Set up your Gooseneck Surge® Air Hitch

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.

Download Installation Guide

Shocker Gooseneck Surge & Gooseneck Surge Air Hitch & Coupler Installation Guide

Shocker Gooseneck Surge Air Hitch Installation Videos

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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.

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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.

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Installation – Multi-Fit (Universal) Round Stem – See Video

Tools Required: 1-1/8″ Wrench | 3/4″ Wrench | 15/16″ Wrench | 5/8″ Wrench | Air Compressor

SKU: SH-RND-SL | SH-RND-DEM | SH-RND-SL-9 | SH-RND-DEM-9
Shocker 30K Gooseneck Air Hitch with Multi-Fit Round Stem & Shift Lock Coupler for 2-5/16″ Ball
Multi-Fit Stem replaces SKU: 4RND-ANG-SL | 4RND-STR-SL | 100RND-ANG-SL | 100RND-STR-SL

Step 1: Measuring and Removal

• 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.

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.

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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.

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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).

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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).

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How To Use Kingpin Coupler

To Connect:

• 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.

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Additional Info: Clearance For Air Spring Bag & Recessed Flat Bed Pickups | Diagrams

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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.

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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.

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Safety Chain Hook-Up

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Gooseneck Balls We Recommend

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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.

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Common Replacement Parts

Installation Issues? Contact us!

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.

More help: Installation guides · Support directory · Pre-tow checklist