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Gasman's avatar
Gasman
Explorer
Sep 27, 2013

Installing airborne pin box

Will be installing Reese Airborne pin box on our 5th and was wondering how to measure to keep the ride height the same as it is with the fixed pin box. I know that I can mount it and measure but is there some trick that I can't seem to think of to not have to move it numerous times.

Any other tips for setting it up and using the Airborne would be welcomed. I gather that air pressure in the bag is trial to see what works best.
  • I installed one a few years back, don't remember
    about measuring for height but as far as air pressure, there is a line on the shock to bring air pressure to.
  • I had 2 of them I think it went up a hole on my cougar. The ride height of the box is determined by pressure it should have an indicator on the side of the hitch, where you should have it pressured to. then you can tune forward and back in the adjustable slots or holes I can't quite remember.
  • Remember to take into account that the airborne will probably be 4 1/2" taller/deeper than the stock pin box. Consequently your trailer nose will be that much higher if you mount it in the same holes as the stock pin box. That is what I found out on mine when I changed. This height change really affected the ride of the trailer!!
    If you have a trailer with the axles "flipped" then you shouldn't have any of this problem. My trailer doesn't have the axles "flipped" and I didn't want to do that to it so I had to figure out something else. This led me to all the measuring.
    Luckily after much measuring I was able to drill a new row of holes and mount the airborne 2 1/2" higher. I already had my 5th wheel hitch at it's lowest setting.
    For measuring; first measure the distance on the stock pin box to the bottom of the trailer nose (as when it would be hooked up). Then measure your airborne the same way. This will give you your difference between the two.
    Now put a straight edge across the top of your truck box rails and measure down to the top of your 5th wheel hitch. The measurement of your pin box on your trailer minus the measurement of the truck rails/5th wheel hitch will give you your difference between the bottom of the trailer nose and the truck bed rails. You usually want about 5 to 6" clearance, which is usually level.
    Sorry for the long post, but I hope this helps. You want to make sure your trailer sits level after all the work.
    Good luck.

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