Reese goose box clearance question (yet another)

[Warrioreuel]

I am sure this question has been asked many times. I have a 3500 with an 8 foot bed, 5 point factory hitch setup. If use a Reese 16K Goose Box with a standard ball mounted where it normally goes, is there a clearance issue with the side walls of the bed? Seems i have heard people talking about the box hitting the sides of the bed in a tight turn. If this is true then has anyone tried a Demco 5996 which essentially will raise the goose ball about 6 inches from the stock bed mount. With more clearance perhaps the box will clear the bed side walls?

 

[Calbar]

I am sure this question has been asked many times. I have a 3500 with an 8 foot bed, 5 point factory hitch setup. If use a Reese 16K Goose Box with a standard ball mounted where it normally goes, is there a clearance issue with the side walls of the bed? Seems i have heard people talking about the box hitting the sides of the bed in a tight turn. If this is true then has anyone tried a Demco 5996 which essentially will raise the goose ball about 6 inches from the stock bed mount. With more clearance perhaps the box will clear the bed side walls?

With an 8' box you shouldn't have any issues. People usually talk about the side of the trailer hitting the cab with a short box. With a long box you will not have that problem.

Rob

 

[traveldawg]

I am sure this question has been asked many times. I have a 3500 with an 8 foot bed, 5 point factory hitch setup. If use a Reese 16K Goose Box with a standard ball mounted where it normally goes, is there a clearance issue with the side walls of the bed? Seems i have heard people talking about the box hitting the sides of the bed in a tight turn. If this is true then has anyone tried a Demco 5996 which essentially will raise the goose ball about 6 inches from the stock bed mount. With more clearance perhaps the box will clear the bed side walls?

How much clearance do you have now with the ball you are using?

Most likely 4" to 5" is sufficient; 6" or 7" is OK.

The shorter (lower?) clearances are where folks find the hitch will hit the bed sides. That and a low clearance and making a large transition up or down hill, especially when turning a corner.

Let us know what your clearance is now. And maybe take the rig to a big empty parking lot and experiment with different angle turns (slowly) while looking at clearances.

Finally, welcome to the forum. You'll get lots of input.