Pinbox - 2021 Alliance Paradigm 372RK

[Mike McLelland]

My unit came with a Lippert Trailair Roto-flex pinbox and Lippert has told me the name changed to a Curt Roto-flex sku 807712. I asked them for suitable upgrades and was told I should consider a Curt Airride sku 807710 (has an airbag and shock absorber) or a Curt Flex-Air sku 807711 which has an airbag, a shock absorber and a roto-flex pivoting head). The pinbox I have has a roto-flex pivoting head but no air bag nor shock absorber and has served me well but does result in some chucking and bucking depending upon road conditions. I sent Lippert a copy of the frame tag as the sku number was no longer visible on my pinbox and they identified it from the frame tag and the picture they sent me for 807712 matches what I have. I've visited with my RV tech and he's not familiar with either but thinks the 807711 would be preferable as the distance between the bolt holes on it are almost the same as the 807712 that came with my rig. I found one review on etrailer.com on 807711 from someone who made the switch and said he didn't like the upgrade and was putting his old pinbox back on his unit. I'm wondering if there are any Alliance owners out there that have made the change to either 807710 or 807711 and whether they were pleased, disappointed or neutral on the changeout. If I knew for sure that it would improve the tow haul experience then I'd probably make the switch but don't want to find myself regretting the change after making the switch. As a side note, the tow vehicle is a 2021 Dodge Ram 1 ton dually and all of the pinbox's I've mentioned in the above narrative are 21,000 lb rated items. Your responses will be appreciated as I'm somewhat hesitant to make the change as what I have is the known and "ain't broke yet". Thanks, Mike

 

[mark123]

i have the same trailer 2023 i changed the pin box out looking for a better ride for the trailer . was not any better, i changed the lift springs and added shocks that helped. got the kit from E TRAILER none of the RK pull good and are very rough on the trailer

 

[George]

Link: Curt Airride 807710
Link: Curt Flex-Air 807711
I was hoping to see more activity on this topic.
FWIW: I've heard good things about the Reese goose-box product.

 

[mboudoin]

They also sell the Curt Helux fifth wheel and gooseneck versions that come on the new units. About to swap my Curt Helux 5th wheel for the gooseneck version next week once I get it. Lipper approved.

Getting this one.

CURT Helux Coil-Spring Gooseneck Pin Box, 4,300 lbs. Pin Weight, 20,000 lbs. Capacity #2024044578 | Lippert

The CURT Helux™ gooseneck Pin Box ensures smoother towing with a coil spring and shock absorber design, reducing jolts, vibrations, and gear shifts. Built from durable steel with a maintenance-free system, it’s compatible with Lippert frames.

www.lippert.com

 

[jagibson58]

I have never cared for the manufacturer installed pin boxes on fifth wheel trailers. Unsure about this new CURT model. On prior fifth wheel trailers and our current 2024 Alliance Paradigm 310RL we upgraded to a MORryde pin box. It has been in use for a few months with no complaints. Don‘t particularly care for pin boxes with a spring or air bag. Just more parts to wear out.

 

[M and E]

I have never cared for the manufacturer installed pin boxes on fifth wheel trailers. Unsure about this new CURT model. On prior fifth wheel trailers and our current 2024 Alliance Paradigm 310RL we upgraded to a MORryde pin box. It has been in use for a few months with no complaints. Don‘t particularly care for pin boxes with a spring or air bag. Just more parts to wear out.

Which Curt model are you referring to? No question on the additional wear components adding maintenance concerns but it could be a reasonable trade off .
A cushioned or air-ride pin box reduces chucking, it lowers peak loads transmitted into the hitch, bed mounts, frame crossmembers, and rear suspension components. By smoothing those load spikes, it also reduces the amount of stress transferred into the truck’s cab mounts, steering column, and driveline during acceleration or deceleration. On the RV side, the same damping effect reduces stress at the pin box mounting wings, front cap seams, and frame welds near the pin, which are common fatigue points. This reduction also translates into less interior wear, helping preserve cabinet fasteners, slide mechanisms, and appliances. My two cents.

 

[jagibson58]

Curt Helux model.

 

[M and E]

Curt Helux model.

I absolutely loved that hitch. I went to a Gen Y as I needed the bed space. If the Helux is something you are thinking about trying, I'll be selling mine. I'm not saying I love it to sell it...you can view my historical posts on the hitch and see my position has been consistent. There is another owner here on the forum who did not like it but I cannot recall who it was. Anyhow, good to get different perspectives is my point.