How to Remove the Ranch Hitch Adapter From a 5th Wheel Trailer King Pin

Question:

We are trying to remove a 3100 5th wheel to goose neck attchment. Can you tell me how to remove the upper plate? Looks like it screws on and off.

asked by: Johnl L

Expert Reply:

You are correct, the Ranch Hitch, # 3100, adapter base does thread onto a collar system, see drawing, comprised of a collar and 2 wedges that fit around and into the recessed portion of the trailers king pin.

When the adapter is tightened onto the collars system on the king pin the connection is very solid and hard to break.

Once the bolts are removed from the trailer pin box, you will need the Spanner Wrench for Ranch Hitch Coupler Adapters, # AM3104, and a 4 foot cheater pipe, along with two full grown men to release the the adapter from the threaded collar. Initial tightening is done at 1200 foot pounds of torque, or as much torque as two men can generate.

Once the adapter is un-threaded, you may need to use a large socket, or other sturdy round item larger than the diameter of the king pin, and a hammer to unseat the threaded collar from the 2 half round wedges.

expert reply by: Robert G