Options To Reduce Chucking with a 2014 Ram 2500 Towing a Fifth Wheel Trailer with Companion Hitch

Question:

I have a factory Lippert King Combo pin box and a defender goose neck hitch hooked to a BandW turn over ball and a 2014 ram 2500. The ride is unacceptable. i bought a companion 3000 fifth whee hitch and Installed. It did help the ride some. The dealer wants to go back to the goose neck and attach an airbag to the turn over hitch to improve ride. The problem is the hooking up. The fifth wheel just back up and done the ball you will be in and out of the pickup several times I believe to get it hooked up. What are your thoughts on the ride and hooking up the two hitches please.

asked by: Duane

Expert Reply:

There are more moving parts with fifth wheel hitches so there is more of a chance for the hitch and trailer to "chuck," or have a rougher ride. However, a nicer fifth wheel hitch that has a jaw design that makes great contact with the king pin will provide a smooth ride as well.

If the trailer was originally a fifth wheel trailer I would recommend you stick with a fifth wheel hitch. Especially if you saw an improvement by going to the Companion hitch.

Another option you have to improve the ride quality of the hitch would be to go with a cushioned pin box. You will need to determine what model pin box you have. It should say Lippert 1621 or possibly a different number on the plate or sticker on the pin box. With that info you can pick out a replacement pin box for your trailer that is cushioned and will greatly improve your ride quality.

Once you know what model pin box you have check out the chart on the FAQ article I attached that will show you the correct cushioned pin box you would need.

expert reply by: Jameson C