Changing Pin box

[Msjan]

We have a 2004 3400RL with a Fabex665 pin box and are looking to possibly buy an Fifth Airborne Pin Box. In addition we also have a long bed truck and are wondering if we can change from an extended pin to a standard pin box. What effect would this have on the frame??

[sreigle]

May I suggest if you have concerns that you call Keystone and ask to talk to someone there? I'd ask for someone in engineering unless you are comfortable the customer service person really understands your question. They may hear "pinbox change" and immediately tell you that's a no-no. I'd bet most of those questions they get have to do with going to a longer extension.

I know that going to a pinbox with further extension will cause more stress on the frame and might affect warranty, although your frame may be out of warranty anyhow. However, you would be going the opposite direction. I would think that would cause less stress on the frame. You'd obviously need to make sure the new pinbox has a sufficient weight rating. However, I am not in any form technically qualified to say either way.

[BB_TX]

Can you actually get a 5th Airborne pin box that is shorter than the original? With the air bag and hinge mechanism, not sure you could.
I have a long bed also and installed a 5th Airborne on mine. Love it. If it was any shorter though, it would put the lower front of the 5er awfully close to the rear of the truck. I just barely have enough room now to lower the tailgate when I am hooking up or unhooking.

[mtheo]

I agree with Bill in that if it were any shorter you would have to have a V-tail gate and at that I'm not sure how close the corner of your trailer would come to the corner of the truck when turning sharp.

You will love the 5th airborne.

[TLightning]

Maybe I don't understand your question, but I think the 5th Abn pin box only comes in one size. So if you get one of those, you won't have a choice.

[Msjan]

Regarding the 5th Airborne -- the replacement for the Fabex 665 is classified as an extended pin box and other replacements were classed as a standard pin box.

[Bill and Lisa]

If they call out a specific replacement for your pin box, I would heed their words. To decide to go with a different Airborne model "against" the manufacture's recommendation could lead to a whole new thread as you rediscover first hand why they recommmend the version they do.