Can the Reese Goose Box be Used on a Short Bed 2016 Ram 2500

Expert Reply:

The correct Reese Goose Box 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Air Ride Coupler Adapter for a Lippert 1621 pin box is part # RP94716 for 16,000 lbs or part # RP94720 for 20,000 lbs. With that being said, it is not recommend to use the Reese Goose Box on a short bed truck due to limited turning clearance. They do make an offset gooseneck ball adapter for the Hide-A-Goose Underbed Gooseneck Trailer Hitch part # 9467 on your 2016 Ram 2500, the 5" Offset Ball part # 19308 but this still is more than likely not enough in order for you to execute a full 90 degree turn. You can test this by using the below formula.

(A + B) - C = Clearance

A = Distance from Center of Gooseneck Hitch Ball to Cab of Truck

B = Length of Pin Box Arm

C = Width of Trailer Divided by Two

The other thing you would need assuming the Goose Box and 5" Offset Ball provided enough turning clearance is a set of safety chains for which I recommend using the Reese Safety Chain Kit part # RP49151. If you do not already have an in-bed wiring harness, I recommend the 5th Wheel/Gooseneck 90-Degree Wiring Harness part # 50-97-410.

If it turns out that the Goose Box and 5" Offset Ball do not provide enough turning clearance which I do not believe it will, your best option is to install a fixed 5th wheel hitch and rotating pin box. This is not going to require you to enter and exit the truck each time you need to make a sharp turn and you can also get the rotating pin box with a cushioned airbag so ride comfort will not be lost. For this, I recommend using the Curt A20 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch part # C16140 with the Curt Custom Fifth Wheel Installation Kit part # C16427-204 and the 5th Airborne Premium 5th Wheel Air Ride King Pin part # RP61422. You will also need the Sidewinder Wedge for Curt A Series 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches part # C16992.

I have attached several review videos for you as well.

expert reply by: Conner L

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