Let’s Talk About Lippert 155943 M19 Air Ride Pin Box 21K, Replaces Lci 1116 Pin Box
The open road calls to many, promising adventure and freedom. For those of us who answer that call with a fifth-wheel in tow, the journey is only as good as the connection between our truck and our home-on-wheels. That connection, the pin box, is often overlooked, yet it’s the unsung hero responsible for a smooth, safe, and comfortable ride. The Lippert 155943 M19 Air Ride Pin Box 21K, Replaces Lci 1116 Pin Box, from Lippert Components, promises exactly that – a significant upgrade to your towing experience, boasting air ride technology for reduced road shock and vertical movement.
My own journey with fifth-wheels began over a decade ago, hauling everything from race cars to family campers. I’ve always chased a smoother ride.
I was constantly battling the jarring bumps and vibrations that transferred from the road, through the pin box, and into my truck’s cab. These shocks weren’t just uncomfortable, they were also concerning, potentially damaging both my tow vehicle and the fifth-wheel itself over time. After researching various options, including cushioned pin boxes and complete air-ride hitch systems, the Lippert 155943 M19 Air Ride Pin Box 21K, Replaces Lci 1116 Pin Box seemed to offer the best compromise between performance, ease of installation, and cost. I was specifically looking for a solution that minimized vertical chucking, the fore-and-aft motion that can be incredibly fatiguing on long drives.
Unboxing the Lippert M19, I was immediately impressed by the robust construction. The welds were clean and consistent, the black powder coat finish looked durable, and the airbag and gas shock components appeared to be high-quality. It was substantially heavier than my old, rigid pin box, which was to be expected with the added air ride system. Compared to a basic replacement pin box, the M19 had a noticeable air chamber designed to dampen the shocks from normal road conditions. Compared to complete replacement air ride hitches, it was much more lightweight and easier to install.
My first impression was excitement tempered with a bit of apprehension. The promise of a smoother ride was alluring, but I was also a bit concerned about the complexity of the air ride system and whether it would require constant maintenance. Would the benefits outweigh the potential drawbacks? Only real-world testing would tell.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lippert 155943 M19 Air Ride Pin Box 21K, Replaces Lci 1116 Pin Box to the Test
First Use Experience
My first real test of the Lippert 155943 M19 Air Ride Pin Box 21K, Replaces Lci 1116 Pin Box was a 500-mile haul from my home base in Texas to a vintage car show in Oklahoma. The route included a mix of smooth interstate highways and rough, pot-holed rural roads – a perfect proving ground.
The difference was noticeable immediately upon hitting the first bump. The harsh jolts that I was accustomed to feeling were significantly dampened. The vertical chucking was drastically reduced, and the overall ride felt much smoother and more controlled. Even on the rougher sections of road, the M19 absorbed the bumps effectively, preventing them from transmitting directly into the truck’s cab. I set the pressure according to Lippert recommendations.
The installation was not overly complex and I had only slight issues at first.
Extended Use & Reliability
After six months and over 5,000 miles of towing, the Lippert 155943 M19 Air Ride Pin Box 21K, Replaces Lci 1116 Pin Box has proven its worth. The ride remains noticeably smoother than with the stock pin box.
There are no signs of significant wear and tear. The airbag and shock are still performing flawlessly. Maintenance has been minimal – I check the air pressure in the airbag before each trip and have only had to add a small amount of air once or twice. This requires only a simple bike pump.
Compared to my previous experience with a rigid pin box, the difference is night and day. The Lippert M19 has significantly improved the comfort of my towing experience. It has instilled more confidence in the safety and longevity of both my truck and fifth-wheel. The jarring motions that can damage both vehicles are greatly reduced.
Breaking Down the Features of Lippert 155943 M19 Air Ride Pin Box 21K, Replaces Lci 1116 Pin Box
Specifications
The Lippert 155943 M19 Air Ride Pin Box 21K, Replaces Lci 1116 Pin Box is designed to replace the LCI 1116 pin box and offers several key specifications:
- Weight Capacity: 21,000 lbs – This high capacity makes it suitable for a wide range of fifth-wheel trailers.
- Air Ride Technology: Employs an airbag and gas shock absorber to dampen road shock and vertical movement. The airbag allows the user to customize the ride by adjusting the air pressure according to the weight of the trailer and the road conditions.
- Scissor Design: This design helps eliminate road shock and vertical movement. This is critical for ride comfort and protecting the tow vehicle and trailer.
- Direct Replacement: Designed as a direct replacement for the LCI 1116 pin box, simplifying installation. Check Lippert guidelines to verify direct fit.
These specifications translate to a smoother, more comfortable ride, reduced stress on both the tow vehicle and trailer, and a potentially longer lifespan for your equipment. The 21K weight capacity ensures that it can handle even heavier fifth-wheel trailers.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of the Lippert 155943 M19 Air Ride Pin Box 21K, Replaces Lci 1116 Pin Box is to improve the towing experience by reducing road shock and vertical movement. It accomplishes this remarkably well.
The airbag and gas shock combination effectively absorbs bumps and vibrations, resulting in a smoother, more controlled ride. The scissor design contributes to eliminating unwanted motion, further enhancing the overall towing experience. The ability to adjust the air pressure in the airbag allows for fine-tuning the ride based on the specific trailer weight and road conditions.
While the air ride system significantly improves the ride, it’s important to note that it doesn’t eliminate all road shock. Extremely large bumps will still be felt. The M19 has far outperformed my expectations so far.
Design & Ergonomics
The Lippert 155943 M19 Air Ride Pin Box 21K, Replaces Lci 1116 Pin Box features a robust design with high-quality materials. It is built to withstand the rigors of towing.
The weight is substantial. This is to be expected with the inclusion of the air ride system. The unit is easy to install. I found it user-friendly, although consulting the Lippert documentation is recommended.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience thus far, the Lippert 155943 M19 Air Ride Pin Box 21K, Replaces Lci 1116 Pin Box appears to be built to last. The construction is solid, and the materials seem to be of high quality.
Maintenance is relatively simple, primarily involving checking and adjusting the air pressure in the airbag. I anticipate that the air shock might eventually need to be replaced. However, this appears to be a straightforward process.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lippert 155943 M19 Air Ride Pin Box 21K, Replaces Lci 1116 Pin Box doesn’t come with many accessories beyond the standard mounting hardware.
There are no readily apparent customization options, but the adjustable airbag pressure allows for a degree of fine-tuning the ride. Some users may consider adding an on-board air compressor to make adjusting the air pressure easier.
Pros and Cons of Lippert 155943 M19 Air Ride Pin Box 21K, Replaces Lci 1116 Pin Box
Pros
- Significantly smoother ride: The air ride technology effectively reduces road shock and vertical movement.
- Protects tow vehicle and RV: By absorbing bumps and vibrations, it helps to minimize stress on both the truck and trailer, potentially extending their lifespan and preventing costly repairs.
- Easy Installation: Designed as a direct replacement for the LCI 1116 pin box, simplifying the installation process (though professional installation is always recommended).
- High Weight Capacity: The 21,000 lbs weight capacity makes it suitable for a wide range of fifth-wheel trailers.
- Adjustable Air Pressure: The ability to adjust the air pressure in the airbag allows for fine-tuning the ride based on the trailer weight and road conditions.
Cons
- Price: The Lippert 155943 M19 Air Ride Pin Box 21K, Replaces Lci 1116 Pin Box is a significant investment compared to a standard, rigid pin box.
- Maintenance: While minimal, the air ride system requires periodic checking and adjustment of the air pressure.
- Requires regular maintenance as the vehicle ages.
Who Should Buy Lippert 155943 M19 Air Ride Pin Box 21K, Replaces Lci 1116 Pin Box?
The Lippert 155943 M19 Air Ride Pin Box 21K, Replaces Lci 1116 Pin Box is perfect for RVers who:
- Tow frequently and for long distances.
- Value a smooth, comfortable ride.
- Are concerned about protecting their tow vehicle and fifth-wheel from road shock.
- Want a relatively easy-to-install upgrade.
Who should skip this product?
- RVers on a very tight budget. A basic, rigid pin box will suffice for occasional, short-distance towing on well-maintained roads.
- Those who are not comfortable with basic maintenance.
- RVers with very small or lightweight fifth-wheel trailers. The benefits of air ride may be less noticeable with lighter loads.
Must-have accessories or modifications?
- An on-board air compressor (optional, but recommended for convenience).
- A good quality air pressure gauge for accurate adjustments.
Conclusion on Lippert 155943 M19 Air Ride Pin Box 21K, Replaces Lci 1116 Pin Box
The Lippert 155943 M19 Air Ride Pin Box 21K, Replaces Lci 1116 Pin Box is a worthwhile investment for serious RVers seeking a smoother, more comfortable, and potentially safer towing experience. While the price is higher than a standard pin box, the benefits of reduced road shock and protection for your valuable equipment justify the cost.
The value proposition is clear: you’re paying for increased comfort, reduced wear and tear, and a more enjoyable journey.
I would personally recommend the Lippert M19 to anyone who tows a fifth-wheel frequently and values a smooth ride. It’s a game-changer that will transform your towing experience.
Ready to say goodbye to bone-jarring rides and hello to a smoother journey? Upgrade to the Lippert 155943 M19 Air Ride Pin Box 21K, Replaces Lci 1116 Pin Box today! Your back, your truck, and your fifth-wheel will thank you for it.