5 Best 5th Wheel Hitch with Airbags: Options Compared

Towing a fifth-wheel RV can be a jarring experience without the right setup. Chucking, bouncing, and road shock not only make the ride uncomfortable but can also damage your trailer over time. That’s where a 5th wheel hitch with airbags comes in, smoothing out the bumps and protecting your investment.

This guide reviews five top options, from pin boxes to complete hitches, to help you choose the best one for your towing needs. Each product is evaluated on its unique features, so you can make an informed decision.

Lippert Components CURT L05 Air Ride 18K – Smooth Towing

The Lippert Components CURT L05 Air Ride 18K pin box is designed to reduce chucking and the vertical tug-of-war between your fifth-wheel RV and tow vehicle. Its internal airbag acts as a buffer, absorbing road shock and vibrations that can damage your RV. The durable rubberized compound provides an additional layer of protection, making your towing experience noticeably smoother.

With an 18,000-pound rating, this pin box is a solid choice for medium to large trailers. The black powder coat finish resists corrosion, ensuring longevity. If you’re looking to minimize jarring motion without replacing your entire hitch, this air ride pin box is a practical upgrade that directly addresses common towing discomforts.

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• Reduce chucking and vertical tug-of-war between a fifth-wheel RV and tow vehicle
• Durable rubberized compound provides an additional buffer to help protect the RV from jarring motion
• Integrated air bag acts as a buffer between the tow vehicle and coach to absorb road shock and vibrations that can damage an RV

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CURT L05 Air Ride 21K – Higher Capacity Comfort

The CURT L05 Air Ride 21K pin box, by Trailair, offers a higher 21,000-pound capacity for larger fifth-wheel trailers. It replaces the Lippert 1621 pin box and uses an internal airbag with a built-in strut to reduce road shock, vibrations, and chucking. This design improves your towing experience by smoothing out bumps and minimizing the jerking motion common on uneven roads.

This model is ideal if you need extra capacity without sacrificing comfort. The black powder coat finish adds durability, and the air ride technology is proven to protect your RV from damage caused by constant vibration. If you’re towing a heavy trailer and want a dedicated pin box solution, this is a strong contender that delivers on its promises.

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• Air Ride pin boxes by Trailair, the original air ride suspension solution for RV fifth-wheels, improves the towing experience by reducing road shock vibrations and chucking
• Replaces Lippert 1621 pin box
• 21,000-pound capacity
• Reduces road shock and vibration; Trailair by Lippert Components Air Ride Pin Box
• Helps control chucking

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Reese 94920 Goose Box – Air Ride with Goose Ball

The Reese 94920 Goose Box is a unique air ride pin box that connects to a goose ball in your truck bed, freeing up space for other cargo. Its airbag technology, combined with dual shocks and rubber springs, provides premium comfort by absorbing road shocks. With a 20,000-pound capacity, it handles nearly any fifth-wheel trailer while keeping your truck bed clean and usable.

This pin box is versatile, compatible with many trailers including those with Lippert and Fabex mounts. The robust design ensures maximum strength, and the air ride system significantly reduces chucking. If you value a clean truck bed and smooth towing, the Goose Box is an innovative solution that stands out from traditional hitches.

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• MAXIMUM STRENGTH: Enjoy towing nearly any size fifth wheel trailer without worry thanks to the Goose Box’s robust design. With a maximum capacity of 20,000 lbs. this premium goosebox pin box has the strength and stability to haul some of the heaviest loads around.
• AIRBAG TECHNOLOGY: Enjoy premium comfort when towing thanks to the Goose Box’s air ride technology. Its easy-to-fill airbag, dual shocks, and rubber springs, all located inside the belly of the box, aid in absorbing the shocks and bumps felt with many other towing setups. These unique features make your ride smoother and more comfortable. The airbag can be filled easily through the air manifold – or fill spot – located on the top of the Goose Box, while the automatic relief valve prevents overfilling.
• CLEAN TRUCK BED: This premium goosebox replacement pin box attaches to your fifth wheel trailer and connects to the goose ball in the bed of your truck, giving you more space for storing, traveling, or hauling when you’re not towing. Simply remove the goose ball and your bed is clean!
• VERSATILE: The REESE Goose Box pin box is compatible with a wide range of trailers, including the Lippert 1621, 1716, 0719, Fabex PB 600 Series, as well as those with the Lippert Rhino bolt hole pattern. It also offers more vertical flexibility, giving you increased height adjustment for taller truck beds.
• TESTED AND BACKED FOR LIFE: The Goose Box from REESE is inspected for quality and workmanship and is tested to exceed SAE J2638 standards, providing peace of mind that your connections are safe and secure. Plus, it's backed by a limited lifetime warranty from THE most recognized brand in RV towing since 1952.

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CURT A25 5th Wheel Hitch – Torsion Smoothness

The CURT A25 5th Wheel Hitch features a cast yoke with poly-torsion inserts that suppress shock loads and reduce noise, offering a different approach to air ride comfort. Its fully articulating torsion head ensures controlled coupling and stable towing, while the lockable handle self-resets after uncoupling for convenience. This hitch is compatible with select Silverado and Sierra 2500/3500 HD trucks with an 8-foot bed puck system.

Constructed with a cast steel main body, the A25 provides a precise build that minimizes play. The torsion design absorbs road impacts without needing an external airbag, making it a low-maintenance option. If you prefer a hitch that integrates shock suppression into its core design, this model delivers reliable performance and easy operation.

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• Cast yoke with poly-torsion inserts to suppress shock loads and reduce noise
• Fully articulating torsion head for controlled coupling and stable towing
• Lockable handle self-resets to the ready-to-couple position after uncoupling
• Constructed with a cast steel main body for a more precise build
• High-strength, interlocking jaws fully wrap the kingpin to minimize noise

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CURT 16115 E16 5th Wheel Hitch – Simple and Reliable

The CURT 16115 E16 5th Wheel Hitch offers a straightforward design with dual-axis pivoting for 10 degrees of lateral movement, reducing stress on your trailer during turns. It automatically locks for easy, secure coupling and operates with a single handle, making hitching and unhitching simple. The anti-rattle skid plate helps reduce noise, enhancing the towing experience.

With a 16,000-pound capacity, this hitch is suitable for lighter fifth-wheel trailers. While it doesn’t feature airbags, its pivoting action and anti-rattle design provide a smoother ride by minimizing chucking. If you want a reliable, easy-to-use hitch without complex air systems, the E16 is a budget-friendly choice that gets the job done.

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• Pivots on dual axes for 10 degrees of lateral movement
• Automatically locks for easy, secure coupling
• Operates using a single handle
• Features an anti-rattle skid plate to help reduce noise
• Compatible with kingpin extension boxes, including common pivoting pin boxes

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Buyer’s Guide: What to Consider

Choosing the right 5th wheel hitch with airbags involves considering capacity, compatibility, and ride quality. Here are key factors to guide your decision.

• Capacity: Match the hitch's weight rating to your trailer's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). Overloading can be dangerous and reduce performance.
• Air Ride vs. Torsion: Airbag systems offer adjustable cushioning, while torsion designs provide consistent shock absorption with less maintenance. Choose based on your preference.
• Compatibility: Ensure the hitch or pin box fits your truck's bed type (puck system, gooseneck ball) and your trailer's pin box mount. Check manufacturer specifications.
• Ease of Use: Look for features like automatic locking, single-handle operation, and self-resetting mechanisms to simplify hitching and unhitching.
• Build Quality: Durable materials like cast steel and corrosion-resistant finishes ensure longevity. Consider the warranty and brand reputation for peace of mind.

Conclusion

Selecting the best 5th wheel hitch with airbags depends on your trailer’s weight, truck setup, and desired comfort level. The Lippert CURT L05 models excel for pin box upgrades, while the Reese Goose Box offers a unique space-saving design. The CURT A25 and E16 provide reliable alternatives with torsion or simple pivoting systems.

For most users, the CURT L05 Air Ride 21K balances capacity and smoothness, making it a top recommendation. Evaluate your specific needs and choose the hitch that best matches your towing lifestyle.