Shocker HD 20K Air Receiver Hitch (Build Your Own)

FAQ

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

How much air do I put in the Shocker Air Bumper Mount Receiver Hitch?
Hook up a trailer using a properly selected ball mount attachment and height adjustment in order to a level trailer when loaded. Next, inflate the air ride system. As air pressure increases, the unit will rotate lifting the hitch up. Add air pressure until the top of the hitch frame touches the (tailgate side) top bump cushion. Add enough air pressure to lightly compress top bump cushion or until top (tailgate side) bump cushion is compressed is approximately 1/8″.  If the weight of your trailer changes or there is a huge temperature, you may need to add or reduce air pressure. See our quick How To Set PSI in Shocker Bumper Hitch Video.

Will the Shocker Air Bumper Hitch work with Equalizer or Weight-Distribution?  If you are just use sway bars that hook to a mini ball, then yes, if you order the combo sway control ball mount attachment. If you have a equalizer or weight distribution hitch then it will not. However, check out our Air Equalizer for weight distribution hitches.  Note: If your pickup suspension can handle the weight of your trailer and doesn’t “squat” when you hook up your trailer to pickup, then you really don’t need a weight distribution hitch. A load leveling weight distribution hitch, distributes the weight between the pickup and trailer and is generally used if your pickup can’t handle the static trailer tongue weight load.

How long will it hold air? This is a sealed system that will hold air for weeks or months. If you haul the same trailer with the same load weight, it should be good for quite some time.

How long will the airbag last? Our airbags are an industrial bag and will last for years and years. They are similar to truck airbags but have been beefed up internally for our towing applications.

How strong is the center pivot bolt?  The main pivot bolt with grease zerk, or center pivot bolt, used on the shocker air bumper hitch, is a custom made 1 inch diameter 1045 medium carbon steel bolt. Strategically heat treated to prevent wear and includes a machined grease passage for easy lubrication and maintenance. It should be noted that the yield strength of the 1″ pivot bolt exceeds the two 5/8″ bolts used to hold the typical ball coupler or receiver hitch.

How do I know the Shocker Air receiver hitch will fit my truck?
We have made sure that the receiver air shocker will fit into most Ford, Chevy, GMC Dodge, Toyota, Nissan & Honda Pickups, Vans & SUV’s (SUV’s were the receiver is under the bumper). There are some clearance issues with the Chevy Envoy, Ford Explorer, some imports and service body vehicles where the body extends below the receiver tube or the receiver tube is inside the bumper.  The Shocker Air receiver hitch is available in a 2″, 2 1/2″ & 3″ shank.

How far below my pickup does the receiver air shocker hang? Five inches below bottom of receiver tube.

How often do I grease it? The grease does not just lube the pivot; it also keeps water and dirt out. You cannot over grease it, once every few months should do it.

Does the receiver air hitch work with sway bars?
Yes, it works with the friction style sway control bar, however you want to order a ball mount with sway bar tabs. See our sway bar tab ball mount attachments.

How does the Air hitch work? The Receiver air shocker is like a teeter totter. One end is an air bag, a pivot in the middle, and a ball at the other end. This gives a “pillow” effect at the ball end.

Should I tighten up the top jam nut on the receiver shocker? No. The air shocker needs at least one half inch of play to work properly.

How long do the bump cushions last? This depends on if the hitch is left on the truck year round or not. If they bump cushions become mushy, you should replace them. Typical life expectancy is 5-7 years.

How much does an Shocker Air bag receiver hitch weigh? The Receiver Air Shocker weighs 50-55 pounds