Forum Discussion

Lenny_K's avatar
Lenny_K
Explorer
Sep 13, 2016

Pin Box Contacts Truck Bed on Tight Turns

When I turn sharply the rear of the pin box will make contact with the top of the truck bed.
The rear of the pinbox has already been cut on an angle so I'm thinking of cutting it more. This would be very near the bottom hole that would be used if the pin would be lowered.
Has anyone else have this problem and how did you solve i?t
  • Pin boxes come in different lengths and I solved that issue by changing to medium length pin box from a long. Medium was 10" shorter than long. If anyone needs a long Trail-Air contact me. Randu
  • I used a sawsall. The metal is not harden and cuts fairly easy. I had lots of extra holes and trucks are getting higher not lower. I did cut through the stamped in serial number. Saved that piece. Person that purchased trailer in the spring did not have to adjust the pin box.

    Chris
  • Me Again wrote:
    Sawsall time.


    Chris


    When I was looking at my pin box the other day I had looked at following the same line you did but was worried about cutting away the bolt holes. Looks like that didn't bother you any.
    What did you use to cut it away. You said sawsall time, but with the one I have it would take forever.
  • Michelle.S wrote:
    This is a common problem with GMs and extended Pin Boxes. Is it possible to raise your pin box and then raise the hitch. Some times it just comes down to a splitting the distance between pin box and bed rails and maintaining level towing.


    Unfortunately the pin box is raised up all the way already so this isn't an option.
  • Somewhat common problem. I would cut it, if that would eliminate the contact, AND as long as the cut was outside the contact area of a bolt head.

    You might also consider raising your fifthweel hitch, and raising your pinbox an equal amount, if those adjustments are available.

    But bottom line is, it is no big deal cutting the rear end of the pinbox. People get all worked up about how critical that thing is, checking their torque all the time, insisting on grade 8 bolts, and in general just fussing and worrying. I guess they don't understand the mechanics of it, and fear what they don't understand.
  • This is a common problem with GMs and extended Pin Boxes. Is it possible to raise your pin box and then raise the hitch. Some times it just comes down to a splitting the distance between pin box and bed rails and maintaining level towing.