Troubleshooting 5th Wheel Hitch Pivoting During Take-off and Braking

Question:

Reese fifth wheel on factory 2016 f350 pivots during take off and breaking Ive heard the term blocking fifth wheel but not sure how or if it is possible with this setup.

asked by: Mark H

Expert Reply:

The Reese M5 # RP30922 5th Wheel Hitch has a 4-way pivoting head to make it easy to connect and disconnect your trailer on uneven ground. It is not unusual for a hitch head to allow that slight movement on take off and braking, but it should not cause an issue while towing your trailer.

Blocking or immobilizing the hitch head so it does not pivot is only possible with a select few hitches. Most hitches actually have this pivoting as an enhancing feature because it absorbs some of the jarring and chucking that would happen without that pivoting especially during take-off and braking, but also will allow connection and disconnecting on uneven ground.

Let me know if you have further questions.

expert reply by: Jason S