Forum Discussion

2012Oudoorsman's avatar
2012Oudoorsman
Explorer
Mar 08, 2017

Specialty Pin Boxes

So I just ordered a new Open Range Roamer 374BHS. I am new to fifth wheels but have been actively on the forum since purchasing my TT 4 years ago. When ordering I tried to get an air pin box but unfortunately there were no options for one.

I'm looking for one for basically two reason. To help reduce shock felt by trailer leading to the frame flex that many have and to have a more enjoyable towing experience.

I'm looking for some feed back on the available options, the ones I'm aware of are the moyride, trail air and reese 5th airborne. From looking at reviews only the reese looks to be better of two air option and the moyride looks to be the simplist option.

My dealer is pretty reasonable but has yet to give me a price to swap it out. Should I expect to pay full price of one or should I be able to get some value for the one that comes with the trailer.

The option (3x models only) was only 550$ and that to me was a good deal but if I have to pay close to another $1000 I'd really have to think about it.

Any feed back on these options and others as well as an idea of expected price would be appreciated.
  • Veebyes's avatar
    Veebyes
    Explorer II
    Mar 08, 2017
    I have had a 5th Airborne & Trailair on identical trailers. No Question, the Trailair is far superior. You can see the difference simply looking at them. The Trailair has much more travel than the 5th Airborn.

    The only negative on the trailair is that the airbag is exposed to the sun & will age just like a tire. The way to eliminate the sun is to simply cover that part of the pinbox when not on the road.
  • JTrac's avatar
    JTrac
    Explorer
    Mar 08, 2017
    Have you looked at the Demco Glide Ride? It is not an air ride but does a pretty good job with the forward and aft movement. I did have a problem with chucking with a B&W Companion hitch but I really don't think any solid mount hitch has much to do with it. I would think it has more to do with the dynamics of hitch and axle weight ratios and maybe even the wheelbase of the truck. All I know is changing trucks from a short bed srw one ton to the dually solved the problem. Throwing in a Trailer Saver BD3 really made for smooth sailing.
  • ford_truck_guy's avatar
    ford_truck_guy
    Nomad
    Mar 08, 2017
    azdryheat wrote:
    My trailer came with the TrailAir-TriGlide hitch, which I think the other posters are referring as it dampens forward/aft movement in addition to the verticle. The TrailAir, by itself does not do that as it is only an air bladder.

    I would avoid the TRI-Glide as mine failed. Two of the three rollers failed leaving only one roller to keep my 41 footer attached to the hitch. I now have just the TrailAir and love it.


    I think they STOPPED selling those?? They were replaced by the Flex-Air, which I have and LOVE..

    My tri-glide was failing and Lippert told me tough luck, so I upgraded myself. Many folks over on the Redwood forums are also having issues with the tri-glide and now Lippert is sending replacement bottoms to some at no cost.

    To the OP.. I had the fifth airborne on my last fiver and loved it... i now have the flex-air on this fiver and love that also..
  • greende's avatar
    greende
    Explorer II
    Mar 08, 2017
    newman fulltimer wrote:
    If you get a b&w hitch you won't have any chucking


    Not true. I pull an 11K 5er with a 3500DRW. While there was no noisy, clunking chucking, there was some surging depending on the road type. I did not need to dampen the bounce so I opted for the Mor Ryde pinbox and it works very well.
  • Bionic_Man's avatar
    Bionic_Man
    Explorer
    Mar 08, 2017
    I tow tandem, and I switched from a standard pin box to the Trail Air (not tri-glide). My advice is don't waste you money, as IMO, it made very little difference in ride quality.

    I think you are better off upgrading the hitch to an air hitch.
  • BB_TX's avatar
    BB_TX
    Nomad
    Mar 08, 2017
    I put a 5th Airborne on many years ago. Did not have a lot of chucking to begin with. And afterward I had almost none. Would do it again.
  • B_O__Plenty's avatar
    B_O__Plenty
    Explorer II
    Mar 08, 2017
    newman fulltimer wrote:
    If you get a b&w hitch you won't have any chucking
    Not necessarily true. I have a B&W as well as a TrailAire pin box. Still have plenty of chucking!

    B.O.
  • Hammerboy's avatar
    Hammerboy
    Explorer
    Mar 08, 2017
    newman fulltimer wrote:
    If you get a b&w hitch you won't have any chucking


    That's not true, I have a B&W patriot and I'll get chucking from time to time.

    Dan
  • azdryheat's avatar
    azdryheat
    Explorer
    Mar 08, 2017
    My trailer came with the TrailAir-TriGlide hitch, which I think the other posters are referring as it dampens forward/aft movement in addition to the verticle. The TrailAir, by itself does not do that as it is only an air bladder.

    I would avoid the TRI-Glide as mine failed. Two of the three rollers failed leaving only one roller to keep my 41 footer attached to the hitch. I now have just the TrailAir and love it.
  • Lantley's avatar
    Lantley
    Nomad
    Mar 08, 2017
    I have BD3 air ride hitch that delivers a smooth ride. However they are more expensive than pin boxes

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