Tall1

Since you say this fifth wheel is "new to you", are you sure that the previous owner didn't have the pin box replaced? If you're sure that GDRV installed an 18K pin box on a GVWR FW of 20K, it certainly warrants concern.
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If you believe GDRV installed it, I'd suggest you contact customer service at 574-825-9679 and discuss the situation with them. Make sure you have your VIN handy when you call.

And please share what you find out with us.

Jim

The Rotaflex on our 2019 374TH is rated at 21,000 pounds.
As Jim said, please share what you find.

I'm beginning to think this pin box was "swapped" but I have no proof. I'll ask the PO if he knew about this. Thanks for the reply.
I'm beginning to feel like a dumb*** for not catching this on my inspection of the RV and after the deals been done. Looks like I'm gonna be looking at buying a new pinbox setup and a different hitch assembly as the Demco has some design issues that I don't like...that is another story that I'll tell in a "Hitch" thread, complete with pictures, soon.

I called GD this am to discuss the pinbox issue. After playing phone shuffle a few times, I was connected with a Customer Service Tech that told me I'd have to call Lippert Industries to get an answer on what pinbox was installed on my frame at the time of manufacture of my frame. He gave me the frame info for my particular trailer (based on VIN #), its a drop rail and he gave me the serial#. He mentioned I should talk to the Frame Division.

I called Lippert,(574-537-8900) and after some more phone shuffling I was finally directed to their Parts department for the help I needed. I was informed that based on my frame serial#, the pinbox installed on my RV was a Rota-Flex 1621 21K. I asked if there was a chance that the 21K could have had an 18k 1621 Rota-Flex installed accidently and not noted in their files. She just re-iterated that their records showed a 21K model installed (there are 18k and 21K 1621 models available). She mentioned I'd have to call GD for anymore help on this matter. Been there, done that, no real help there.

The previous owner has said that the pinbox on the RV is the same one that was installed on it when he bought it new and it's never been changed out. He has towed the unit apx 11k miles and hasn't had any problems.

At this point, I think I'm just going to order a new 21K pinbox and be done with it. I don't like the idea of running around the country with an underated pinbox, when I know I'll be pushing the 20k GVWR limits of my trailer.

Thanks for listening,
Taad

Thanks for the follow up Taad. I think your plan of action is a wise one. Who knows how you wound up with the wrong pin box. It may have even been the original dealer swapping it out if it was damaged in transit or handling.

Jim

FYI....if it's the same as our fifth wheel, the trailer VIN is on a plate riveted to the pin box. See if the VIN on that plate matches the one on the trailer sticker.
May help you get a warranty replacement pin box if the numbers match.

Tall1

Hmmm...I'll take a look in the am. Thanks!

Taad

The VIN will be on the "ears" on the frame where the pin box mounts, not on the pin box itself. That is the way it is on mine and should be on all. That way you can change out pin boxes and keep the VIN tag.

Brian

If you have not moved the pin box and it it's not been repositioned there will be not lines or scratches on the ears or pin box itself. I don't care how hard you try, putting all the bolts back in will leave exposed areas where the washers were when it was originally MFG and Painted AFTERWARDS.

Another key indicator is the bolt heads, not many people will repaint them after removal, so if there is any paint missing on the corners, they have been removed.

There is no VIN number plate riveted to the ears anywhere. There is a Lippert sticker that has the frame serial number and RPO numbers and barcodes on it. Thats the info I gave Lippert when I talked to them about this and was told it should have a 21k rated pin box installed.
Taad

This pinbox has definitely been moved since its original install. The bolts have all been pulled at some point; I assume to reposition the height setting of the box, but who knows, it could have been "swapped" by someone for unknown reasons too...its been awhile though, as the boltheads and washers show some old rust from them being moved. There is paint overspray on the serial# sticker too, so looks like things were touched up at some point.

At this point, I've ordered a new Rota-Flex 21k pin box and its on its way; time to git er done!

Taad