The right air ride 5th wheel pin box can dramatically improve towing comfort, reduce chucking, and protect your RV and tow vehicle. This guide highlights five top options to consider, with an emphasis on compatibility with common Lippert and Fabex mounting patterns. Each product emphasizes air suspension to cushion bumps and vibrations, while preserving mounting versatility for various trucks and trailers. Read on to compare capacity, installation effort, and ride quality to find the best fit for your rig.
| Product | Brand | Weight/Capacity | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reese Goose Box 94920 | Reese | 20,000 lbs | Air ride with high capacity for heavy rigs |
| Shocker Quick Air Ride 5th Wheel (Kingpin) | Shocker Hitch | 24,000 lbs | Simple install, adjustable air pressure |
| Lippert CURT L05 Air Ride 18K | Lippert Components | 18,000 lbs | Integrated airbag with robust damping |
| Shocker Quick Air Ride 5th Wheel (Kingpin) – FabEx | Shocker Hitch | 24,000 lbs | Wide compatibility, easy setup |
| Reese Goose Box 94716 | Reese | 16,000 lbs | Effective air ride with clean truck bed |
Reese 94920 Goose Box 5th Wheel Pin Box
Maximum strength design supports up to 20,000 pounds, enabling towing of nearly any size fifth wheel trailer. The Goose Box uses air ride technology with an easy-to-fill airbag, dual shocks, and rubber springs to absorb road shocks. The air manifold on top allows quick inflation, and an automatic relief valve prevents overfilling. It also keeps the truck bed clean by attaching to the goose ball in the bed, freeing space when not towing.
Shocker Quick Air Ride 5th Wheel Pin Box with Kingpin
Offers a pivot-based, simple installation that replaces the factory pin box. The built-in air ride system provides a smooth ride by transferring resistance through an air spring bag. It supports up to 24,000 pounds gross trailer weight and 6,000 pounds tongue weight. Users can adjust air pressure for ride and load control. The design emphasizes eliminating rough rides from rough roads without complex linkage systems.
Lippert CURT L05 Air Ride 18K Fifth Wheel Pin Box
This 18,000-lb rated pin box features an integrated airbag that acts as a buffer between tow vehicle and coach, reducing chucking and vibrations. The hardened construction and rubberized damping material offer added protection for RV internals and suspensions. It includes a built-in strut to further stabilize towing dynamics and preserve hitch alignment in varying payload conditions.
Shocker Quick Air Ride 5th Wheel Pin Box – FabEx
This version maintains a high towing capacity up to 24,000 pounds gross weight and up to 6,000 pounds tongue load. It emphasizes quick installation and a compact air ride system housed within the pin box. The design allows air pressure adjustments to tailor ride quality and load handling for heavy to light loads, while minimizing road-induced jolts and jerks on rough surfaces.
Reese 94716 Goose Box 5th Wheel Pin Box
The Goose Box 94716 provides 16,000-pound capacity with air ride technology. It includes an easy-to-fill airbag, dual shocks, and rubber springs for shock absorption. The design keeps the bed clean by attaching to the goose ball in the truck bed, facilitating storage when not towing and simplifying maintenance on long trips.
Buying Guide
Key considerations when choosing an air ride 5th wheel pin box include capacity, compatibility, installation effort, ride quality, and maintenance.
- Capacity and compatibility: Match the pin box rating with your trailer’s gross weight and the truck bed pattern (Lippert, Fabex, or Rhino patterns are common). Higher capacities (20,000+ lbs) accommodate heavier rigs and future upgrades.
- Ride quality: Air ride systems and dual shocks provide smoother towing by absorbing bumps. Look for models with easy-to-fill airbags and relief valves to avoid overinflation or underinflation.
- Installation: Some units replace the factory pin box in minutes, while others require more time and tool investment. Consider whether you want a quick swap or a more permanent upgrade with built-in adjustments.
- Maintenance: Air systems require occasional air pressure checks and valve inspections. Rubber components and seals should be inspected for wear, especially in rugged terrains.
- Bed cleanliness: Many Goose Box designs detach the goose ball from the truck bed, freeing up space for storage when not towing.
- Pricing and availability: Availability can vary by retailer. Compare models that fit your truck’s bed length, wheelbase, and turning clearance, as well as the intended towing scenarios.