Experiencing Chucking Using a Reese M5 Series 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch

Question:

My hitch is tight to the four mounts in the bed but seems sloppy on start and stop. I get a clunking on stop and takeoff. Is this normal or is there an adjustment I am missing or is it normal king pin slop?

asked by: Bob C

Expert Reply:

With an M5 series 5th wheel hitch like # RP30922, most of the slop should be eliminated though you may get some chucking from another area between the trailer and the hitch. It is also possible that the king pin is not properly seated in the hitch and could be high hitched. See the hitch instructions for the recommended hitching procedure.

You can also check your king pin for excessive wear. If it is worn down even a little, that can cause the problem and you should have the king pin replaced.

If everything checks out and you are hitched up properly, you can reduce the amount of chucking by installing a 5th Airborne coupler which replaces the factory coupler. To determine if there is a 5th Airborne that will fit you will need the pin box make and model number. I have included a link to our pin box main page and a link to an FAQ article on 5th Airborne couplers.

expert reply by: Michael H