Aftermarket Pin Box

[Duramike]

Hey all. I’m considering installing an aftermarket pin box on my Sprinter 334FWFLS to help with chucking. Anyone have experience with or suggestions about different manufacturers or models. Thanks.

[Movin' on]

I have had a "Trail Air Tri Glide" on our last two rigs. They are more expensive than some other pin boxes, but in my opinion they're worth every penny. Your opinion may differ. Trail Air makes a few different pin boxes.

Hope this helps a little. :)

[Duramike]

Does changing out the pin box in any way void the warranty? I would think not but thought I should ask since my 5er is nearly new. Thanks again. ��

[JRTJH]

This is a quote from the Keystone Owner's Manual, 2018 edition:

"Damage or loss caused in whole or in part by the unauthorized attachments, modifications or alterations to the structure, body, pin box, or frame of the RV including but not limited to trailer hitches for towing, or platforms for supporting cargo;"


If you're concerned with the possibility of voiding your warranty, which extends to 3 years on the frame, you might want to send Keystone an email and get their "approval/disapproval" before proceeding. That way, you'd have something "in writing" before you proceed.

You can start that process here: https://www.keystonerv.com/owners/contact-us/

[Duramike]

Great response. I will pose this question to Keystone before moving forward. Love this forum.

[travelin texans]

I wouldn't think putting the exact same pin box on your rv as they put on some of theirs would be classified as an "alteration or modification with unauthorized parts", but see what they say.
Also the Trail Air Tri Glide has been/about to be discontinued. The replacement is the Trail Air Flex Air, best of both, the shock/air bag plus the Roto Flex plate.
15771

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[JRTJH]

I wouldn't think putting the exact same pin box on your rv as they put on some of theirs would be classified as an "alteration or modification with unauthorized parts", but see what they say.
Also the Trail Air Tri Glide has been/about to be discontinued. The replacement is the Trail Air Flex Air, best of both, the shock/air bag plus the Roto Flex plate.

I wouldn't think it would either, but better to know for sure (in writing from the guys who approve/disapprove warranty claims)....

That said, Ford puts a specific type of wheel on "some of their vehicles" but not on others. Would putting wheels from a Fuzion on a F150 potentially void the warranty or parts of it? Just a 'hypothetical question" no need to respond.......

[chuckster57]

Isn’t the frame made by Lippert? If so I would think they would have the final say so.

[notanlines]

Mike, I don't really have an opinion as to what pinbox might be your best bet, but don't spare the money. Remember, you aren't doing something permanent. When you sell it you can keep the new box and put your old one back in place. Nobody except you knows and you can put it on your new rig.

[goducks]

Isn’t the frame made by Lippert? If so I would think they would have the final say so.

x2. FWIW I fail to see how an add on pin box like a Trailair (Lippert) or MORyde that are beneficial in reducing chucking and help to cushion the impact of bumps would do any harm to a 5th wheel. Only reason you don't see a Trailair roto flex on all 5th wheels with Lippert frames is cost.
it's when you start going the gooseneck route that you can void the warranty.

[Frank G]

Hey all. I’m considering installing an aftermarket pin box on my Sprinter 334FWFLS to help with chucking. Anyone have experience with or suggestions about different manufacturers or models. Thanks.

I solved our chucking issue by trading tow vehicles, unknowingly. We had a 2013 F250 4x4 extended cab with the Gas Engine. We installed a Curt 16K slider ecno hitch. Most on this forum will tell you to avoid this hitch at all costs. In March of 2017 we purchased a Laredo 325RL. Towed it home and put about 1000 miles on it doing a couple of camping trips. Yes lots of chucking. Wife looked at me and said "Do Something". Sometime in June of 2017 she informed me the local Dodge Dealer had a used 2016 Ram CTD 4x4 Laramie on the lot at an affordable price, "Lets Go Look". Two days later I was moving the hitch from the Ford to the Ram. We went on our 4th of July outing and were pleasantly surprised, No Chucking not even on stops or starts. We towed it to Florida in October and it was a good experience. A am not saying this will work for others but it worked for us.

[Racebug]

My fusion came with a mor-ryde and has never chucked at all. loaded or light, it does not happen. It is also the only 5er I have ever pulled, so I cant compare to anything else.

[goducks]

Some do some don't. Many factors involved so one remedy won't fit all. Many with the proper pin weight that have chucking.

[Duramike]

Thanks for all the great advice everyone. I will be in contact with he dealer next week to plan this upgrade.

[Skiho3020]

I have a Reese Goose Box. I really like it. Was really tired of putting a hitch in and out of the bed. This way I can use the ball in the bed and it works just fine for what we do. Rides nice. Air ride. I had it on our old camper and put it on our new one at the dealership. From what I understand, this is the only aftermarket pin box that doesn't void your warranty and is approved by Lippert.

[ScotnBev]

I thought about doing the same thing but opted for a new hitch instead: http://www.trailersaver.com/product/bd3-air-ride-5th-wheel-hitch/. It has a lot more travel then what the pin box option allows. I was sharing a hitch with my dad so needed my own hitch anyways. The ride now with the trailer is glass smooth. And the one time i needed support, Saturday morning at 9:00a trying to get hitched, I called, left a message and 10 minutes later a service guy, with his family in the car on an outing, called me back. Talked me through what I was doing wrong.

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[rhagfo]

I thought about doing the same thing but opted for a new hitch instead: http://www.trailersaver.com/product/bd3-air-ride-5th-wheel-hitch/. It has a lot more travel then what the pin box option allows. I was sharing a hitch with my dad so needed my own hitch anyways. The ride now with the trailer is glass smooth. And the one time i needed support, Saturday morning at 9:00a trying to get hitched, I called, left a message and 10 minutes later a service guy, with his family in the car on an outing, called me back. Talked me through what I was doing wrong.

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I find it interesting that you need a trailer saver hitch towing with an F350 DRW with a 5er that barely brakes 12,000# GVWR. Do you have sufficient pin weight? I found that 22% pin, level 5er and shocks on the 5er made for a
Smooth ride.

[ScotnBev]

Hopefully not too long a story. Originally had a 2014 F250 when we bought the 5er. We had some chucking, espically on the California washboard intrastate. Since i needed to buy a hitch, and there is a possibility we might upgraded to a TY if we decide to go full time, the trailer saver seemed a good fit. I can see 3"-4" of tralier movement up and down and not feel a thing in the truck. I was more concerned about the jaring of the trailer and what that was doing to the structure than i was with the ride. We've had empty solo cups left on a counter top still in the same spot when we get to destination. We definitely can feel the bright of the hitch.

The specs on the trailer and truck combo seemed to be so compatible, it was the second season before I got them weight. Found the truck GVW was over by 1100lbs, 1900lbs actual tounge weight. The truck handled the trailer absolutely fine, but the sticker on the door said it was over 1100. So had to buy a new sticker, and got a deal on a DRW I couldn't pass up. Same engine and trans as the F250, just axle and an extra left spring. So I didn't need the truck, just the sticker.

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[Duramike]

First of all, thanks for all the advice. Just thought I would let you know where I ended up. Decided on a Mor-Ryde pinbox that matched up with my original Lippert solid pinbox to keep the warranty intact. Installed same height as the original and can’t believe the difference. We have had the 5er our twice since the upgrade and DW is smiling now as we head down the road. Thanks again everyone!

[Tinner12002]

Does changing out the pin box in any way void the warranty? I would think not but thought I should ask since my 5er is nearly new. Thanks again. ��

According to the written email I got from Lippert, no it won't void your frame warranty as long as you use an LCI pin box. Keystone doesn't recommend making any changes so they sent me to Lippert to ask them.

[Hblick48]

After pulling our new (to us) Montana 3280RL cross country, our backs were hurting badly because of all the chucking. Ordered Reese Airborne delivered to Campground. Installed and had much smoother ride home. Made a HUGE difference.

[Frank G]

After pulling our new (to us) Montana 3280RL cross country, our backs were hurting badly because of all the chucking. Ordered Reese Airborne delivered to Campground. Installed and had much smoother ride home. Made a HUGE difference.

What are you towing with?

[Hblick48]

2005 Ford F-250 6.0

[Frank G]

2005 Ford F-250 6.0

I could not find the weight of the 3280RL, but from my experience any Montana 5th. wheel will overwhelm a 3/4 ton truck. I'll leave it at that.