Cushioned Pin Box VS Air Ride Hitch- Which is right for you?

Achieving a comfortable and secure ride for your 5th wheel can be challenging, especially with the variety of suspension options available. Understanding the differences between cushioned pin boxes and air ride hitches can help you make the best choice.

Cushioned Pin Box Systems: Pros and Limitations

Cushioned pin boxes come in several types, including:

• Torsion band systems
• Coil spring designs
• Sliding rubber bushings
• Airbag-assisted pin boxes

These systems provide some ride improvement compared to a rigid connection, helping to reduce jolts and vibrations. However, they have limitations.

How Cushioned Pin Boxes Work

Cushioned pin boxes are primarily designed to reduce the forward push-and-pull motion (also called fifth wheel chucking). However, they do not fully suspend the pin weight of the trailer.

Why Air Ride Hitches Offer a Smoother Ride

Air ride hitches, like the TrailerSaver, provide full suspension for the trailer’s pin weight using multiple airbags.
This design significantly reduces both:

• ·Vertical bouncing (caused by road impacts)
• Forward surge (the chucking effect most 5th wheel owners experience)

Unlike pin box upgrades, an air ride hitch absorbs both types of motion, creating a smoother ride for your truck and trailer.

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Customizing Your Ride with Adjustable Air Pressure

One major advantage of air ride hitches is their adjustability:

• If the ride feels too stiff, reduce air pressure.
• If the trailer bottoms out or feels bouncy, increase air pressure.

Adjustments can be made based on road conditions for maximum comfort.

Considering Cost and Future Upgrades

Cost Comparison: Cushioned Pin Box vs. Air Ride Hitch

• If you already own a 5th wheel hitch you love, adding a cushioned pin box is a lower-cost way to improve the ride.
• However, a cushioned pin box won’t match the performance of a full air ride hitch.

Future Trailer Changes Matter

Cushioned pin boxes must match your trailer’s frame.

• If you upgrade to a new fifth wheel, your investment in a cushioned pin box will not transfer, and you will need a new one.
• An air ride hitch remains compatible across different 5th wheels, making it a better long-term investment.

Can You Use Both?

Yes! If you already have a cushioned pin box but still experience bouncing, upgrading to an air ride hitch will enhance your ride quality. The two systems work together, not against each other.

For minor improvements at a lower cost, a cushioned pin box can help. But for the smoothest, most secure ride, an air ride hitch like TrailerSaver is the best option. It provides full pin weight suspension, reduces chucking, and can be adjusted for different road conditions.

👉 Looking for the best air ride hitch for your 5th wheel? Check out the TrailerSaver lineup today!