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RnTBnB's avatar
RnTBnB
Explorer
Aug 22, 2013

Replacing the 5th Airborne pin box air line

I have the 19K 5th Airborne/Sidewinder combo pin box, and it does not hold air. In a discussion with Reese tech support I was told 95% of the time the problem is the air line. However, I have been unable to determine whether this is a DIY project or one for my dealer. Would someone who has replaced the air line in a 5th Airborne share the process, please?

8 Replies

  • I think with my 5th Airborne you can easily remove the 1/4" line. Cut a short piece off using a box knife and reinstall it. Bet it will fix the leak.
  • I'd put 100 psi in the bag and then use some soapy water to try to pin point the leak. I'd do this before I wasted time/money on replacing things. Those 1/4" air lines have to be pushed in very snug to seal (on each end).


    Good luck,
    Phil
  • The original ones didn't even have the air line. If you wanted one they would send it free but you had to put it on. Piece of cake.
  • Thanks everyone for your comments. From your descriptions it sounds like I can handle the job myself. Alley Fox, I called tech support at Reese (Cequent Products 888-521-0510) to ask how to do the replacement. While talking with Bill, he told me there are two different replacement air lines, depending on whether or not you have the Sidewinder. With the Sidewinder I need the longer one. eTrailer.com has it (part #58383) for $45.95 (no pictures available). The shorter one is just for the 5th Airborne without the Sidewinder (part #58382). It is actually called an "easy fill retro fit kit for 5th Airborne" and it comes with new "fill to line" stickers and a metal bracket, and it sells for $59.95.
  • Traildust wrote:
    I had to replace the air line on my Reese 5th Airborne not the sidewinder, it was an easy job. Reese sent me a new air line along with instructions, took me about 20 minutes to swap out the airline.


    Just curious, who/how did you contact @ Reese or Sequent to get the new air line? I had to adjust the airbag position to almost the low end and the hose is too short, had to move it to the opposite side which is not handy. I'm also thinking about putting a pressure gauge in the line so I can see at a glance how the pressure is holding.
  • I had to replace the air line on my Reese 5th Airborne not the sidewinder, it was an easy job. Reese sent me a new air line along with instructions, took me about 20 minutes to swap out the airline.
  • I have had a 5th Airborne several years, but not with the Sidewinder. Mine originally came with just a short air valve under the bottom of the pin box. Hard to reach. But when I requested it they sent me the new air hose type fitting for free. I pulled the old short valve and installed the hose type valve. Pretty simple and easy to do. Just unscrew it and screw the new on in. Put tape on the threads. I did have to deflate the air bag and remove the air bag bolts to get clearance to screw on the new fitting. But that was no problem either.