New Hitch and Pin Box - Gratuitous Pics

[cfisher523]

Just installed a new hitch and pin box today and wanted to share.... replaced a Superglide with a Curt Q16 Slider and replaced a stock pin box with a Reese 5th Airbourne. Haven't had a chance to tow with it yet, but I will be parking lot testing tomorrow. Surprised how easy it was to install all of this by myself, really expected it to be heavier and more awkward....

[Wumba]

How come you got rid of the superglide?

[B and B]

Is the pin box going to hit the tailgate? looks close in the angle of the picture.

[cfisher523]

Originally Posted by Wumba

How come you got rid of the superglide?

Not a fan of my pivot point constantly changing as the hitch slides. I also had a long conversation with a Lippert Tech that fixed my broken frame about automatic sliding hitches that ultimately led me to swap it out. I never had a problem with it and there are hoards of people that swear by them, but for me its just not the right setup.

[cfisher523]

Originally Posted by B and B

Is the pin box going to hit the tailgate? looks close in the angle of the picture.

It is close.... About 3.75" of clearance when slid. Any articulation of the trailer could cause an issue. After switching everything over there I went to an empty parking lot to test it out though and I don't know how often I'll have to slide it. These pics aren't the best, but I'm as close to 90 degrees as I think I'd want to be anyway and given the clearance I could still get closer if I really had too..... These pics are just different angles of the same stop point with the hitch in the standard position (not slid)

[chuck-md]

You'll like that reese 5th air pinbox...really helps absorb trailer nose bouncing. I have one for 2 years with sidewinder turret so no slider hitch needed. .works perfectly on my short bed Ram

[Harkerr]

I think a lot of tight turning can cause frame cracking between axles. Just because you can turn tight may not make it a good idea.

[cfisher523]

Originally Posted by chuck-md

You'll like that reese 5th air pinbox...really helps absorb trailer nose bouncing. I have one for 2 years with sidewinder turret so no slider hitch needed. .works perfectly on my short bed Ram

How heavy is your pin and where is your bag set in the adjustment zone? Also, how much air pressure are you running? First trip out is next weekend and I'm hoping to get close to my sweet spot on the first trip....

My pin is about 2600# and my trailer is 41'.

[cfisher523]

Originally Posted by Harkerr

I think a lot of tight turning can cause frame cracking between axles. Just because you can turn tight may not make it a good idea.

I hear you... I doubt I'll have issues with that though. I actually have had frame problems (See the Sierra thread) and Lippert came to my house to resolve.... They reinforced the existing cross-members and added three new cross-members fabricated from 2x2 steel tubing and reinforced with 1/4" plate gussets. Then they added a 2x2 steel beam between the two middle hanger brackets.

Definitely agree that turning too tight too often is bad... Don't think I'll have issues with my particular setup though.

[chuck-md]

My hitch weight is abt 1800 lbs. I set shock jus a little elevated and put abt 70 to 80 psi in bag. U will need to elevate shock more and probably start at 80 or so psi. Look for little alignment notch as u incease air...best to add air while connected and under weight

[chuck-md]

Originally Posted by Harkerr

I think a lot of tight turning can cause frame cracking between axles. Just because you can turn tight may not make it a good idea.

Oh, I agree that a lot of tight turns puts a lot of stress on the trailer suspension, tires and frame, but sure nice to have the ability to occasionally make some tight turns for maneuvering in some tight places.