Rusty pin box

[catattack57]

We have a 2019 Solitude S Class 3350RL. Discovered birds had nested in the empty space above the king pin, and while removing said bird nest, found the inside of the box to be very rusted. I no longer trust its strength potential because of the amount of rust. Wondering if an upgrade is worth the cost, or replacing the Lippert pin box is sufficient. We generally pull the rig 3 or 4 times a season, but I want nothing on the rig to give second doubts about safety. I am going to make removable aluminum panels to block off all access to critters in the future, which ever pin box we decide on. All advice welcome, thanks.

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We have a 2019 Solitude S Class 3350RL. Discovered birds had nested in the empty space above the king pin, and while removing said bird nest, found the inside of the box to be very rusted. I no longer trust its strength potential because of the amount of rust. Wondering if an upgrade is worth the cost, or replacing the Lippert pin box is sufficient. We generally pull the rig 3 or 4 times a season, but I want nothing on the rig to give second doubts about safety. I am going to make removable aluminum panels to block off all access to critters in the future, which ever pin box we decide on. All advice welcome, thanks.

We have the same RV. Bird crap can be very bad on metal. It can strip paint off vehicles.
A while back we upgraded our pin box to a MORryde cushioned pin box, really helped towing reducing chucking on bad roads, but we fultime and travel a lot. At that time I would have given someone our old Lippert 1621HD box for free. It ended up in scrap metal. We use foam pads stuffed in the box holes to keep unwanted pests out, especially bees/wasps.
I guess it depends on how rusty your pin box is. Its hard to get up in there to clean it and repaint it to help protect and preserve the metal. Also the truck to trailer power cord junction box is up inside the pin box area, good idea to check it out. The wings that the pin box bolts to should not be harmed at all. A new Lippert 1621 HD pin box goes for about $500 shipped. A new MORryde cushioned pin box goes for around $700-750. If you think the pin box needs replaced I would spend the extra money go for the MORryde unit, so much better for towing and reduces chucking.

[Second Chance]

We had a Demco Glide Ride pin box on our Reflection and our Solitude came with the MORryde rubber pin box. I've been very happy with both. I would suggest attaching wire screen or mesh rather than panels so the area will ventilate and not trap water if you have to tow in the rain.

Rob

[catattack57]

That sounds like a great idea, aluminum gutter screen will work perfectly for denying access. For the number of times we are on the road, I believe I will get the replacement Lippert, etrailer has about the best price I can find. Our dealer quoted us close to $700 for one, just a bit steep.

[Grandstander]

Old thread, but didn’t want to start a new one. During my window shopping experience I have noticed that many pin boxes are covered with surface rust around the edges on the dealer lots. Is this common and ok?

[catattack57]

Old thread, but didn’t want to start a new one. During my window shopping experience I have noticed that many pin boxes are covered with surface rust around the edges on the dealer lots. Is this common and ok?

I don't feel surface rust on the outside edges of the box would be very harmful, but it is tough to say how much corrosion is inside. I found quite a bit of internal rust, so decided to not take the chance. When we received the new box to put on, I gave the entire inside a couple good coats of paint, as the factory finish did not cover the complete interior. I may have gone overboard changing out to new, but there is a bunch of $$ rolling down the highway, in our case, better safe than sorry. I also covered the openings with aluminum mesh to keep birds out, replacing one pin box was enough!