Gen-Y 5th Wheel Replacement or B&W Companion?

[JHC1]

I am currently using a B&W Companion to tow a Paradigm 310RL. It works fine but only used it for a couple of trips, maybe 1,000 miles total. I really don't like taking the B&W out of the bed and the loss of bed space while towing. So I have done some research and looking hard at the Gen-Y 5th wheel Pin Box replacement with a Gooseneck SnapLatch Coupler. Certainly frees up the bed and I don't have to remove anything except the ball and associated chain mounts to the pucks. Most reviews are very positive for the Gen-Y but there are a few that have issues with bed rail clearance. I assume bed clearance can be rectified by installing the Gen-Y up or down relative to the mounting holes on the 5th wheel.

Anyone have the Gen-Y and can offer up any insights?

Thanks, as always...........

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[AH64ID]

I recently switched my B&W Companion out for a Reese Goosebox and am very happy with setup. I went with the goosebox because I haven't been overly impressed with the Gen-Y that's on a friends trailer and I prefer an airbag to the fixed torsion flex rates.

 

[maxx442]

I went with the Reese Goosebox because every fifth wheel manufacturer I checked with said the Goosebox is the only conversion that would not void their warranty. All of them said the Gen-Y would void it. This was two years ago.

Personally I believe Lippert, who manufactures 95% of fifth wheel frames, owns Reese.

 

[H3LZSN1P3R]

I went with the Reese Goosebox because every fifth wheel manufacturer I checked with said the Goosebox is the only conversion that would not void their warranty. All of them said the Gen-Y would void it. This was two years ago.

Personally I believe Lippert, who manufactures 95% of fifth wheel frames, owns Reese.

Lets be real if the frame is going to snap its not from what ever coupler is bolted to it…

 

[maxx442]

I'm not arguing with anyone on that. I am simply relaying what I was told when I wanted to convert from fifth wheel to gooseneck.

 

[Grateful Dad]

I run a GenY and love it. It’s not “approved” but I don’t care! I COMPLETLEY understand why and assume the risk. Truth be told, the hitch is the best thing to help reduce the risk of a frame issue and IF I have one, I’m not waiting weeks and/or months to give Lippert or GD another crack at getting it right. I know a competent welder……..

I’ve got plenty of clearance on my setup, can show more pics if you need

 

[JHC1]

AH. Any issues with the Reese relative to hitching/unhitching and air management? Not interested in having to air up every time I have to hook up.

 

[AH64ID]

AH. Any issues with the Reese relative to hitching/unhitching and air management? Not interested in having to air up every time I have to hook up.

None, set it for the load and you shouldn’t have to adjust it again frequently unless your pin weight changes. Probably some ambient condition changes, but I haven’t had that happen yet.

 

[Silverbeard]

None, set it for the load and you shouldn’t have to adjust it again frequently unless your pin weight changes. Probably some ambient condition changes, but I haven’t had that happen

AH64ID, I agree that ambient temperature changes will require adding more air, just like the tires. I have experienced a couple of times where under extreme breaking where the pressure relief valve lets out some air. The beauty of the GooseBox is that as more pin weight is added, the air bag gets squeezed, increasing air pressure. So it self-adjusts air pressure. Also, if you stop and park while going up a slope and the trailer rolls back, it may look like the air pressure is low. Conversely, if you stop going down a slope and park, it may look like the pressure is too high. Don’t jump to conclusions. It’s best to check visually after coming to a smooth stop on a level surface. I hope that all makes sense.

 

[darrellr]

I moved from a Trail-air with a bag to a GenY. I do not miss the air bag on the hitch at all. I do have airbags on my truck. It was always a bit of a chore doing the dance between the pressure in the bags and the pressure in the hitch to try to get the best ride. While it was pretty stiff on the way home from northern Indiana after installation, it has since broken in and I don't miss the trail-air at all at this point. That said, I was pretty good at hooking up with the standard pin, it takes a little more to get it just right on the ball, but it is (actually was, now that it is winter here) getting easier.

 

[AH64ID]

It was always a bit of a chore doing the dance between the pressure in the bags and the pressure in the hitch to try to get the best ride

As long as you're not trying to do things you shouldn't be with the airbags the two systems shouldn't care what pressure the other one was at in terms of ride.

There are no indications that the airbag in the goosebox has any negative effect on the OEM auto-level airbags on my truck, the two work excellent together.

 

[darrellr]

As long as you're not trying to do things you shouldn't be with the airbags the two systems shouldn't care what pressure the other one was at in terms of ride.

There are no indications that the airbag in the goosebox has any negative effect on the OEM auto-level airbags on my truck, the two work excellent together.

It's always great when someone who maybe hasn't done things tries to lecture those who have about how they have done it wrong. They are not OEM auto level airbags. In fact, it is even in my signature.

 

[AH64ID]

It's always great when someone who maybe hasn't done things tries to lecture those who have about how they have done it wrong. They are not OEM auto level airbags. In fact, it is even in my signature.

lol, two separate comments but really not all that different for the purposes of both setups working together. First, if properly used then each airbag system will not have an effect on the other.. second commenting how well they work with my airbags (which just because they are OEM bags doesn't negate the integration between a hitch airbag and suspension supplemental airbags).

What kind of pressure were you running in the airbags? And what ride height was that putting you at (i.e. empty or 2” below empty, etc)

 

[H3LZSN1P3R]

It's always great when someone who maybe hasn't done things tries to lecture those who have about how they have done it wrong. They are not OEM auto level airbags. In fact, it is even in my signature.

I had bags on my 05 and my air ride 5th wheel hitch and the 5th wheel I had at the time had the trail-air pinbox. I had no issues with setting up all 3 to play nice together. It may not have been ideal but It worked great

 

[darrellr]

I had bags on my 05 and my air ride 5th wheel hitch and the 5th wheel I had at the time had the trail-air pinbox. I had no issues with setting up all 3 to play nice together. It may not have been ideal but It worked great

As I said, it worked great, but you had to get it dialed in which could be a daily task on long travel days. Significant weather or altitude change, you had to make adjustments. Road in terrible shape, less air might be desirable. It is something to constantly mess with. Now, I don't mess with it, don't need to make adjustments so far, except for my regular slower speeds on rougher roads. Like you said, it is not ideal.

 

[darrellr]

lol, two separate comments but really not all that different for the purposes of both setups working together. First, if properly used then each airbag system will not have an effect on the other.. second commenting how well they work with my airbags (which just because they are OEM bags doesn't negate the integration between a hitch airbag and suspension supplemental airbags).

What kind of pressure were you running in the airbags? And what ride height was that putting you at (i.e. empty or 2” below empty, etc)

Again, you start out with properly used crap as if you are all knowing and others are complete idiots. If you think having two different air pressure adjustable systems will have no affect on one another, I have some high school physics books for you.

Pressure depends on the roads. Good roads, about 60# in the bags, about 95# in the pinbox (still not quite up to the line they recommend). Bad roads, lower pressure in the bags and slower speed. Weather and altitude changes - could be some daily adjustments. The point is, it is a PITA to keep it riding comfortable. GenY is easier and smoother for me. Now I run about 45# in the bags with the GenY and don't have to make too many adjustments unless the roads are really bad (looking at you Illinois).

I had a 2.5" level on the front, so I installed the bags to get back to level when towing. I took the level kit off this summer and likely could get by without the bags from a level perspective, but they are already on there, so I roll with them as it helps to help keep some of the porpoising down on said rougher roads. My pin weight is about 4640# and I have a 60 gallon aux tank in the bed, so it is still quite a load.

 

[AH64ID]

I had a 2.5" level on the front, so I installed the bags to get back to level when towing.

Well at least we know how you were doing it wrong… worst way to use airbags in terms of ride and handling.

I took the level kit off this summer

Good, it was the root cause of your issues especially with the 5” offset in your signature.

 

[darrellr]

Yes, I never liked the leveling kit, and until I upgraded to this trailer, it really wasn't an issue. But you are really going to sit there and say adjusting pressure in bags to help ride quality is not a valid use of the bags? And also, you feel a 5" offset over the length of the frame makes much difference? Protip - it doesn't. I had a pullrite slider before this and have used the gen y with and without the offset. The offset doesn't make anything feel off or different. Perhaps that 5" difference is more important to someone closer to you?

 

[AH64ID]

Yes, I never liked the leveling kit, and until I upgraded to this trailer, it really wasn't an issue. But you are really going to sit there and say adjusting pressure in bags to help ride quality is not a valid use of the bags? And also, you feel a 5" offset over the length of the frame makes much difference? Protip - it doesn't. I had a pullrite slider before this and have used the gen y with and without the offset. The offset doesn't make anything feel off or different. Perhaps that 5" difference is more important to someone closer to you?

You brought up physics books, but also doubt the impact a 5” gooseneck offset makes? That’s a bit of a contradiction or misunderstanding.

Use of the airbags to maintain a level stance with a 2.5” level is an improper use of airbags, which is what I was referring to.

 

[darrellr]

Yes, how much weight transfer do you imagine will be transferred behind the axle based on the total length of the lever? Something around 40# based on cat scales vs not using the offset. I would argue that is not noticeable to the driver or to the vehicle. It represents a 0.1% difference.

That is one of the primary uses of airbags for towing RVs and other heavy trailers. To counteract the change in level of the load based on rear axle load. It can also help handle poorly distributed loads in the bed, but I really don't have that issue. My primary purpose is in using the truck to tow my RV.

Why are you hung up on a level kit making things so much different for towing? The reason rake exists is that the truck will be level after load is applied. Thus the OEM airbags are there to help relevel the truck. The truck ends up level. Add 2.5" to the front and you notice when you apply load the truck is no longer level. You adjust the suspension (pressure in the airbags) to re-level the truck. Nothing in the trailer gives a crap about the level kit and the truck is driving level, just about 2.5" taller than it would otherwise be. I am struggling to understand why you are being so obtuse here. So you don't like a leveling kit. It is not the same as driving abrodozer around and then trying to tow heavy with it. I know you are not an idiot, but I do think you are being a bit dense here without actual evidence or experience being posted. You are just mouthing off until you can show something otherwise imo.