boaterman
Arlington, TX
Senior Member
Joined: 11/18/2004
View Profile
|
Going to install my 5th air today. The instructions suggest using new bolts. is this necessary?
2007 Ram Laramie 3500 Quad drw 4x4, 3.73, 6.7, 6 speed auto.
2005 Open Road 349 RLDS-5, B & W Companion, Blue Ox Bedsaver
Fifth Airborne Air Pinbox, Timbrens
+The Super Wife and co-driver
Open Road Owners Club -- Texas Chapter
|
plauterer
Manitoba, Canada
Senior Member
Joined: 08/29/2004
View Profile
|
I installed a extended 5th Airborne pinbox on my trailer a week ago. The old pinbox was in there tighter than a wife’s girdle. Ended up using a 10 lb hammer to get it to move. The new pinbox was just as tight but I did manage to get it in. Did most of the work myself but did have the neighbor come over to help me with the new box. The tightness of the fit was the biggest problem and took up most of the time especially when you work alone. Other than that I would say it can be easily done by any two guys.
|
boaterman
Arlington, TX
Senior Member
Joined: 11/18/2004
View Profile
|
I just finished installing my 5th Air -- The job was easy and only took 1/2 hour. I had a tool box nearly the correct height and placed it in the truck bed. Put the 5th Air on the box, backed the truck close and adjusted the tool box until the 5th air was in position, lined the holes and installed the bolts.
It measures 3" lower than the original pin box. I can lower the hitch about 2", I hope that's enough.
My 5er is already a little nose high and I need to make sure to have adequate rail clearance.
Lets hear other experiences and suggestions...
|
SteveB
Rhode Island
Senior Member
Joined: 12/14/2001
View Profile
 Offline
|
This is a timely thread. My 5th Airborne Pin Box should arrive tomorrow or Wednesday. My original is at its lowest position and the hitch is at its highest position. It looks like I will be able to move the new pin box up at least another set of holes, maybe 2.
SteveB
'01 Dodge Ram 3500 CTD HO 6sp, Reese 15K Pro w/ Kwik Slide, Prodigy
'04 Jayco Jayflight 28.5RKS
|
Duck
Miami Lakes, Fl
Senior Member
Joined: 03/04/2001
View Profile
Offline
|
SteveB wrote:This is a timely thread. My 5th Airborne Pin Box should arrive tomorrow or Wednesday. My original is at its lowest position and the hitch is at its highest position. It looks like I will be able to move the new pin box up at least another set of holes, maybe 2.
SteveB
Just be sure that you measure your current pin box height if you are currently sitting level so that you can install the new box at the same height.
Don
08-FORD F350 PSD
08-Hitchhiker II 34.5 UKSBG
|
|
|
SteveB
Rhode Island
Senior Member
Joined: 12/14/2001
View Profile
Offline
|
Don,
I will be sure to measure first. Does the 5th AB compress much when hitched to the truck? One thing I don't worry about is bed rail clearance. There is 10" with this setup!
SteveB
|
Duck
Miami Lakes, Fl
Senior Member
Joined: 03/04/2001
View Profile
Offline
|
Steve, not sure what you mean about compress. If you are referring to the shock absorber the answer is around two inches. I took an air bag pressure reading after I unhooked from the truck, 37 pounds, to make it easier to adjust in the future. The dealer also put some brass fitting so that the air valve is facing the rear of the Fifth Airborne to make it easier to add air to the bag. If you do this just be sure that you have clearance when the trailer makes a turn.
Don
|
ford truck guy
Pennsylvania
Senior Member
Joined: 03/22/2008
View Profile
Offline
|
I have another question , what if you don't add brass air valves? Are you still able to add air to the valve as is?? What about the capture plate, I purchased the plate made to bolt on to the 5th airborne, my dealer is telling me that the plate still needs to be welded on?? My thoughts were that if I needed to get towed in an emergency, I could just un-bolt the capture plate allowing any hitch to pull the trailer
Joe
Joe and Lori
2005 Ford F250 SD 6.0
08 Montego Bay
|
johncrazyels
Vancouver/California
New Member
Joined: 12/24/2006
View Profile
Offline
|
We have had our Airborne for 6 months and very happy with the unit. However, it is important to have the correct position (there are 3 options), and the correct air pressure in the bag for your specific pin weight. Correct adjustment makes a significant difference.
|
SteveB
Rhode Island
Senior Member
Joined: 12/14/2001
View Profile
Offline
|
Thanks Don, 2" at the shock.
I called 5th AB right after I ordered it to get a weight on the unit. 140 pounds! Of course I forgot to ask if there would be any problem drilling to install my giant level...
Got to go out to the shipping dock to see if it arrived yet.
SteveB
|
|
|
