Fifth Wheel "airbag" kingpins

southernsky wrote:
We have the Reese 5th Airborne. Like others have said smoother ride for both truck and trailer.

X2 The air ride pin box also helped reduce "chucking"

tdsxt51 wrote:

I don't have any problems with my hitch or pulling. What exactly are they supposed to do? Not being a smart a$$, just really don't know.

Its not problems, I didnt have any problems with my standard pinbox and reese hitch while pulling but then picked up a used Trailsaver BD3 air hitch and the difference is totally noticeable in the ride in the truck. Like others have mentioned I can look at the hitch while going down the road and see it bouncing on the air bags, which before would have transferred that bounce to the entire truck.

Having one gives you a smoother ride in the truck and with the airbags in the hitch taking the energy from the sharp bumps and jolts instead of your truck and fiver, its easier on both of them.

tdsxt51 wrote:
I don't have any problems with my hitch or pulling. What exactly are they supposed to do? Not being a smart a$$, just really don't know.

Ditto

5th AirBorne on last coach and installed on new one before I picked it up. Wouldn't own a 5er w/o it (but would guess the Trail Air is the same results). I don't loose air like AP said. If you do, then it's a simple find. Either valve, line or bag. No big deal to add air if need be. Running just under 4k pin and the truck rides rougher than the pin box/trailer. Worth the extra $$ IMO. Besides, if your spending $40-$100K, why scrimp or bulk at a few hundred bucks for a air pin box?

lee worsdell wrote:
my trail air glide failed on the highway had to have the plate welded solid. bd3 is the way to go for hitch if you want air ride.

Be honest, did you grease "ALL 9" fittings per manufacturers timeframe?

Y'all realize this thread is 8 months old right?????????????

I think Yvon decided business was slow so he was going to run a commercial and drum up more business.

Another vote for TrailAir or equivalent. It minimizes the stress on the trailer frame and chucking. The cost is well worth it. The only problem is the air spring should be covered to minimize UV damage while in storage. I use a trash bag to cover the hitch-- I suppose a coating of 303 on the rubber air spring would help as well. Also, like all air springs they will gradually leak air over time, but checking the air pressure monthly and refilling is not a real problem for me.

Probably enough has been said, but I will only add that I have the "TrailAir" (which is now owned by Lippert, but I got mine from the original owner, Dale--met him at Goshen, IN)

Have used it on two different fifth-wheels. The in-truck hitch is probably somewhat better, but the advantage of the pin-box "TrailAir", or similar, is that it goes with the trailer, not the truck. I was able to transfer from one trailer to another by purchasing some basic parts.

I think it is worth having. Yes, I do have to air-up about every week when on the road, but I carry a small 12 volt air compressor just for this purpose.

I've traveled nearly 100,000 miles across the US and into Canada with this pin-box air cushion and would recommend it.

boonie wrote:

garyp4951 wrote:
The hitch is in the truck, the pin box is on the 5er.
They make air ride for both.

Which one is better?

My guess is that it’s a toss up. I prefer my Trailersaver hitch because it works with anything I tow. I have had occasion to help out a friend by moving their FW.

my trail air glide failed on the highway had to have the plate welded solid. bd3 is the way to go for hitch if you want air ride.