Recommended Pin Box an Suspension Upgrade for a 2025 Venture Sporttrek 353VIK 37’ 5th Wheel

Updated 05/05/2025 | Published 04/22/2025

Products Featured in This Question

Q Hitch 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch for Ford Super Duty Towing Prep Package - Dual Jaw - 24,000 lbs

(424)

$942.05

Gen-Y Hitch Shock Absorbing 5th Wheel Pin Box - Lippert 1621/1621HD - 30K - 4.5K TW

(88)

$1156.32

Curt Flex Air 5th Wheel Pin Box - Lippert 1621 - 21,000 lbs

(192)

$1727.80

SumoSprings Trailer Helper Springs w/ Line Relocation Bracket - Single Axle - 5K to 8K - Overslung

(304)

$294.99

Question:

Hello, I have a 2020 Ford F350 8’ Bed single wheel Truck with the Curt Q25 Fifth wheel Hitch and a 2025 Venture Sporttrek 353VIK 37’ Fifthwheel. The trailer has a morryde rpb72-1621 king pin and cre3000 suspension equalizers. I am looking to upgrade the king pin to a flex type like a Gen Y or air shock absorbing and adding shocks or sumo springs to the suspension to help cushion the ride and limit frame flex issues. Looking for product suggestions for my setup that will not void the manufacturer warranty.

asked by: Tom W

Expert Reply:

Hey Tom, congrats on the new 5th wheel trailer and thank you so much for all of the information!

I recommend the Gen-Y Hitch Shock Absorbing 5th Wheel Pin Box item # GY68GR. The Gen-Y has a rubber torsion spring design that helps absorb both downward and upward movements from the trailer when hitting a bump in the road.

Other shock absorbing pin boxes, like the Curt Flex Air item # LC369535, use an air spring and shock that are great for downwards forces but aren't the best at pulling the trailer back down as it bounces so you'd end up dealing with more road shock travelling through to your F-350. The Gen-Y is completely maintenance free so you won't have to air up a spring or test to find the right psi level for a comfortable ride.

For your Venture Sporttrek's suspension, I recommend the SumoSprings Trailer Helper Springs item # SS26MV. These springs improve suspension, handling, and safety using a progressive spring rate. These become more rigid as greater weight is added and they work independently side-to-side, which helps to reduce body roll as well when turning corners.

The SumoSprings item # SS26MV are designed for trailers that have 5,000 lbs to 8,000 lbs axles that sit below the springs. They are sold as a pair and you will need one set per axle.

Neither one of these recommendations will void your warranty. If you have any additional questions go ahead and throw them into the comment box below and I'll be happy to answer them.

expert reply by: Jerred H

Tom

5/1/2025

Hi Jerrod, Thanks for the response. I am now looking to bypass the Q25 and go directly to the bed ball as I believe this is an even better towing configuration? Just want to make sure I will have clearance with the correct Gen-Y Gooseneck Pin box that will also allow for 90 degree turns. My current set up only allows for maybe 60 degrees before the pin box frame hits my bed rails. Also, would the Sumo springs be better than shocks for ride smoothness on the trailer? I know the Sumo springs work well for body roll and handling, but I am looking to soften up the ride to reduce the chance of frame flex cracks in my sidewalls without breaking the bank on independent suspension products that are ultimately the way to go. Sorry for all the inquiries, but I was the victim of a nightmare frame flex/sidewall crack(s) Scenario on my last fifth wheel that had to go back to factory for repairs. Upon getting it back from the factory, I installed a Roadmaster slipper spring suspension and Curt Air Flex pin box (both purchased from Etrailer thank you), but after a year a crack developed again even with those. So you see my concern. Looking forward to your response.

Jerred H.

5/5/2025

@Tom Sounds like you've had quite the journey. A Gen-Y 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Pin Box, like item # GY38FR that fits your Venture Sporttrek, is not going to improve your turning clearance. The gooseboxes aren't going to be any smaller as they're comparable in size to a standard pin box. If your Ford F-350 has the factory puck system, you can use the Gen-Y Hitch Gooseneck Trailer Hitch for Ford OEM Puck Systems item # GY43XR to gain 5" of offset. This adapter pushes the gooseball connection point 5" back towards your tailgate. SumoSprings like item # SS26MV are going to soften up the ride some but with what you're wanting, I recommend installing the Roadmaster Comfort Ride Leaf Spring Suspension Kit w/ Shocks item # RM-2460-2580 for 3" axles or item # RM-2470-2580 for 3-1/2" axles. I know you're worried about the price but this is the ultimate fix to the issues you're wanting to not only address now but to also avoid running into the issues you've encountered previously. There is an option to just install the shocks though using the Roadmaster Comfort Ride Shock Absorbers for Tandem Axle Trailers item # RM-2470. You would keep your current leaf spring set up while adding the shock absorbing component of the Comfort Ride System.