Considering a Gen-Y Gooseneck Hitch: Could This Be Our Next Upgrade?

For the past few years, we’ve been towing our 5th wheel using an Anderson Ultimate Hitch, and it’s been reliable and smooth. But as we think about future upgrades and towing comfort, the Gen-Y Gooseneck Hitch keeps popping up in conversations online and in forums.

We haven’t installed one yet, but we’re seriously considering it. Here’s our take on why it might make sense for RVers like us — and what we’re weighing before making the jump.

Why We’re Considering a Gen-Y Gooseneck (Click Here to Purchase)

1. Stability and Reduced Sway
   Gooseneck hitches attach directly into the truck bed over the rear axle, rather than pivoting on a hitch point in the bed like traditional 5th wheel setups. This gives better weight distribution and reduces side-to-side sway — something that’s appealing when towing heavy rigs.

2. Potential for Higher Payload Capacity
   Our Anderson Ultimate Hitch has served us well, but a gooseneck could allow for a slightly higher towing and payload capacity in certain configurations. This is particularly useful if we ever upgrade to a larger 5th wheel or haul additional gear in the truck bed.

3. More Open Bed Space Options
   Some Gen-Y models are modular or removable, meaning you could reclaim the bed for hauling gear when not towing. This could be a game-changer for flexibility — something we haven’t fully explored yet with our current setup.

4. Smoother Turning Radius
   Because of the different pivot point, many RVers report that goosenecks allow for tighter, more controlled turns. On long road trips with tight mountain passes or campground turns, that’s a huge plus.

What We’re Considering Before Switching

• Cost vs Benefit: Gooseneck hitches are more expensive upfront than a typical 5th wheel or Anderson Ultimate Hitch. Is the added stability worth the investment for us?

• Truck Compatibility: Not all trucks are gooseneck-ready without modifications. We need to ensure our current truck bed and suspension can handle the hitch safely.

• Learning Curve: While the installation is straightforward for pros, we want to understand how it might change our hitching routine and setup time at campgrounds.

• Resale and Versatility: If we ever sell our truck or trailer, we want to ensure the gooseneck setup doesn’t limit options or make the rig harder to sell.

Looking Ahead (Click Here to Purchase)

We haven’t made the leap yet, but the Gen-Y Gooseneck Hitch is on our radar for the next upgrade. The idea of improved stability, reduced sway, and potential for better payload management is enticing, especially for long trips and heavy loads.

We’ll be watching reviews, talking to other RVers who have made the switch, and weighing whether the upfront investment aligns with our travel goals.

Swapping Your Old Kingpin for the Gen-Y Gooseneck: Step-by-Step Guide

If you’ve never taken a kingpin box off a fifth wheel before, it can look a little intimidating. The good news? It’s totally doable with basic tools, a couple of jack stands, and some patience. Here’s exactly how we removed our old kingpin and mounted the new Gen-Y Executive Gooseneck Conversion Hitch.

⚠️ Quick Safety Reminder

Your pin box is heavy. Use jack stands or cribbing to support the weight, and never put your hands under anything suspended. If something feels sketchy, stop and readjust.

Tools & Materials You’ll Need

(Per your blog preference, you can add Amazon product links later.)

• Impact wrench or breaker bar

• 15/16” or 1” sockets (varies by manufacturer)

• Torque wrench (capable of 160–210 ft-lbs)

• Two heavy-duty jack stands or wood cribbing

• Ladder

• Thread locker (blue or red, depending on preference)

• Tape measure

• A helper (not required, but highly recommended)

Step 1: Support the Old Kingpin Box

Before loosening a single bolt, you need to take the weight off the pin box.

• Park on level ground and chock your wheels.

• Raise your front landing gear high enough that you can place jack stands or wood cribbing underneath the kingpin box.

• Gently lower the trailer onto the stands until the box is fully supported.

This prevents the pin box from dropping or shifting when the bolts are removed.

Step 2: Remove the Existing Bolts

Most RV pin boxes are held on with four to six Grade-8 bolts on each side.

• Use an impact wrench or breaker bar to remove all the side bolts.

• Keep track of any washers or spacers, some trailers use them for height adjustment.

• Once the last bolt is removed, the box will stay supported by your stands.

If any bolts are stubborn, a little penetrating oil and patience works wonders.

Step 3: Slide the Old Pin Box Out

With all bolts removed, carefully slide the kingpin box straight forward out of the mounting wings.

You may need to wiggle it a bit, they can bind slightly due to weight or paint.

Move it out of the way and take a second to inspect the mounting brackets. Make sure there are no cracks, bent tabs, or missing welds before installing the new hitch.

Step 4: Prep the Gen-Y Hitch for Install

Your new Gen-Y will mount using the same bolt pattern as the old kingpin box.

• Check your hardware kit Gen-Y typically includes new Grade-8 bolts, washers, and lock nuts.

• Apply a little thread locker to the bolt threads.

• Line up the bolt holes roughly before lifting the unit.

Step 5: Lift the Gen-Y Hitch Into Place

The Gen-Y is very heavy because of its torsion system. This is definitely easier with two people.

• Support the Gen-Y hitch on your jack stands at the proper height.

• Slowly raise or lower your landing gear until the bolt holes line up with the mounting wings.

• Start with the upper bolts, thread them in by hand to get everything aligned.

Do not torque anything yet.

Step 6: Install All Bolts and Torque to Spec

Once every bolt is hand-threaded:

• Tighten all bolts in a criss-cross pattern to pull the plate evenly.

• Torque each bolt to the manufacturer’s spec (Gen-Y generally calls for 160–210 ft-lbs, but check your exact model).

• Double-check that no gaps exist between the plate and the trailer’s mounting wings.

Step 7: Adjust Ride Height if Needed

After installation:

• Hook up to your truck and make sure your trailer rides level.

• If not, adjust the hitch height by changing bolt positions.

• Re-torque after adjustments.

A properly leveled setup improves ride quality and prevents chucking.

Step 8: Recheck All Torque After 50–100 Miles

This is a must. New hardware settles, especially with a heavy pin box.

• After your first drive, re-check every bolt.

• Make this part of your regular maintenance schedule.