Smoother, Safer Towing Every Mile with Built in Air Ride for a Gooseneck Trailer with 3″ Ball Coupler: Improves your ride, easier on you, your equipment, plus reduces wear & tear on pickup & goose trailer. Built-in air ride system for a smoother towing experience. Just add air depending on the weight of your trailer & contents. An air spring bag is simply the best cushion device on the planet. This hitch directs the tow resistance through the air ride system, producing a smooth ride. Patent #’s 11,370,257 B1 & D898,628.
Easier on You, Your Truck, Trailer & Cargo: Helps eliminate tugs, jerks & bumps felt when towing on rough roads or concrete highways making less stress on you, your cargo and equipment.
Hotshot Trucker Tested, Trusted & Proven – #1 Selling Gooseneck Air Hitch: Uses a rocker arm pivot design which produces a front and back motion, which is the biggest jerk you feel with towing with a gooseneck. It’s tested & proven to be much better than other cushion hitches on the market. Our design eliminates the need for parallel linkages, shock absorbers, torsion arms, and other over engineered gadgets.
Reduces Stress, Wear, Tear & Breakage on Truck, Trailer & Cargo: Air ride reduces wear & tear on the driveline and frame. Less stress & breakage on welded. Treat yourself, passengers, animals & equipment to a much smoother ride. You’ll never go back to the continual bumps, jerks, and vibrations.
Adjustable for Tow Weight – Easily Adjust for Best Ride & Load Control: The Air Ride System sits behind your gooseneck hitch and out of the way. You will find the advantage of the Gooseneck Air Shocker is your ability to adjust air pressure for best ride and load control. View our Shocker Gooseneck PSI Air Pressure tuning guide. Heavy loads, Watch: just add air.
Patented Shift Lock® Gooseneck Coupler for 3″ Ball: 40,000 lbs rated, patented gooseneck coupler. The only gooseneck coupler that captures ball on both sides. At a glance, you can see if the coupler is locked on the ball. Easy to use handle to hook up and disconnect the coupler from the ball. Fits 3″ gooseneck hitch balls & has 3 height adjustment holes. (Standard coupler extends 3″ forward from your factory coupler).
Provides Comfort & Improve Control Towing with a Gooseneck: The smoother towing you get makes it easier on you, your passengers, animals, cargo and trailer. The patented design filters the natural tugs between trailer and pickup giving you more control and comfort towing a gooseneck trailer. By giving you better control of your tow vehicle and trailer, it is safer. The Gooseneck surge air hitch system allows for better control of your pickup and the trailer it is towing.
Fast & Easy Installation on Your Gooseneck Trailer In Minutes: Completely replaces your factory gooseneck stem & coupler with Gooseneck Surge® Air System & Coupler. Watch Installation Video.
Shock Dampening & Absorbing Action Makes It Easier on You & Equipment: Effectively absorbs the jerking, tugging, bumps & damaging forces experienced when towing on rough roads & concrete highway with a typical hard connection. Helps eliminate jerks, bucking, bangs & chucking felt when towing. Built in air ride system along dual external bump cushions, plus internal bump inside of air spring bag offer heavy duty, yet very smooth performance.
Heavy Duty Air Ride Gooseneck Hitch & Coupler Includes: Complete 40K Shocker Gooseneck Surge® air hitch with built in air ride system & dual bump cushions, replacement inner tube stem size selected & 40,000 lb Shift Lock® gooseneck coupler for 3″ gooseneck ball.
Custom Fit Heavy Duty Thick Wall Stem Options: Available for 100mm Square, 4″ & 4-1/2″ Square gooseneck stems along with the 4.5″ Square Stem with Diamond C Telescoupler Bolted Stem Pattern.
Saves Fuel: Customers using the gooseneck air hitch report saving one mile or more per gallon.
Upgrade your heavy duty gooseneck trailer, with a 40,000 lbs gooseneck air hitch & coupler for 3″ gooseneck ball. The HD Shocker Gooseneck Surge® air hitch & Shift Lock® coupler is the ultimate in smooth gooseneck trailer towing to cushion your towing. This patented, revolutionary air ride shock absorbing cushion hitch is the only air ride hitch to exclusively work in a forward and back motion, which is often times this is the biggest jerk you feel when towing a gooseneck trailer. Filters the bucking and chucking through the air ride system making it smoother every mile. Design for hot shot gooseneck trailer operators and heavy-duty gooseneck trailer towing. Smoother gooseneck towing every mile.
The built in air ride system filters the road shock through the air ride system creating a smoother, safer towing experience for you, your pickup, gooseneck trailer, cargo & equipment. Increase load control with adjustable air ride and reduces damage on truck, trailer and cargo. Optimized by tow weight. Since you can adjust the air, you can fine tune for tongue weight & best ride for when you are fully loaded or towing an empty trailer. The Shift Lock® gooseneck air coupler captures both sides of the ball and you can easily see if it is locked with a glance. It offers up to 8,000lbs tongue weight. Whether you are a occasionally tow or are doing hotshot trucking, this gooseneck hitch adds instant air ride to your hauling. This is the preferred gooseneck air hitch for hotshot trucking operators and haulers. And considered the one best hot shot trucking accessories. Available for Gooseneck trailers with square tube stems. This shock absorbing, dampening and filtering air ride hitch works great on gooseneck style end dumps, flatbed, race haulers, livestock, toy haulers, tilt, horse trailers and more. Watch Installation Video and Completely replaces your factory gooseneck stem & coupler. Featuring 3 height adjustment holes & extends your hitch 3″ forward. Made by Shocker Hitch® USA in Jamestown, ND. Patent #’s 11,370,257 B1 & D898,628.
Match the instructions to your stem and coupler. Use the guide below for installation, coupling, air-pressure setup, maintenance and pre-tow checks.
The Shocker Hitch Gooseneck Surge Air Hitch takes minutes to install. Instruction below for all of our Shocker Gooseneck Surge Air Ride Hitches including 9″ offset, models with Shift Lock or Demco gooseneck couplers, along with models with for gooseneck with kingpin. Covering our patent pending multi-fit round stem, along with square stems and top crank stem options. Below you can find downloadable PDF instruction files and videos to help guide you with instruction, air pressure settings and more.
Shocker Gooseneck Surge Air Hitch Installation Videos
Maximum Weight Ratings For Shocker Gooseneck Surge Air Hitch Models & Safety
Maximum weights for Shocker 30K Gooseneck Surge Air Hitch & Coupler with 2-5/16″ Coupler or Kingpin: 30,000 lbs GTW & Shift Lock 7,000 lbs Tongue Weight (Offset Stem & Demco Coupler is 6,000 lbs Tongue Weight). Maximum weights for Shocker 40K Gooseneck Surge Air Hitch with 3″ Shift Lock Coupler: Hitch Capacity is 40,000 lbs GTW & 8,000 lbs Tongue Weight. Safety Notice: Towing capacity is limited by the lowest rated component. Always keep the area around the gooseneck hitch clear when attached to a tow vehicle. Use only a 2-5/16″ gooseneck ball with a 2-5/16″ coupler, and a 3″ gooseneck ball with a 3″ coupler. V-19 rated. Do not exceed the G.V.W.R. of the ball being used.
Installation – Shocker Gooseneck Surge Air Hitch (Standard Stem Models) – See Video
Tools Required: 1-1/8″ Wrench | 3/4″ Wrench | Air Compressor
Step 1: Measuring and Removal
Level Surface: Park the trailer on a level surface
Record Height: Measure from the bottom of the current coupler tube to the bottom of the trailer sleeve.
Transfer Measurement: Mark this same distance on your Shocker Hitch to ensure the trailer remains level.
Remove Old Stem: Loosen the set bolt(s), pull the safety pin, and slide out the original inner tube.
Step 2: Inserting the Shocker Gooseneck Surge Air Hitch
Insert Hitch: Slide the Shocker Gooseneck Air Hitch into the trailer’s outer tube.
Align: Align the holes of the Shocker Gooseneck Air Hitch stem with the holes of the trailer’s outer tube.
Pin: Slide the Gooseneck through pin through the stem and out the other side. Secure with cotter pin clip.
Step 3: Orientation and Alignment
Verify Air Spring Bag Direction:
Standard Coupler or Kingpin: The air spring bag must face the rear toward the trailer (Figure 1).
9″ Offset Coupler: The air spring bag must face the front toward the truck cab (Figure 2).
Verify Alignment: Ensure the hitch sits straight and parallel with the trailer (Figure 4).
Correction: If the hitch is crooked, readjust at the stem or the trailer pin (Figure 3).
For proper use of Shift Lock coupler, see “How To Use Shift Lock Coupler” section. For proper use of Demco coupler, see “How To Use Demco Coupler” section. For proper use of Kingpin coupler, see “How To Use Kingpin Coupler” section.
Installation – Multi-Fit (Universal) Round Stem – See Video
Level and Measure: On a level surface, measure from the coupler tube bottom to the trailer frame sleeve bottom.
Transfer Measurement: Mark this same distance on your Shocker Air Hitch to ensure the trailer remains level.
Remove Old Stem: Loosen the set bolt(s), pull the safety pin, and slide out the original inner tube.
Step 2: Inserting the Multi-Fit Round Stem
Insert Stem: Slide the Shocker Multi-Fit round stem into the outer trailer tube to the desired hole.
Secure Pin: Secure the stem using a 3/4″ gooseneck through pin (Figure 5).
Step 3: Inserting the Shocker Gooseneck Surge Air Hitch
Insert Air Hitch: Slide the red or black Gooseneck Air Frame into the Multi-Fit Stem (Figure 6).
Initial Secure: Secure the Air Hitch to the stem with the 5/8″ x 4-1/2″ provided Multi-Fit through pin and cotter pin clip (Figure 7).
Step 4: Orientation, Alignment & Adjustment
Orientation:
Standard Coupler or Kingpin: The air spring bag must face the rear toward the trailer.
9″ Offset Coupler: The air spring bag must face the front toward the truck cab.
Select Pin Hole: Use the angle guide below to select the correct hole to use on your Multi-Fit stem (Figures 11-13).
Top Hole: 4″ Round Stems with 10°-20° Angled Pin Holes.
Middle Hole: 100mm Round Stems with 20°-30° Angled Pin Holes
Bottom Hole: Round Stems with Straight Pin Hole.
Step 5: Alignment and Torque
Verify Alignment: Do NOT tow if the hitch is crooked (Figure 9). Ensure the hitch sits straight and parallel with the trailer (Figure 10).
Correction: If the hitch is crooked, readjust at the stem or the trailer pin.
Tighten Multi-Fit Set Bolts: Once straight (or aligned), use a 5/8″ wrench to tighten the Multi-Fit set bolts to 100-125 ft-lbs, then tighten the jam nuts using a 15/16″ wrench (Figure 8).
Tighten Trailer Set Bolt: Using a 3/4″ Wrench to tighten the trailer set bolt while maintaining proper alignment. Torque to trailer manufacturer’s specifications. Then tighten the jam nut.
Figure 5: Slide Multi-Fit stem into trailer tube to desired pin hole and secure with 3/4″ pin.Figure 6: Slide red frame section into Multi-Fit system with air bag toward trailer.Figure 7: Rotate red frame sections until straight with trailer frame and secure with provided pin.Figure 8: Tighten smaller set-bolts snug. Tighten jam nuts.Figure 9: Hitch is crooked, readjust at stem and-or trailer pin.Figure 10: Hitch is straight, no adjustments needed.Figure 11: Top hole: 4″ Round Stems with 10°-20° Angled Pin Holes.Figure 12: Middle hole: 100mm Round Stems with 20°-30° Angled Pin Holes.Figure 13: Bottom hole: Round stems with straight pin holes.
For proper use of Shift Lock coupler, see “How To Use Shift Lock Coupler” section. For proper use of Demco coupler, see “How To Use Demco Coupler” section.
Installation – Shocker Top Crank Handle Stem
Tools Required: 15/16″ Wrench | 9/16″ Wrench | Air Compressor
Disassembly: Remove the 3/8″ bolt and handle assembly. Loosen set bolts and remove the existing coupler stem.
Preparation: Transfer the bearing and 3/8″ washer to the Shocker Hitch Top Crank Stem. Generously grease the stem threads.
Assembly: Slide the stem into the trailer until engaged. Tighten the set bolts. Add a 3/8″ washer to the exposed crank stem.
Finalize: Reinstall the crank handle with the 3/8″ bolt before vehicle hook-up.
Note: Bulldog brand couplers require an additional supplied 3/8″ washer.
Figure 14: Provided 3/8″ washer for Top Crank Gooseneck HitchesFigure 15: Top Crank Gooseneck Hitch fully hooked up
For proper use of Shift Lock coupler, see “How To Use Shift Lock Coupler” section. For proper use of Demco coupler, see “How To Use Demco Coupler” section.
How To Use Shift Lock Coupler For 2-5/16″ Gooseneck Ball
To Connect:
Move the Shift Lock Handle to the unlocked position (Figure 16).
Lower the trailer onto the gooseneck ball (Figure 17).
Move the handle to the locked position and insert the quick clip pin.
Check Lock:
U-Bolt must stick out approximately 1″ from the coupler rear when locked (Figure 18).
Manual Option:
If the handle is damaged, use the manual lock pin on the driver’s side of the U-Bolt (Figure 19).
Figure 15: Shift Lock coupler in unlocked position, lower hitch onto gooseneck ball.Figure 16: Shift Lock coupler lowered onto gooseneck ball.Figure 17: Shift Lock coupler in correct locked position 1″ of the u-bolt stick out.Optional-Manual-Lock
How To Use Demco Coupler For 2-5/16″ Gooseneck Ball
To Connect:
The Demco EZ-Latch is a self-latching system. Lower the coupler onto the ball until the latch snaps into the locked position (Figures 20-22).
To Release:
Pull the Demco EZ-Latch handle up and forward to release the ball (Figure 23).
Back your vehicle up slowly, aligning the Shocker Gooseneck Kingpin coupler directly in line and level with the adapter in the truck bed.
Continue to back up your vehicle until the kingpin latches to the adapter, and latch the locking mechanism to lock the kingpin in place.
To Release:
Pull the locking mechanism to disengage the kingpin, and pull forward with your vehicle to release from the adapter.
Figure 24: Kingpin is ready to be hooked up to the adapter in the truck bedFigure 25: Kingpin hitch fully hooked up to the adapter in the vehicle bed
Additional Info: Clearance For Air Spring Bag & Recessed Flat Bed Pickups | Diagrams
Figure 26: Standard hitch must rotate at an 18″ radius around the ball to prevent contact with items in the truck bedFigure 27: Offset hitch must rotate at a 16″ radius around the ball to prevent contact with items in the truck bedFigure 28: Top View: Recommended that the Shift Lock coupler have a minimum clearance of 12″x12″ for flat beds.Rear View: Recommended that the distance from the top of the bed to the top of the ball be a maximum of 2″ for the Shift Lock couplerShocker Gooseneck Surge Air Hitch & Coupler Dimensions Diagram GuideShocker Gooseneck Surge Air Hitch with 9-Inch Offset Extension Coupler DiagramShocker 30K Gooseneck Surge and Demco Coupler – Diagram & DimensionsGooseneck Air Hitch & 9″ Extender Demco Coupler – Diagram & DimensionsRound Gooseneck Stem Angle & Sizing Guide (Pin Hole Can Be Straight or Angled – Round Stem Can Be 100MM (3-15/16″) or 4″)
Routine Maintenance Schedule
Step 1: Lubrication Schedule
Hitch Ball & Coupler: Lubricate the coupler, Shift Lock U-Bolt, and gooseneck ball before every hook-up to prevent friction wear. Clean your hitch ball after each use to reduce wear and improve coupler lifespan.
Main Pivot Bolt: Apply grease to the Pivot Bolt via the grease zerk located at the base of the stem.
Stem Threads (Crank Models): For crank handle models, ensure the stem threads stay generously greased for easy adjustment.
Frequency: It is recommended to grease all points every 2-3 months, or more frequently with heavy use.
Step 2: Hardware & Air System Inspection
Torque Check: Periodically verify that all trailer set bolts are torqued to your trailer manufacturer’s specifications.
Air Spring Bag Integrity: Inspect the air spring bag for any debris or rubbing.
Coupler Pin: Ensure the safety snapper pin is in good condition and always used during transit.
How To Use
Step 1: Hook Up Trailer
Lowering Trailer: Lower your trailer onto the gooseneck ball and lock the coupler into place (See coupler-specific instructions for “How To Use Shift Lock Coupler For 2-5/16″ Gooseneck Ball” or “How To Use Demco Coupler For 2-5/16″ Gooseneck Ball” models above).
Safety Chains: Securely hook your safety chains to the anchor point in the bed of the truck (See “Safety Chain Hook-Up (Old and New Versions)” section above).
7-Way Plug: Plug your trailer’s electrical cord into the socket in the truck bed to enable lights and brakes.
Step 2: Setting Air Pressure
Fill Air Spring Bag: After loading your trailer, fill your hitch’s air spring bag starting at 15 PSI (Ensure bump cushions are compressed).
Adjustment: Test drive and adjust in 5 PSI increments until optimal ride quality is reached.
Note: When towing trailers with high wind resistance, it may be necessary to increase air pressure in the air spring bag. NEVER EXCEED 100 PSI, as this will damage the air spring bag.
Important: When weight is added or removed, it can shift more weight to the tongue or to the rear of the trailer. Always try to keep your load distributed evenly on the trailer with the majority of the weight over the tires. When adjusting weight, always adjust your air pressure for the best ride.
Safety Chain Hook-Up
Ideal Location: Best safety chain hook-up location is slightly rearward of the ball centerline and 6″ to 12″ left or right of the ball laterally. Safety chain hook-up should not be directly in-line with the ball and NEVER attached forward of the gooseneck ball (See image to the right)
Gooseneck Balls We Recommend
Recommended: We highly recommend using gooseneck hitch balls that are completely spherical or have a flat top. This is to ensure the coupler lasts as long as possible.
Not Recommended: We strongly advise against using a Puck/Pop-In style ball due to the sharp edges of the clip grinding on the inside of the coupler, which reduces the life of your coupler.
Pre-Tow Checklist ✅
Hitch & Coupler Safety:
Coupler Engaged: Ensure trailer is fully lowered onto the ball and the coupler is locked.
Stem Hardware Tight: Confirm the set bolts on the trailer are securely tightened and the jam nut is locked down. Confirm the gooseneck through pin is secure with cotter pin clip.
Alignment Check: Visually verify the hitch is straight and parallel with the trailer; do not tow if hitch is crooked.
Air System & Suspension:
Minimum Air Pressure: Ensure the air spring bag has a starting pressure of at least 15 PSI and the bump cushions are compressed.
Maximum Air Limit: Verify the air pressure does not exceed the absolute maximum of 100 PSI.
Visual Inspection: Check the air spring bag to ensure there is no debris or physical rubbing.
Clearances & Safety Chains:
Safety Chains Secured: Verify safety chains are hooked up to the anchor points (rearward of the ball and 6″ to 12″ apart). Ensure they have enough slack to turn without binding.
Turning Clearance: Confirm there is an 18″ clear radius around the ball to prevent the hitch from contacting items in the truck bed during turns.
We want you to have the best possible towing experience with your product and proper installation is important. If you need help, we are here for you. Just give us a call at 701-707-2666 or use our contact us form. You can also look up the items product page on our website and view the installation tab. Most products on our website have a set-up guide and installation video.
Is it possible to get the 40k Shocker Hitch for 3" ball with the 9" extension?
0 votes
QIs it possible to get the 40k Shocker Hitch for 3" ball with the 9" extension?
A
At this time we do not offer a 40k gooseneck with a 9" offset.
I have a 2024 maxD tdx trailer It has a 4” round straight pin coupler and requires a 3” ball Do you make the 40k shocker hitch for this Application?
0 votes
QI have a 2024 maxD tdx trailer It has a 4” round straight pin coupler and requires a 3” ball Do y......
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A
We currently do not offer a round stem with a 3" ball coupler.
The Diamond C coupler had several bolts that actually screw into the sleeve...will the Shocker Hitch work the same way and with the same fittings?
0 votes
QThe Diamond C coupler had several bolts that actually screw into the sleeve...will the Shocker Hi......
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A
Good afternoon Ray, Our 40K 3" gooseneck for Diamond C has a 4 1/2" square stem that bolts in to the upper set of bolts on the neck of the trailer. The lower set of bolts is what holds the existing/original Bulldog BX1 40K 3" coupler with a 4" square stem into the trailer. The Shocker hitch 40K for Diamond C is specifically built to match up to the larger tube/sleeve on the neck of trailer.
The 40K Gooseneck Shocker Hitch exceeds expectations! Highly recommend!
– Todd Moore
Rated 5 out of 5
I have had 2 trailers and both with Shocker Hitch. Just got my third trailer but it’s a 40k so I was bummed…never wanted s trailer without Shocker. Then…I just came across this exciting news and will be looking forward to the fall and adding my third Shocker Hitch. I’ve probably sold a dozen over the past year and everyone has loved them just as much. Too bad I don’t actually get the same or a commission! Lol I will also add, there is no place you will have a better customer service experience with!
– Ray Robinson
2 reviews for Shocker 40K Gooseneck Surge Air Hitch & Shift Lock Coupler for 3″ Ball
The 40K Gooseneck Shocker Hitch exceeds expectations! Highly recommend!
I have had 2 trailers and both with Shocker Hitch. Just got my third trailer but it’s a 40k so I was bummed…never wanted s trailer without Shocker. Then…I just came across this exciting news and will be looking forward to the fall and adding my third Shocker Hitch. I’ve probably sold a dozen over the past year and everyone has loved them just as much. Too bad I don’t actually get the same or a commission! Lol I will also add, there is no place you will have a better customer service experience with!