Community Forums

tucsontootsie · 03-12-2007, 04:15 PM

I'm a single camper now so I need some help with tech questions. Last time out I noticed roads have gotten considerably worse and ride was a lot jerkier. I know the 5th Airborne is a fairly new product and I'm wondering if anyone has any experience with it. I tow a 35" Alfa Gold w/two slides with a 2003 GMC Sierra diesel with the heavy duty tow package. Any help or info about this product or something better would be really appreciated.

tucsontootsie · 03-12-2007, 04:15 PM

I'm a single camper now so I need some help with tech questions. Last time out I noticed roads have gotten considerably worse and ride was a lot jerkier. I know the 5th Airborne is a fairly new product and I'm wondering if anyone has any experience with it. I tow a 35" Alfa Gold w/two slides with a 2003 GMC Sierra diesel with the heavy duty tow package. Any help or info about this product or something better would be really appreciated.

Beach-house 4 · 03-12-2007, 06:18 PM

I have the 5th airborn pinbox and personally like it very much compared to the solid pinbox on my last fver.It has helped tremendously I like the fact that the airbag and shock are under the pinbox to keep them out of the elements I have not had any others so I cannot comment on them.I am happy with it I tow a 35 ft. Montego Bay w/3 slides 11,500 dry w/2500 D/A.

tucsontootsie · 03-14-2007, 08:46 AM

Thanks for the input -- I also liked that it is attached to the trailer and not the bed.
TT

Hitchhiker · 03-14-2007, 08:59 AM

My trailer came with a Demco Glide Ride pin box, I am impressed with how much of the jerking it has taken out.

OB n Sue · 03-19-2007, 11:33 AM

I just put one on a Mobile Suite 36TK3 and it has noticibly improved the ride in the truck. Can't compare it to any others, but that it sure smoothes out the bumps pulling the MS.

Greenthumb · 04-07-2007, 07:29 PM

I'm also interested in the 5th airborne for a shortbed. Right now, I have a Pullrite Superglide that works quite well. This is the one rated for 20,000 lbs. and has a different hitching mechanism from the lighter weight model (which can cause problems hitching and unhitching if you are not perfectly aligned). The superglide hitch uses the standard pin box and runs back and forth on two rails when you turn more than 15 degrees off center.

The 5th airborne works with an extended box and, therefore, the hitch doesn't need to move back and forth in the truck bed.

I'm concerned that the extended pin box will create additional flexing of the fiver frame. Has anyone experienced this?

HB Phil · 04-10-2007, 03:28 PM

I just got the 5th Airborne Sidewinder installed on my 30RKE Excel and towed about 840 miles (from just East of Albuquerque, NM to Huntington Beach, CA).

The Airborne component vitually eliminated any chucking and I enjoyed watching it through the rear view mirror softening/cushioning the trailer through dips and hard road bumps.

The Sidewinder componenet proved itself when I finally got my new 5th wheel home and backed it into a very narrow driveway from a narrow street - just as easy as doing it with my previous travel trailer.

It is still a little stiff in latching and unlatching. The pin needs to be seated really tight up in the hitch slot.

But I feel it is breaking in and it is getting better in that respect.

It's definitely a winner in my book.