Best Way to Reduce Chucking Towing 2015 Heartland Big Country 3950 FB Fifth Wheel Trailer

Published 10/03/2018

Question:

I have a 2015 Heartland Big Country 3950 FB, 16,000 lb. GVRW. It currently has a Lippert 1621HD pin box rated at 18,000 lb. GVRW. I am pulling my rig with a 2017 GMC 3500, dual rear wheels and 8 ft. bed with a Curt Q20 hitch. I want to replace the pin box with a new one that will reduce or hopefully eliminate the chucking and improve the ride in general. What is your recommendation for the best pin box for my rig?

asked by: Steven M

Helpful Expert Reply:

The best cushioned pin box we offer to replace your Lippert 1621HD rated for 18k is the Trailair Flex Air part # LC328492 that you referenced. This is cushioned vertically and horizontally so the chucking you are experiencing will be greatly reduced.

The other thing to think about is a new fifth wheel hitch with a tighter jaw setup. In nearly all cases of chucking it's actually the hitch that's causing the problem and going with a better hitch will give you the best results. For that we have the Reese M5 part # RP30928 which uses a really nice single hook jaw that will hold the king pin tightly and reduce the chucking you are experiencing greatly. If I were in your situation I would do the hitch first and then go with the pin box.

expert reply by: Jameson C