Cougar pin box flex
I'm asking for advice that might help me make a decision. We have a 2016 Cougar 279RKS fifth wheel with an Anderson ultimate hitch. The trailer was "used" for about three months before we bought it f...
Forum Discussion
N-Trouble wrote:Me Again wrote:
NO! The distance of the fulcrum point is only about 4 or 5" different. Chris
That 4-5" is like a 20% increase in the length. Still dont think it will make a difference?
It is not 20%, and the pin box itself does not flex. The upper frame flexes and that distance is from the king pin back to where the frame rails attach to vertical supports right at the front legs, a distance easily in excess of 5 ft.
My last fiver had 1-1/2 inches of flex. It was repaired under warranty and part of the fix was my design. The manufacturer and Lippert applied those changes to new units as well.
Just tightening bolts or screws that secure the sidewalls to the frame is not a permanent fix. Even the slightest flex from repeated hook ups will loosen those connections. More steel is really needed.
There are two areas of flex. 1) the box steel frame rails that span about 5 ft forward of the front legs can bow and 2) the crossmembers across the front and back of the pin box mount will bow so the pin box rotates slightly, the front crossmember bows up while the rear crossmember bows down.
