Should Pin Box or Suspension be Upgraded to Reduce Jarring and Bouncing While Towing

Question:

I have a Forest River Chaparral 370fl about 13500 lbs and my truck is a 2016 Ram 3500. I am looking to minimize and smooth out my ride from the jarring and bouncing on rough roads, concrete roads, and bridges. I have been doing some research and was wondering is this pin box setup a better investment than suspension shock absorbers on my axles? Which or both would give me the most comfortable ride.

asked by: Jeffry G

Expert Reply:

A cushioned pin box, like the Trailair Flex Air 5th Wheel Pin Box # LC328492 for a Lippert 1621 replacement that you referenced, will greatly improve the ride between your 2016 Ram 3500 and your Forest River Chaparral 37FL whereas upgraded suspension parts on your trailer are geared more towards the ride quality of your trailer.

If the jarring that you are getting is from the trailer bouncing around then I recommend starting with suspension enhancement. From the info you gave it sounds like you have tandem 7,000 lb axles. For that I recommend the Roadmaster Comfort Ride Shock Absorbers for Tandem Axle Trailers. These can be found as a solo product with part # RM-2470 or can be found paired with the Roadmaster Comfort Ride Leaf Spring Suspension with the Kit # RM-2460-2570 which will vastly improve the ride quality of your trailer.

The cushioned pin box will also greatly help to improve the ride quality of your towing setup so if you have the funds available I highly recommend installing both an upgraded pinbox and suspension. Replacement pin boxes are specific so if you do go that route make sure that the one currently on your trailer is a 1621 for the pin box that was referenced. If you have a different pin box number just let me know and I can link the correct cushioned option for your application.

Also be sure to that your 5th wheel trailer is riding level. If the trailer isn't riding level then that will greatly contribute to the ride quality.

expert reply by: Jon G

John D.

6/29/2020

My 2002 Coachmen Chaparral has shock mounts but does not have shocks. Where can i get the proper shocks? Auto parts stores have tried unsuccessfully and Coachman Parts Dept does not appear to carry them. Trying to reduce chucking.

Chris R.

7/3/2020

We do have a selection of trailer shock kits available, which I've linked below, but it sounds like what you're looking for is more of an OEM/factory part. Did the Coachmen parts department have any information on what type of shocks would be used or a specific part number?

Helpful Links

dept-pg-trailer_leaf_spring_suspension-sf-springs.aspx

Dennis Z.

2/3/2020

When storing my 5th wheel wit a Flex Air Pin Box, is it best to keep the blatter under normal PSI or reduce to low PSI?

Jacob H.

2/4/2020

We always recommend keeping at least 5 psi in the bag when the trailer is not in use. This is important for when you go to hook up to your trailer you're not putting the full pin weight of the trailer on an empty bag. If you do there's a chance that you could damage the bag itself. We also recommend covering the pinbox with a plastic bag or cover so that the UV rays will not affect the rubber bag over time.