Air ride fifth-wheel hitches are designed to reduce chucking and road shock, improving ride quality for heavy trailers. This guide highlights five top-rated options that work across common Lippert and RhinoBox setups, along with practical buying considerations. Each product focuses on built-in air springs, easy installation, and robust weight ratings to support a range of heavy-duty applications.
style=”display:none;”>Summary of Selected Products:
| Product | Brand | Key Benefit | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reese Goose Box 94920 | Reese | Air Ride with high-capacity stability | 20,000 lbs |
| Lippert CURT L05 18K | Lippert Components | Integrated airbag for vibration dampening | 18,000 lbs |
| Reese Goose Box 94716 | Reese | Air Ride with dual shocks and springs | 16,000 lbs |
| Shocker Quick Air Ride (1621/0719) | Shocker Hitch | Air ride pin box with Shift Lock compatibility | Up to 24,000 lbs |
| Shocker Quick Air Ride (1716/1116/0115) | Shocker Hitch | Kingpin version for Lippert fit and higher tongue weight | Up to 24,000 lbs |
Reese 94920 Goose Box 5th Wheel Pin Box
Reese’s Goose Box 94920 is a high-capacity air-ride pin box designed to fit Lippert and Fabex PB 600 series mounts. With a maximum 20,000-pound rating, it provides stability for heavy fifth-wheel trailers. The airbag system, dual shocks, and rubber springs work together to absorb road shocks, delivering a smoother towing experience. The unit also helps keep the truck bed clear, allowing more space for storage when not towing. The installation connects to your existing goose ball in the truck bed and does not require a permanent bed modification.
Lippert CURT L05 Air Ride 18K Pin Box
Lippert Components presents the CURT L05 Air Ride 18K Fifth Wheel Pin Box, featuring an internal airbag and built-in strut. This design minimizes chucking and vertical movement between trailer and tow vehicle. Its durable rubberized buffer provides extra protection against jolts, while the integrated airbag helps absorb road shocks and vibrations, extending the life of both trailer components and towing equipment. The 18,000-pound rating suits mid- to heavy-duty setups, making it a versatile option for many 5th-wheel configurations.
Reese 94716 Goose Box 5th Wheel Pin Box, 16K
The Reese 94716 Goose Box provides 16,000-pound capacity with an air-ride system, dual shocks, and rubber springs for enhanced towing comfort. It is designed to attach to Lippert 1621, 1716, and 0719 patterns and works as a direct replacement pin box. The air-ride features smooth operation by absorbing shocks before they reach the truck cab, while the bed remains clean when not towing. This option is well-suited for heavy mid-range fifth wheels seeking improved stability without major bed alterations.
Shocker Quick Air Ride 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Kit
This conversion kit replaces a factory 5th wheel box with a gooseneck pin box and adds a Shocker Gooseneck Air Hitch with a Shift Lock coupler. It is designed for smoother towing, reducing wear on both truck and trailer. The kit fits Lippert 1621, 0719, and RhinoBox patterns and supports up to 24,000 pounds of towing capacity with 6,000 pounds tongue weight. It includes a 3″ forward offset to maintain cab and bed clearance on various pickup bed lengths, and integrates an air ride system for superior vibration damping.
Shocker Quick Air Ride Pin Box With Kingpin (1716 / 1116 / 0115)
The Shocker Quick Air Ride Pin Box with Kingpin concentrates on a pivot-based design that absorbs bumps via an internal air ride system. It replaces the factory pin box quickly and provides a smooth towing experience with up to 24,000 pounds tow capacity. This model is compatible with Lippert lines 1716, 1116, and 0115, and is aimed at users who need a simple installation while maintaining high load capacity and excellent ride quality. Adjustable air pressure lets users tailor ride quality to load and road conditions.
Buying guidance focuses on matching the hitch to your trailer weight, bed clearance, and vehicle capabilities. Consider capacity, compatibility with Lippert and RhinoBox patterns, and whether you prefer a direct pin-box replacement or a conversion kit to Gooseneck. Air ride systems should be evaluated for ease of air-fill, valve relief features, and maintenance needs. Weight distribution, tongue weight, and bed space are essential in choosing a model that preserves cargo capacity while delivering a comfortable, stable tow.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
- Compatibility: Confirm the mounting pattern (Lippert 1621/1716/0719, RhinoBox, FabEx500, etc.) and confirm it aligns with your trailer’s frame and kingpin.
- Weight rating: Choose a unit that supports your trailer’s gross vehicle weight and tongue weight, with a comfortable margin for future upgrades.
- Air ride performance: Look for integrated airbags, dual shocks, rubber springs, and an accessible air manifold for easy topping off.
- Installation: Determine whether the pin box is a direct replacement or requires additional hardware and bed alterations. Some kits offer straightforward install paths with minimal bed changes.
- Durability and materials: Favor robust construction and weather-resistant finishes, particularly if you tow in varied climates.
- Maintenance: Consider how easy it is to service the air system, valve, and seals, plus availability of spare parts.
- Ride quality vs. cost: Higher-capacity units generally provide better dampening but may come at a higher upfront cost; balance these against expected usage and payloads.
- Bed clearance: For 3″ offset couplers and Gooseneck adapters, verify that cab clearance is preserved across your typical bed length and towing scenarios.