Reese Goosebox Install Issue

[JayBee]

I’m installing the Reese Gooseneck pin box. It was a bear to get out the OEM one. I had to use a crowbar going back and forth on each side many times to get it to slowly slide out. The Reese pin box is obviously too narrow and needs spacers. I can’t just bolt it on and put that much stress on the vertical brackets from the frame. I noticed the old pin box had plates welded on both sides.

I ordered the Reese Sidewinder spacers and I’m waiting on them to come in. I hope all the holes line up and I can use the roll pins to hold it in place.

If my measurements are correct, this is going to be a significant emotional event to get this back up in there. It's about a 1/16th" inch too wide on very stout metal. I don't want to use grease of any kind, my mechanic son says to use brake cleaner as a lubricant because it evaporates. Sounds good to me.

Curious if anyone else that has install experience had similar issues. In all the videos I watched I didn’t see anyone using spacers.

2021 385BR
2024 GMC 3500 DRW

[bshgto]

Originally Posted by JayBee

I’m installing the Reese Gooseneck pin box. It was a bear to get out the OEM one. I had to use a crowbar going back and forth on each side many times to get it to slowly slide out. The Reese pin box is obviously too narrow and needs spacers. I can’t just bolt it on and put that much stress on the vertical brackets from the frame. I noticed the old pin box had plates welded on both sides.

I ordered the Reese Sidewinder spacers and I’m waiting on them to come in. I hope all the holes line up and I can use the roll pins to hold it in place.

If my measurements are correct, this is going to be a significant emotional event to get this back up in there. It's about a 1/16th" inch too wide on very stout metal. I don't want to use grease of any kind, my mechanic son says to use brake cleaner as a lubricant because it evaporates. Sounds good to me.

Curious if anyone else that has install experience had similar issues. In all the videos I watched I didn’t see anyone using spacers.

2021 385BR
2024 GMC 3500 DRW

I have this pin box I had to use 2 spacers to tighten it up, just buy them and forget about it. They`re made for this situation. You don` need to have them welded on. Don`t try and draw in the campers side plates with the bolts.

[432bartman]

I had to use the spacers too. I centered the Reesebox in my P/U bed and used a jackstand to hold it up. I then used the levelers of the trailer to raise and lower it until the holes lines up.

[Lee-CI]

The spacers will work toot sweet for you. I have a tractor and used A pallet on a front end loader with a pallet on hay forks to ease our Goosebox into place, but not everyone has access to one. @432bartman's scenario should work well for you. You are gonna love your Goosebox! Good luck and happy camping

[JayBee]

Thank you all for the responses and good information. Really looking forward to getting this done and getting on the road.