"goosebox" hitch vs my bw companion

**skip2it** · 09-18-2019, 04:02 PM

I have a Ford F350 with an 8' bed and have the Reece Goosebox on my Momentum. Would be careful going from a traditional slider hitch to the goosebox, might not allow the turning radius you had previously. Yes, aligning up over the ball is more of a challenge than backing into the traditional 5th wheel hitch. But the hitching challenge is worth it to get your bed back and not have to try and move that traditional "large & heavy" hitch. My 2019 F350 has the Ultimate Trailer Tow camera system. I use the CHMSL camera to align side-to-side, and installed another camera in the bed of the truck, onto the "AUX", to see the front-to-back alignment. That way it is possible to hitch by yourself, but it is still a small target to get just right.

**tmrgreg** · 09-18-2019, 06:29 PM

Go follow Big Truck Big RV on YouTube. He had the first generation and upgraded to the second generation Goosebox and has great videos (maybe 6 or 7) all related to switching to the goosebox from a fifth wheel hitch, road tests, follow up after using for a while, etc. On YouTube search for "big truck big rv goosebox".

**Justonemore** · 09-18-2019, 06:31 PM

Well I have to agree with the folks that have installed the Reese Goosebox. I have had my first gen 16K hitch pulling my 29rs for almost a year and am very happy with it. I feel that that little trouble lining it it up on occasion is better than having a traditional hitch to deal with. I had a B/W turnover ball installed that keeps my bed open without snags and if you pull a gooseneck horse or stock trailer it’s a no brainer. I also have no problem with the trailer hitting the back of my cab of my f350 shortbed CC.

**PRBrown** · 09-18-2019, 09:09 PM

Originally Posted by charley patton

i am new to 5er's(bought my first one this past april). i paid big bucks for the bw companion slider. a little while ago i read a forum post about a goosebox hitch. wow. i was impressed. a much smaller footprint and alot less weight. don't have any idea what these things cost.

would appreciate anyone who has converted from one to the other to help me understand if that would be a thing for me to consider. i'm still trying to get comfortable with the hitching/unhitching process(is she locked or isn't she?). this goosebox would seem to alleviate my concerns.

if a goosebox is a good idea, then i'd have a near new companion slider i'd have to find a new home for.....

thanks

We purchased our first 5th wheel (a 303RLS) in in March and had the Reece gooseneck installed along with the B&W turnover ball. Since this is our first 5th wheel I cannot compare the ride or ease of hitching and unhitching, but it is pretty simple. I cannot see in the bed of the truck to line it up either but I have gotten better and faster with time. I have also use mine and my wife's cell phones and FaceTime to line up. We simply call each other on FaceTime and I lean my wife's phone against the front of the truck bed aimed at the ball. It works great for left and right alignment and my wife tells me when to stop. Much cheaper and faster than installing a camera.

Good luck!

**Jmick35** · 09-19-2019, 07:02 AM

I purchased my 2020, 303 new and took delivery in August of 2018. I went with the generation I goosebox from day 1 to eliminate the hitch in the bed. I am totally satisfied in ease of use and performance.

**BubbaChris** · 09-27-2019, 11:51 AM

Originally Posted by tmrgreg

Go follow Big Truck Big RV on YouTube. He had the first generation and upgraded to the second generation Goosebox and has great videos (maybe 6 or 7) all related to switching to the goosebox from a fifth wheel hitch, road tests, follow up after using for a while, etc. On YouTube search for "big truck big rv goosebox".

If I recall correctly, JD has gone back to his B&W Companion. I used his videos on the GB and on the Andersen as part of my research. I went with the Andersen as it was going to give me more adjustment options for clearance.

FYI - One additional thing to consider: How does your dealer handle non-traditional hitches when you come in for service? Mine made me take off the Andersen coupler.

Best regards,
Chris

**JColeman** · 09-27-2019, 12:27 PM

I am very interested in a goose box. I have a Ford short bed and I am wondering if I use the Reese ball with a 4" offset will it be enough to clear my Solitude. Anyone with experience on this setup?

**gengiant** · 09-27-2019, 12:30 PM

Originally Posted by BubbaChris

...
FYI - One additional thing to consider: How does your dealer handle non-traditional hitches when you come in for service? Mine made me take off the Andersen coupler.

Best regards,
Chris

My local service center uses a fork lift with a ball mounted to the tip of one of the forks to move the bumper-tow trailers around in his yard. He used that same setup to move my 5er with the goosebox conversion. No problem there.

**Txfivver** · 09-27-2019, 01:36 PM

I too was very interested in the goose box conversion, especially after watching all the videos. Alas I probably won't convert due to the fact that it's only rated for 4000 lb max pin weight. I'm at 3860 pin weight without being loaded out for full timing. I think that's probably cutting it too close. Guess I'll stick with the B&W Companion, it's a sweet hitch as well.

**Mjlebsa** · 03-17-2020, 11:23 PM

Originally Posted by WileyS

I love my Goosebox. I bought the 20,000#, from the dealer and had him remove the 5th wheel hitch and install the box. Was the same price as buying a good receiver hitch. Gives me full use of my bed, without breaking my back. I have two portable cameras that I put in the bed while hooking up. Paid $120 and it makes it a breeze to hook up.

I wouldn’t go back to a standard 5th wheel hitch again.
Good Luck!
Wiley

What camera system you using?

Thanks

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