Forum Discussion

chrizg's avatar
chrizg
Explorer
Sep 02, 2016

New Flex-Air pinbox rusting... Is yours ?

So a couple of months ago a rep from Lippert came to the dealer and they had a sale on Lippert products. After doing a lot of research I unfortunately purchased a new Flex-Air pinbox replacing my MORryde. The pinbox has something rusting on the inside of it, and when I move the 5ver, it spills all over the truck and hitch. I contacted the dealership and they said "Something isn't powder coated inside it and we can't do anything about it" I contacted Lippert support and they asked for pictures, and responded with "This is not a manufacturing defect and doesn't affect the integrity of the component" and has told me to hit the bricks. I never had this issue with the prev 5ver (7 years), and the MORryde didn't do this.

My question is, if you have a Flex-Air pinbox is yours rusting and dropping rust **** all over your truck? A 2 month old pinbox making this mess is bullsh!t and the response I am getting (Normal for this 2 month old pinbox to rust and drop rust stain all over bed and hitch) is also bullsh!t.

Here is the old truck and hitch



This is the new truck after 1 trip









  • boshog's avatar
    boshog
    Explorer
    Sep 04, 2016
    OP, It seems to be the normal in the RV industry for suppliers and companies to not back their products. I've never been exposed to this in the past and when I first got in, I was surprised and disappointed.

    I've had issues in the past with cell phone provider and Chrysler where something was wrong but they didn't step up. So I tried something and it worked, both times and quite well.

    I filled a small-claims case against them. $20 bucks and some paper work and you have a chance to plead your position to a judge. Neither of my two cases made it to court, a solution was proposed well before the court date. They have to come to you and it just isn't worth their expense and they will find a solution.

    I realize different locations may have different rules to small claims. Both of mine were in Oakland County, Michigan. It is worth checking into.
  • danrclem's avatar
    danrclem
    Explorer
    Sep 04, 2016
    A rust encapsulator would likely be the cheapest fix but sandblasting and a powdercoat would probably be the best solution. Eastwood makes a good encapsulator.

    http://www.eastwood.com/rust-encapsulator-27490.html
  • kennethwooster's avatar
    kennethwooster
    Explorer
    Sep 04, 2016
    My current RV is zero Lippert. I bought a Cameo 2011. No more frame problems, that LIppert will not repair even when its not their fault. They should repair your hitch but forget it.. My combo, b&W puck and MorRide combo has been perfect.
  • buckdaddy's avatar
    buckdaddy
    Explorer
    Sep 03, 2016
    Rust issue aside, may I ask why you switched from the Morryde to Flexair? What is your opinion on which is better for its intended purpose. Its not often we find someone who has tried both products so a comparison analysis would be informative since I was thinking of getting the Morryde.
  • mr__ed's avatar
    mr__ed
    Explorer
    Sep 03, 2016
    When not towing, I've always covered my hitch with a tarp. I had only very minor rusting because the tarp doesn't block humidity or salt air, but sufficed for blocking direct rain. Occasional spraying with silicone or something similar also helped.
  • 12th_Man_Fan's avatar
    12th_Man_Fan
    Explorer
    Sep 03, 2016
    I would spray rust neutralizer in all of the openings when I knew it was dry. I think that will stop the problem.
  • Pipeman's avatar
    Pipeman
    Explorer
    Sep 03, 2016
    I just drilled two holes, one on either side of the area where water collects, for drainage. Seems to be working. I spray painted the area where the water collected. I've had this hitch for a few years but this is the first trip where my 5th wheel had rust all over it from the pin box.
  • Padlin's avatar
    Padlin
    Explorer
    Sep 03, 2016
    I had similar albeit a different model of pinbox. Plugged the 2 1/2 holes in the top of the pinbox to fix. If yours has the holes, try the same.
  • SoCalDesertRid1's avatar
    SoCalDesertRid1
    Explorer
    Sep 03, 2016
    Lippert is a company that is well known for making a bunch of junk.

    You could remove the pin box, have it sand blasted in/out and powdercoated. Or, remove it and put your MorRide back on...

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