Improving Ride Quality When Towing a 5th Wheel Trailer

Published 02/20/2015

Question:

We have a 2006 Raptor and a 2005 Chevy 3500 dually. We are interested in improving the ride on rough roads and are wondering which would be better to replace, the hitch or the hitch pin?

asked by: Sue H

Expert Reply:

You would get the most improved ride quality by replacing the pin box on your trailer. From the pictures it looks like you have a Lippert pin box based on the sticker on the front. I would just need to know the model number. If I had to guess I would say it is a 1116 model but I could be wrong.

It looks like it uses 3 rows of bolts so it is likely a 1116 pin box. Whatever it is, let me know and I can recommend some air ride pin boxes that will fit if you have a pin box model that is replaceable.

The reason at pin box would be better to improve ride quality is because they have both air bags and shocks and reducing chucking (horizontal movement) and vertical movement. A cushioned hitch will not offer as much improved ride quality.

If you do end up having a Lippert 1116 then the air ride pin boxes that will fit are:

# LC155943 for 21K
# 5AB-S500-700, also for 21K

expert reply by: Michael H