several models to choose from, one of which directly clicks into the Ford pucks, and two other models which can be used in conjunction with a boxed ring adapter to go from ISR slots to Ford pucks.

 

The Gen-Y hitch shows to be 16.33" from front bolt to ball center, this is the same as the Rota-Flex hitch I replaced on my rv.
https://genyhitch.com/product/execut...ion-flex-copy/
I'll post my GB in the next post, it keeps telling me the post is too small when I do it together.

 

I don't know what hitch rides better, but the GB is pretty good riding. Here is my GB.

 

Good info thx! And it's approved by Lippert.

 

I changed from my Resse 20K to a Pullrite SupperLite 20K.

Denny

 

Not that I would do this, but there are 21 states in the USA that permit passengers to ride in 5th wheel trailers, while forbidding passengers to ride in any other type of trailer. Some of these states are known for their regulatory climate, including California and New York, so it is interesting that these states perceive that a certain "safety" factor exists with 5th wheel trailers, that does not exist with other hitching arrangements. It is doubtful that regulations in this area have caught up with the newer permutations of hitches, where 5th wheel trailers are converted to goosenecks, nor can I recall if inverted 5th wheel lash ups are considered either.

Also, all commercial trucking is 5th wheel, with little to no lateral pivot in the hitch. Older (70's era) 5th wheel hitches used to not be able to pivot laterally, and that coincides with the time period when the regulations concerning passengers in trailers were written. Since that time, it is more common to find 5th wheel hitches with lateral pivots than not. With a lateral pivot, the advantage gap that gooseneck trailers had over 5th wheels on uneven terrain (horse, farm, ranch) was somewhat reduced, and where ease of hitching was also a factor, some 5th wheel hitches not only closed the gap over gooseneck, but also surpassed it, especially for purpose built dedicated RV haulers, where the presence of a space consuming hitch isn't an issue, as the hitch is never moved.

Serious hotshotters soon switch from gooseneck trailers to 5th wheels, if they started with a gooseneck trailer. I've forgotten many of the reasons for this that I seem to remember once knowing 10 years ago or more. But in 10 years, things change again. Yet some things stay the same... like the age old question between gooseneck and 5th wheel.

 

I am just going from personal experience and my own setups. If you don't mind losing bed space and the weight of the hitch putting in and out of the truck then a 5th wheel is fine. I really prefer the gooseneck hitch. I come from 30 years of trailer towing experience towing every imaginable combination. I currently have a 40' fifth wheel with a gooseneck conversion that was done over 10 years ago and I have put over 75,000 miles on this setup. The new goosebox (20k version) looks like an even better setup. I also have a flatbed gooseneck for the farm. I have my CDL and I am currently working OTR in a Class 8 and I also have a couple 53' trailers for the farm. Fifth wheel OTR trucks are nothing the same as a pickup or light duty. They need to transfer up to half of the trailer's weight to the truck (20-40,000lbs). The trailer axles are loaded to the same weight as the tractor. Light duty towing (under 40,000lbs) transfers typically 10-20% of the hitch weight so the need for the same hitches is not comparable. My current F-450 is rated from Ford with their factory hitches to tow up to 27,500 lbs with my fifth wheel hitch and up to 33,500 lbs on a gooseneck ball (3" or 2-5/16" is slightly less). Pin weight should be under 5,000 lbs for the rear spring rating. If my pin weight was regularly overly 7500lbs then I would look at a more substantial fifth wheel hitch but that is not pickup class 3 and under territory. That is what a Class 8 semi is for.

I would never consider hot shotters a good source of information. I considered this vocation years ago and did some but quickly found a lot of the guys to be skirting rules and didn't understand that they were doing so. Semis are so much safer and nicer to drive and more comfortable anyhow. I personally own a pickup because of 4x4 towing in fields, so my wife can drive it when RVing and carrying the whole family on trips(4kids). I priced out a Freightliner with 4wd but you would always be subject to commercial laws in every situation in my jurisdiction where as they allow an exemption for personal use if the pickup has a factory installed box and is empty.

If your trailer is under 20,000lbs I would look at the goosebox. I don't understand the trouble with hitching it up. Literally takes 30 seconds, just line it up with the centre ribs in the tailgate when backing up and stop before your tailgate hits the trailer. Off camber can be a little tricky but with everything practise makes perfect. The cameras help as well but they are useless in the sun or less than perfect light conditions.

Everyone needs to judge what works for them and what is their priorities. I'm simply pointing out my own experiences and after using gooseneck trailers on the farm, I really like them for the articulation, bed space (I generally have tools in the bed or bicycles when RVing) and not having to load that big bulky hitch in the bed. For what you pay for a good 5th wheel hitch you could buy a goosebox (especially when you consider you can sell the old pin box).

I can see all jurisdictions moving away from allowing travelling inside a fifth wheel simply because of insurance. I understand why the difference as you can't really drive away a fifth wheel without having it locked on the truck or it simply falls off. It is possible to drive away with a gooseneck and not secure the latch on the ball which is why they require safety chains.

 

 

"Approved by Lippert" is relative. It is "approved" because they have a marketing agreement with Reese. In other words, LCI makes money off every one sold which is why they "approve" it. Having said that... not knocking the product. Most owners love the hitch (as with owners of other hitches as well).