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06-20-2019, 05:49 PM
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#1
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Montana Master
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: Chattanooga
Posts: 664
M.O.C. #20906
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Which option for better ride?
After pulling our trailer for a year now, I’ve decided to add some damping between my truck and trailer. I have a Montana 3121RL and a Ford F350 dually with the factory “puck” system.Here are my three options:
Option #1: Replace my existing pin box with a Flex-Air pin box or 5th Airborne air cushioned pin box.I’m guessing both will ride about the same.I have a B&W Companion hitch.
Option #2: Sale the B&W and go with the Reese Gooseball hitch.I like the idea of a clean bed, but I bought my truck strictly to pull the Montana, so a hitch would rarely need to be removed.I’m just now getting comfortable hitching up to the pin box, and going to a goose ball seems to be a little more difficult getting it lined up.Going this route eliminates some issues, but introduces others.Also, I do not have any other gooseneck trailers (one of the reasons folks go with this option).
Option #3: Sale the B&W and order a Trailer Saver BD5, or something similar.This option would probably result in the best ride, but how much better than the first two, I don’t know.Does the significantly higher cost result in a proportionally better ride?Also, the hitch is heavier than the B&W, and I’m not sure if it will fit under my BackFlip cover.
So, I’m hoping you guys and girls out there can share your experiences and thoughts. We have a 2500 mile trip coming up soon, and would like to have the new configuration in place by then.
One last question, are any of these vendors normally at the Fall Rally, with sale prices?
Thanks in advance
__________________
2019 Montana 3121RL
2017 XLT 350 SCLB DRW 4X4
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06-20-2019, 06:30 PM
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#2
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Salem
Posts: 7,558
M.O.C. #2283
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It’s hard for almost anyone to know since almost no one has had all the options listed on the same truck.
I would suspect all the options would be about the same since they are all air ride hitches. I have a trailair. It works great but probably not much different than the others. I would buy the one that is most convenient.
Lynwood
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06-20-2019, 06:34 PM
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#3
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: North Ridgeville
Posts: 20,229
M.O.C. #2839
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We switched to the Trailer saver BD3 hitch pulling our 2013 3402 Big sky. We also have the Mor Ryde is.We have a very smooth ride.
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06-20-2019, 07:28 PM
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#4
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Montana Master
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: Chattanooga
Posts: 664
M.O.C. #20906
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mlh
It’s hard for almost anyone to know since almost no one has had all the options listed on the same truck.
I would suspect all the options would be about the same since they are all air ride hitches. I have a trailair. It works great but probably not much different than the others. I would buy the one that is most convenient.
Lynwood
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I guess I didn't work my questions correctly. I wasn't expecting anyone to have experienced all three. I just wanted experiences with one of the three options just like you did.
Thanks
__________________
2019 Montana 3121RL
2017 XLT 350 SCLB DRW 4X4
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06-20-2019, 08:00 PM
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#5
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Established Member
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Kissimmee
Posts: 48
M.O.C. #18844
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I have a Trailer Saver for sale in Kissimmee Fl it rides smooth as you would expect. I now leave the RV on site and do not need the hitch. I also have a 2016 GMC Sierra 3500HD Denali dually fully loaded with 4000 miles. The hitch is available anytime but I wont return to Fl. until late Sept. someone is available to show hitch (w/cover.) and it fits UNDER my bed cover with no problem. Truck will be avail in late Sept.
Thanks
Mark 314-757-0628
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06-20-2019, 08:10 PM
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#6
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Seasoned Camper
Join Date: May 2019
Location: Knoxville
Posts: 51
M.O.C. #24025
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Air springs on your truck would be the first thing I would do and probably a less expensive option if you look for a deal. Until I put them on my truck I would have never believed it myself. Ram 3500 pulling 3730FL. It's not so much the connection as it is the ability of the truck to transfer that impact from the road. We go over bridge expansion joints now and literally catch each other smiling because it used to be plain violent. Hope this might help.
__________________
Walt and Vicki Forester
2015 Ram 3500 Dually G56 ViAir/Hellwig Onboard Air/Springs BD 2Low Kit RDS 95 Gal Tank/Combo American Force 19.5 Falken Bi 850 225/70 19.5
2018 3730FL
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06-20-2019, 09:05 PM
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#7
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Folsom, California
Posts: 553
M.O.C. #21903
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Last year 1/2 way into a 7,000 mile trip our backs were "toast" because of all the chucking and bucking. Had a Reese 5th Airborn shipped to the Campground and installed it. Remainder of the trip was totally smooth...all of the chucking and bucking was gone.
Just finished 9,120 mile loop of America, I 80 east from Calif. to I 76 in Ohio to Hershey, PA. Then Philadelphia, down I 95 to St. Augustine, I 10 to LA, and I 5 to Sacramento. Some very bad roads and bridge transitions, didn't even know the trailer was there!
5th Airborne is great IMHO.
__________________
'05 F250 6.0 Bullet Proofed - Sold
'17 F350 6.7 Lariet
'02 Montana 3280RL Upgraded a bunch.
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06-21-2019, 10:00 AM
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#8
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: STAYTON
Posts: 1,118
M.O.C. #18157
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Baldicon
After pulling our trailer for a year now, I’ve decided to add some damping between my truck and trailer. I have a Montana 3121RL and a Ford F350 dually with the factory “puck” system.Here are my three options:
Option #1: Replace my existing pin box with a Flex-Air pin box or 5th Airborne air cushioned pin box.I’m guessing both will ride about the same.I have a B&W Companion hitch.
Option #2: Sale the B&W and go with the Reese Gooseball hitch.I like the idea of a clean bed, but I bought my truck strictly to pull the Montana, so a hitch would rarely need to be removed.I’m just now getting comfortable hitching up to the pin box, and going to a goose ball seems to be a little more difficult getting it lined up.Going this route eliminates some issues, but introduces others.Also, I do not have any other gooseneck trailers (one of the reasons folks go with this option).
Option #3: Sale the B&W and order a Trailer Saver BD5, or something similar.This option would probably result in the best ride, but how much better than the first two, I don’t know.Does the significantly higher cost result in a proportionally better ride?Also, the hitch is heavier than the B&W, and I’m not sure if it will fit under my BackFlip cover.
So, I’m hoping you guys and girls out there can share your experiences and thoughts. We have a 2500 mile trip coming up soon, and would like to have the new configuration in place by then.
One last question, are any of these vendors normally at the Fall Rally, with sale prices?
Thanks in advance
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I have a 3610 Legacy (40') and an F350 Crew Cab 6'8" bed. Like you also a B&W only a Companion. The trailer is fitted with a MorRyde isolating hitch. I can't imagine a smoother pulling setup, most of the time I can't even tell the trailer is back there. Is your B&W set for the most forward position?
Mark
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06-21-2019, 11:02 AM
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#9
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Centerville
Posts: 1,350
M.O.C. #9051
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MARK A
I have a 3610 Legacy (40') and an F350 Crew Cab 6'8" bed. Like you also a B&W only a Companion. The trailer is fitted with a MorRyde isolating hitch. I can't imagine a smoother pulling setup, most of the time I can't even tell the trailer is back there. Is your B&W set for the most forward position?
Mark
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I have a 2008 3400 RL, which is 38', with the MorRyde pin box. Has always been pretty smooth , but since replacing the shear springs, had the wrong ones in there since day 1. I also can't imagine it being any smoother pulling setup.
Op, didn't mention whether he has the MorRyde pin box or not ,or I missed it.
Plus I tow with a short bed Ram 3500, with airbags. I tow with two different hitches, one is the rail mount Andersen on the picture frame adapter with the fifth wheel prep puck system. The other hitch is an 18K Reese Signature, also attached to the picture frame adapter , they both tow equally well .
Op, does not state exactly what the issue is, possibly as little as airbags or , the MorRyde pin box would fix whatever his issues are. Maybe tire inflation ,loading etc.
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06-21-2019, 11:31 AM
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#10
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Trinidad, TX
Posts: 506
M.O.C. #20746
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We also pull a 3121RL. We have a Ram 3500 Dually LB with a B&W Companion hitch. On the truck we have airbags. The trailer's pin box is a Road Armor Trailair. With this setup I have NEVER had any chucking. As compared to other setups I have had in the past, this is by far the best configuration.
__________________
2018 Ram 3500 Laramie Longhorn 4X4 Dually Cummins Aisin CC LB / B&W Companion hitch
50 Gallon Transfer Flow in bed tank w/ Trax 3
2018 Montana 3121RL
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06-21-2019, 11:41 AM
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#11
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Centerville
Posts: 1,350
M.O.C. #9051
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RoadRunnerTR21
We also pull a 3121RL. We have a Ram 3500 Dually LB with a B&W Companion hitch. On the truck we have airbags. The trailer's pin box is a Road Armor Trailair. With this setup I have NEVER had any chucking. As compared to other setups I have had in the past, this is by far the best configuration.
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I am finding it surprising what it takes to smooth out some of these fifth wheels.
I am beginning to think the older MorRyde pin boxes, and LRE suspension, which I believe is no longer put in the newer Montana fifth wheels were superior to whatever is put in them now .
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06-21-2019, 12:26 PM
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#12
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Montana Master
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Anytown
Posts: 609
M.O.C. #10966
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Gotta chime in here... yesterday had a Reese 20k Goose Box installed on Monty, to be towed by my "new to me" 2015 Ram 3500 DRW Megacab. This truck came with a B&W Turnover ball gooseneck hitch installed.
Since it's a short bed, I am using a B&W offset ball to move the attachment point back 4" and it seems to do the trick as far as clearances etc. Rated at 20k with 5k vertical load.
The ride is unbelievable to say the least! The Goose Box uses an airbag with dual shocks and is a work of art from an engineering standpoint. My truck also has the factory rear "air assist" feature with auto leveling and also contributes to the amazing ride.
My previous rig was an '06 Ram 2500 SRW Megacab with a Superglide hitch and the Montana factory installed MorRyde pinbox. I thought that towed pretty nicely...until now. Difference is night and day... and NOT having a massive hitch in the bed of the truck is fantastic! Two BIG thumbs up!!
__________________
2011 Montana 3580RL with a Reese 20k GooseBox w/offset B&W ball, Sailuns, RoadMaster shocks, Splendide stacked washer/dryer, some other stuff...
2015 Ram 3500 DRW Laramie Megacab, Aisin w/3.73s, 255/80 17 Toyos A/T III, rear auto level, 40 gal. fuel/tool combo box, some Banks mods...
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06-21-2019, 07:22 PM
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#13
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Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Raymond
Posts: 57
M.O.C. #17519
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kingdaddy
Gotta chime in here... yesterday had a Reese 20k Goose Box installed on Monty, to be towed by my "new to me" 2015 Ram 3500 DRW Megacab. This truck came with a B&W Turnover ball gooseneck hitch installed.
Since it's a short bed, I am using a B&W offset ball to move the attachment point back 4" and it seems to do the trick as far as clearances etc. Rated at 20k with 5k vertical load.
The ride is unbelievable to say the least! The Goose Box uses an airbag with dual shocks and is a work of art from an engineering standpoint. My truck also has the factory rear "air assist" feature with auto leveling and also contributes to the amazing ride.
My previous rig was an '06 Ram 2500 SRW Megacab with a Superglide hitch and the Montana factory installed MorRyde pinbox. I thought that towed pretty nicely...until now. Difference is night and day... and NOT having a massive hitch in the bed of the truck is fantastic! Two BIG thumbs up!!
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I didn't know you could get a dual wheel truck with short bed
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06-21-2019, 07:54 PM
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#14
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Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Ringgold
Posts: 55
M.O.C. #11997
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Mega Cabs were for quite a while only available with a short bed.
The air ride pin will smooth the shocks coming from or going to the trailer. But the 1st 2 hits come from the truck axles.
__________________
2018 Silverado 3500 DRW
2011 Montana Mountaineer 285RLD
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06-21-2019, 10:54 PM
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#15
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Montana Master
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Anytown
Posts: 609
M.O.C. #10966
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dadnjesse
I didn't know you could get a dual wheel truck with short bed
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Yep, been available for quite a while actually.
__________________
2011 Montana 3580RL with a Reese 20k GooseBox w/offset B&W ball, Sailuns, RoadMaster shocks, Splendide stacked washer/dryer, some other stuff...
2015 Ram 3500 DRW Laramie Megacab, Aisin w/3.73s, 255/80 17 Toyos A/T III, rear auto level, 40 gal. fuel/tool combo box, some Banks mods...
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06-21-2019, 11:05 PM
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#16
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Montana Master
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Anytown
Posts: 609
M.O.C. #10966
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GA Mountaineer
Mega Cabs were for quite a while only available with a short bed.
The air ride pin will smooth the shocks coming from or going to the trailer. But the 1st 2 hits come from the truck axles.
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Yep! That's kinda how it works all right! Can't do a lot about that although it is certainly possible to modify the truck suspension to help somewhat.
I can tell you that the ride comfort with this truck and the Goose Box is significantly improved even though my last truck with custom suspension including air bags and the Pullrite Superglide hitch and MorRyde pinbox was pretty decent.
I attribute some of the improvement to the rear suspension on this dually (factory air auto leveling). Worked great, both truck and trailer sitting perfectly level, excellent ride while towing.
Looking forward to having an empty bed when not towing (well, except for my fuel tank/tool box combo)!
To the OP...ya, it will take a bit of getting used to hitching up, but just a matter of using my bed camera (mounted with the high mounted brake light/bed lights.) Great view of the ball and hitch, just gotta figure out the distance of ball to socket viewing through the camera. No big deal...still totally worth it IMO!
__________________
2011 Montana 3580RL with a Reese 20k GooseBox w/offset B&W ball, Sailuns, RoadMaster shocks, Splendide stacked washer/dryer, some other stuff...
2015 Ram 3500 DRW Laramie Megacab, Aisin w/3.73s, 255/80 17 Toyos A/T III, rear auto level, 40 gal. fuel/tool combo box, some Banks mods...
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06-21-2019, 11:44 PM
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#17
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Established Member
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: Chiefland
Posts: 18
M.O.C. #20944
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I have a Comfort Ride Hitch on my HDT, it's amazing. Forgot my coffee cup on the island one day, 400 miles later my cup was still mostly full.
__________________
2018 3810MS
2008 Volvo 670 VNL
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06-22-2019, 05:15 AM
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#18
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: Atlanta
Posts: 358
M.O.C. #21337
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Hi
we are also very very happy with our setup.
We have a RAM 3500 Mega SRW, B&W Companion on turnover ball and MorRyde pin box.
The RAM has Firestone Airbags.
Love it. We tow also long distance like 700-900 mls p day. We never feel stressed and always say that this is more comfy than a Cadillac.
Mike.
__________________
Montana 3123RL Legacy 'Boon-docking Edition'
RAM 3500 Mega Cab Cummins Diesel DRW
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06-22-2019, 06:19 AM
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#19
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Fulton
Posts: 456
M.O.C. #20688
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Baldicon, what pin box do you have now?
I noticed some newer Montana’s didn’t have the MorRyde like mine.
We have not experienced any issues. That might be where you should start.
Good luck hope to meet you at the rally.
__________________
Wayne & Malinda
2018 Montana 3731FL
MORryde IS/DiscBrakes
2017 F450 DRW KR 4x4
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06-22-2019, 06:55 AM
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#20
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Arlington
Posts: 136
M.O.C. #21176
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Look at Comfort Ride hitch they use load cells that you can change to get the ride where you like it and it will fit the puck system.
__________________
2011 Volvo 780 485 HP/1750 TQ 13 Speed 32000 lb ET air ride hitch
2016 Montana 3820FK Legacy package
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