Trailair Flex Air 5th Wheel Trailer Pin Box Comes Into Contact with Bed Sides

Question:

I recently purchased a 2021 VanLeigh 370GB that had a Flex Air pin box model 328492 installed. I intend to tow it with a 2109 Chevrolet HD3500 long bed dually, which has a factory installed gooseneck hitch. The dealer I purchased the 5th wheel from sold me an Andersen Ultimate gooseneck mount model 3220 standard height, and installed the kinpin coupler onto the pin box. Our drive home, with the 5th wheel empty, was good and I could see the air ride system working. Once we loaded our gear, clothes, etc. and while I did not weigh it I did not feel that it was over-loaded compared to others I know with 5th wheels, I was surprised at how much the pin-box compressed once attached to the truck. Even at the max 120 lb inflation, it never adjusted up to the ride height mark on the shock, and the vertical movement was limited. Making a turn onto the street I actually got contact between the pin box and the bed cap on the truck. I raised the ball height on the Andersen to high position, which gives some clearance, however, I am concerned that I will still get contact if turning on a bumpy road. So looking for some help. Should I move to the higher Andersen hitch model 3217? And/or is there something that can be done with the pin box? Appreciate your help.

asked by: Bill M

Expert Reply:

I do have an option for you but continually raising the trailer is not a good idea if you are already level as the more nose high you are, the worse the trailer will pull. That said, we do recommend between 4-6" of clearance from the trailer to the bedside. If you don't have this then you will need to raise the hitch height until you do. If the trailer starts to become nose high then you'll need to raise it using a kit like the Correct Track Trailer Alignment and Lift Kit part # RR23QX.

If you have the required clearance and then I recommend weighing the trailer to be sure you're not over the GVWR. If so then the most obvious solution is to pack down. I don't recommend a higher rated pin box as this is just patching an issue that it's not designed to fix but if you insist, the Gen-Y Hitch Shock Absorbing 5th Wheel Pin Box part # GY68GR has cushioning and won't compress as much as the Trailair Flex Air.

expert reply by: Conner L