Turning Point pin boxes on new campers!

[Rock_in]

We are looking at new 5th wheels and have discovered manufactures are using Lippert turning point pin boxes that cannot be changed or adjusted. I run air bag hitch to smooth out ride. Very limited, to no adjustment available. Our last two 5th wheels we leveled camper by raising pin box to lower camper to level. Height problems had me walk away from two 5th wheels due to no options on pin boxes. Why would manufactures limit RVers choices like that? Any solutions or experience with Turning Point pin boxes on newer 5th wheels known?

[johndeerefarmer]

My GD Reflection 150 series has one of those. Only one set of adjustment holes- I think and no other pin box will fit in it's place. Stupid design...

[Curly2001]

It's hard enough to match a truck, hitch, and trailer without being stuck with a non-adjustable hitch. I am nose high with mine now due to the truck height and am not a happy camper even though I have a fully adjustable hitch.
Curly

[Shal36]

Don’t do it. It will really limit your options to resolve issues with your current truck or the next truck you buy.

[time2roll]

If the trailer includes a feature you don't like.... move on to a different model or manufacturer.
For many just having a lippert frame would be a no go.

[dryfly]

garyp4951 wrote:
I would not purchase a 5th wheel with that pinbox, due to the wedge insert prying on your hitch head at every turn, and you can only hitch up if your straight in line with the rv.
There are many other choices for short bed trucks beside this one.

I guess it goes without saying, but you do not have to use the wedge and the Turning Point feature. I have mine locked down, and not using the wedge and it functions as a regular pin box.

I agree a big limitation is the lack of vertical adjustment. However most 5th wheel hitches allow for some.

I've had a slider hitch on two trailers over the past 12 years. I've never once had the need to use it. I trust most folks know how much stress it puts on the trailer's suspension and the tires when one turns a trailer 90 degrees. I barely trust my spring hangers going straight down the road now.

[GDS-3950BH]

Rock_in wrote:
Makers have written off a small RVer segment who want short and light fifth wheels.

They did not write anybody off, they went with the cheapest option possible where they could throw the most $ at the bottom line like they do with everything, and it usually involves Lippert. Most have the same MO and if you think they don't your living in Fantasy land. Bottom line is they could care less if you purchase as they know someone else will.

[Rock_in]

Had a phone conversation with Forest River Rep for a brand they make. The pinboxes are indeed not changeable or adjustable verically. they can be replaced by dealer but only with Turning Point OEM replacement. Lippert calculated an average height measurement for pin box plate. On one brand with camper level-49.5"(my tape measure from ground). With 17 inch hitch (b&w low setting), my STOCK dodge is 53". letting my truck down to level camper means truck not level. Makers have written off a small RVer segment who want short and light fifth wheels. Unless of course you pull a 9000lb with a 1/2 ton truck. Indeed possible, as that is what these new short 5th wheels are made for with non adjustable hitch, but 1. not buying new truck and 2. pull that thru mountains with 1/2 ton. B&W, Curt and others do allow wedge on specific hitches. Not single point hitch due to stresses though.

[garyp4951]

I would not purchase a 5th wheel with that pinbox, due to the wedge insert prying on your hitch head at every turn, and you can only hitch up if your straight in line with the rv.
There are many other choices for short bed trucks beside this one.

[GaryUT]

It looks like the turning point has limited vertical adjustment. Is the one on the trailer you are looking at in the upper or lower mounting holes.

The nonstandard pin box mounting makes no sense to me.

Trailer life article that has a good photo of the pin box.

[TXiceman]

The Turning Point looks like a PITA to maintain and grease. How often does it require the bearing to be regreased?

Ken

[Martyn]

Rock_in wrote:
Cougar kitchen storage (ie pantry) was an issue for wife (happy wife, happy life). Any concerns in that way in your experience. We are planning a return trip to Keystone considering turning point issues.

Yes, that is an issue. However, for just the two of us we find that the cabinets and drawers are more than enough storage space, once you get organized. We had a pantry in our old Chaparral and it was nice to have. DW is pretty picky about things and this was her only issue, but having been on multiple trips now she says all is OK! :B

[Rock_in]

Cougar kitchen storage (ie pantry) was an issue for wife (happy wife, happy life). Any concerns in that way in your experience. We are planning a return trip to Keystone considering turning point issues.

[Martyn]

Rock_in wrote:
Unfortunatly manufacture will not ok removal of pin box and Lippert made Turning Point Pin boxes oem only. They will not match any other pin box as they will not bolt up. I am perplexed due to our search being for shorter lighter 5th wheels. After further searches I found major brands beginning this trend.

The Cougar Half Ton Series are 'shorter and lighter' - as you want, and they have a Lippert pin box - it has RotaFlex, which is a rubber cushioning at the hitch point. We love it.

[Rock_in]

Unfortunatly manufacture will not ok removal of pin box and Lippert made Turning Point Pin boxes oem only. They will not match any other pin box as they will not bolt up. I am perplexed due to our search being for shorter lighter 5th wheels. After further searches I found major brands beginning this trend.