NJMurvin

Has anyone out there retrofitted their non-extended pinbox with an extended one? If so, how big is your 5er and how long an extension did you add? Some folks say this is a no-no for heavier trailers. Mine is in the moderate range (GVWR 10700) so I'm hoping I can get away with it.

I saw a bolt-on extension called an RV5 from Popup industries. Is anyone using one of these and does it hold up?

Thanks,
Neil

MnTom

I don't know how one would stand up to your situation. I would recommend that you contact the manufacturers of both the trailer and the extention box and see what they have to say. It would be my luck to do something like that and have the pin box break or something like that.
Tom

RustyJC

The only sure bet is to contact the trailer manufacturer. Only he, or his frame supplier, knows the design margin in the frame/pin box area.

My 13,500 lb Jayco Designer XL 3610RLTS came with a 15,000 lb rated Leland Engineering vertical (straight) pin box. Jayco and Leland do not approve an extended pin box for this particular model of 5th wheel.

Rusty

FiverBob

Rusty called it right. There are many manufacturers that will not honor warranty frame problems if the kingpin is extended beyond their specs. It adds more stress on the frame due to the longer lever.

You must also watch that the extended pin does not hit your truck bed in a tight turn.

Bob

NJMurvin

I have a 1994 Terry 305 (30.5' single LR/DR slide). Warranty issues are out of the question. I did email Fleetwood and they responded by suggesting that I consult a dealer. In other words, they were no help at all. I'm not even certain they were making extended kingpins back then. I only need a few inches to make the difference between a Pullrite 16k and the 24k. It may clear as it is but it will be close. I hate to gamble and get the 16k, find out that it won't work, and be stuck. Before anyone suggests it, they use different rail systems, so a total replacement would have to be done to swap them out. There's a whopping $1,000 difference between these models so I have a lot to play with.

Any other suggestions? I know, I know . . . long bed truck. Anything else??

Neil

kandgo

Hey Neil, You judge for yourself, here is my story 89 aluma lite 32 foot fith wheel,changed over to goose within two weeks of new, been to Alaska 12 times,up and thru Colorado not just the highways but off road hunting more times than Alaska and it has been in some tough places, some will say to not add a goose extension or a king extension go figure?? Any way there is my story I would not hesitate in extending it. Goodluck,, Rick

RustyJC

On the other side of the coin, if you want to venture over to iRV2.com, there's a thread right now titled "Stress cracks in 5th wheel pin box" wherein one individual has the same 5th wheel as I do. His dealer installed an extended pin box and gooseneck adapter, and his pin box and frame cracked. Ya pays yore money and ya takes yore choice.....

Rusty

SBishop

My $.02,
Go with the 24K hitch. Result is that you don't have to worry about anything!!

Teddroe

Mine came with the extended pin. Its a 29ft and I also pull a 18 ft boat behind that. Had it 5 years and I haven't had a problem with it. It would be pretty tough getting around without it with my shortbox.