Guides

Pin Box Upgrades

Better ride quality, less chucking, and short-bed solutions — all from changing what's on your trailer.

What is a Pin Box?

The pin box is the part of your fifth wheel trailer that houses the kingpin — the pin that drops into your hitch. It's mounted to the front of your trailer's frame.

Stock pin boxes are basic. Upgraded pin boxes add cushioning, rotation, or other features to improve the towing experience.

Why Upgrade Your Pin Box?

Three main reasons

1. Fix Chucking/Bucking

That jarring back-and-forth motion on rough roads? An air-ride or cushioned pin box absorbs it before it reaches your truck. This is the #1 reason people upgrade.

2. Short Bed Solution

Rotational pin boxes pivot the trailer around the kingpin instead of at your cab. This can eliminate the need for a slider hitch on short bed trucks.

3. Quieter Ride

Upgraded pin boxes reduce the clunking and popping noises that come from the trailer's front end.

Types of Pin Box Upgrades

Air-Ride Pin Boxes

Best for Chucking

Uses air bags or air springs to cushion the connection. The most effective at eliminating chucking and improving ride quality.

Popular brands:

MORryde, Reese

Price range:

$1,500 - $2,500

Rotational/Articulating Pin Boxes

Best for Short Beds

The kingpin pivots in the pin box instead of at the hitch. Creates more clearance between trailer and cab during turns — great for short bed trucks.

Popular brands:

Reese Revolution, PullRite

Price range:

$1,200 - $2,000

Cushioned/Dampened Pin Boxes

Budget-Friendly

Uses rubber or polymer cushions instead of air. Less effective than air-ride but more affordable. A good middle ground.

Popular brands:

Various aftermarket

Price range:

$600 - $1,200

Combination (Air + Rotational)

Best of Both

Some pin boxes combine air-ride cushioning with rotational capability. The ultimate upgrade for short bed trucks who also want a smooth ride.

Popular brands:

Reese Goose Box Revolution

Price range:

$2,000 - $3,000+

Installation

What's involved

Pin box upgrades require removing your trailer's existing pin box and installing the new one. It's a significant job but doable for experienced DIYers.

DIY

  • • Jack stands to support trailer
  • • Remove old pin box bolts
  • • Install new pin box
  • • Torque to spec
  • • 2-4 hours typical

Professional

  • • RV dealer or service center
  • • $200-400 labor typical
  • • Warranty on workmanship
  • • They ensure proper fit

Compatibility

Will it fit your trailer?

Check These:

  • • Pin weight rating — Must match or exceed your trailer's pin weight
  • • Bolt pattern — Most use standard patterns, but verify
  • • Height change — Some pin boxes add height; check hitch compatibility
  • • Weight limit — Verify the upgrade handles your trailer's weight

Most aftermarket pin boxes fit most fifth wheel trailers, but always verify before ordering. Contact the manufacturer if unsure.

Is It Worth It?

Yes, If:

  • • Chucking is driving you crazy
  • • You have a short bed and hate your slider
  • • You tow frequently (fulltime/seasonal)
  • • Smooth ride matters to you

Maybe Not If:

  • • You're happy with current ride
  • • You tow just a few times/year
  • • Budget is very tight
  • • You're planning to sell trailer soon

Need a Hitch Too?

A rotational pin box might let you use a simpler, less expensive fixed hitch.

Find Hitches for My Truck