If you have one, how do you like it? I'm looking at a used 5er (2008 Sunnybrook 30rkfs,15k gvw) with 5th airborne/sidewinder and the guy will knock off $1000 if I don't want the hitch/sidewinder. I think I would like to have the 5th airborne, with a 5er that heavy, but not the sidewinder piece cuz I have a LB. I will buy the 5er with the entire hitch if the 5th airborne is worth having and I will get rid of the sidewinder piece and just use the 5th airborne pin box. If the 5th airborne isn't worth having, I will take the $1000 and put a plain pinbox back on it. Of course, 5th airborne claims they have the best hitch but you know how that goes. I'd like to hear from the owners. TIA! Craig

The 5thAB does the samething as the other air assist pin boxes. I have one love it, feel its well worth the money. Not only does it help on the chucking but takes alot of the stress out of the frame.

I installed a 5th Airborne 4 yrs ago. And would do it again.But I think I only paid about $600 or so for it new. Check pricing on the web you might get a new one and still save a few bucks.

OP said it was a Sidewinder. I don't think this is an air cushioned pin box. If he has a long bed truck he has no need for the Sidewinder.

I had the 5th airborne without the sidewinder and it was great. Like others said it was only about $600 so you might be better off taking the $1000 and starting over. If he has the original pin box, try that for awhile to see if you need anything at all.

I also have a standard 5th Airborne pin box. I like it as it helped reduce chucking immensely.

5th airborne pinbox ??? | Good Sam Community

11 Replies

pbar34
Explorer
Jul 18, 2013
Mine is great. Over 5 years since I installed mine. Huge difference in the ride quality of the rig (once you figure out the right air pressure for your set up).

Phil
allygerry
Explorer
Jul 18, 2013
I have the 5th Airborne pin box and would not hesitate to get another one. Makes towing a lot more comfortable on the bridge expansions and pot holed roads. Also paid $600.00 for ours.
C_Schomer
Explorer
Jul 17, 2013
Good, that's another option. Craig
Beaker
Explorer
Jul 17, 2013
Thanks, that answers it... it's worth useing the airborne and I will ditch the sidewinder piece.

If it is the 5th airborne/sidewinder I don't think that you can ditch the sidewinder piece.

I have the same pinbox and have used it on 1 long trip on I95 and did not notice the chucking and banging from all the potholes. IF you got him down a few hundred dollars the "airborne" part might be worth it.
The "sidewinder" part can also be made into a standard pinbox with a couple of bolts.

For reference, I think the sidewinder\airborne is in the $1600 range new.
Alley_Fox
Explorer
Jul 16, 2013
I have a 5th Airborne and like it, but our last 5th wheel had a MorRyde pinbox and I think it was better. The MorRyde uses elastomer shock absorbers instead of air and allows the pinbox some lateral motion while towing, which the 5th Airborne does not. If you get a new 5th Airborne, make sure it is adjusted properly for your pin weight. They come from the factory set for the max weight of 4200 pounds.
C_Schomer
Explorer
Jul 16, 2013
Thanks, that answers it... it's worth useing the airborne and I will ditch the sidewinder piece. This is a tough deal. I'm in Fairbanks right now, I live in Az. and the 5er is in Denver and I'm trying to make all these decisions so I can give the guy some answers. BTW, the 5er is on Denver craigslist... Sunnybrook 30 rkfs. The guy is a friend and he takes exceptionally good care of his stuff. It is a 5 yr old creampuff priced at average retail before adding the options and the extra things he put on. Craig
SteveB
Explorer
Jul 16, 2013
I also have a standard 5th Airborne pin box. I like it as it helped reduce chucking immensely.
Atom_Ant
Explorer
Jul 16, 2013
I had the 5th airborne without the sidewinder and it was great. Like others said it was only about $600 so you might be better off taking the $1000 and starting over. If he has the original pin box, try that for awhile to see if you need anything at all.
dbbls
Explorer
Jul 16, 2013
OP said it was a Sidewinder. I don't think this is an air cushioned pin box. If he has a long bed truck he has no need for the Sidewinder.
BB_TX
Nomad
Jul 16, 2013
I installed a 5th Airborne 4 yrs ago. And would do it again.
But I think I only paid about $600 or so for it new. Check pricing on the web you might get a new one and still save a few bucks.