Fifth Wheel Hitch Experiencing Back and Forth Movement While Towing
Question:
it seems like the pins are a little too small ,because i get a lot of back and forth movement i use half inch pins and the hitch is fairly new , the slop is definately in the pin s
asked by: Michael M
Expert Reply:
The 1/2" pin is pretty standard with fifth wheel setups because they have to fit through the rails in the bed. All of the fifth wheel pins we carry are 1/2" options. If you are just concerned about rattle I recommend to use Curt Fifth Wheel Sound Dampeners part # 16900. They install between the hitch and mounting rails to eliminate some of the rattle while you are driving. These will work with any industry standard fifth wheel rail in the bed.
You may be experiencing chucking or jarring between the king pin and fifth wheel hitch. Some chucking while towing is normal but a lot of back and forth movement could be caused by an improper connection between the king pin and fifth wheel jaw. You want to make sure the jaw is securely locked onto the king pin and there is not a lot of slack. If the jaws allow any play at all the king pin's rattling around in the hitch jaws will be transferred to the vehicle, which isn't very pleasant.
If you have checked the jaw and it seems to be operating properly, you may consider going with a fifth wheel that has a tighter jaw setup like Reese Single Jaw Fifth wheel part # RP30928 or Reese Slider part # RP30083 if you have a short bed. The single jaw design holds the king pin tighter compared to the dual jaw design.
Products Referenced in This Question
Fifth Wheel Rail Sound Dampeners
- Accessories and Parts
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Sound Dampeners
- CURT
more information >
Reese M5 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Single Jaw - 20,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Fixed Fifth Wheel
- Above Bed Rails
- 20000 lbs GTW
- Premium - Single-Hook Jaw
- 14 - 18 Inch Tall
- Reese
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Fifth Wheel Hitch Replacement Pins and Clips (Qty 4)
- Accessories and Parts
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Pins and Clips
- Reese
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Shop: Demco Lunette Ring - Adjustable Channel Mount - 3" Diameter - Black - 25,000 lbs
- Shop: Demco 4-Hole Adjustable Channel Bracket - Weld On - 8" Tall - 20,000 lbs
- Shop: Buyers Products 5-Position Adjustable Lunette Ring with 3" Heavy-Duty Channel - 10 Ton
- Shop: Demco Lunette Ring with 5-Position Adjustable Channel - 3" Diameter - Black - 25,000 lbs
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Search Results: demco pintle
- Search Results: demco
- Search Results: hitch plate
- Shop: B&W Patriot 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Dual Jaw - 16,000 lbs
- Shop: Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Dual Jaw - 16,000 lbs
- Shop: Reese M5 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Single Jaw - 20,000 lbs
- Video: Reese M5 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch Installation - 2021 Ford F-450 Super Duty
- Q&A: How To Use the Curt E16 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch Part # C16115 with Ford Factory Pucks
- Q&A: Comparing Jaw Types on Fifth-Wheel Trailer Hitches
- Q&A: Pros and Cons of 5th Wheel Hitch With a Slide Bar Jaw Versus a Dual Jaw Hitch
- Search Results: pintle mounting plate
- Search Results: glad hands
- Search Results: brake controller
- Search Results: pintle loop
- Video: Review of Empire Faucets RV Showers and Tubs - Indoor Shower - EM94JR
- Shop: Truck Bed Tailgate Assist
- Shop: Tailgate
- Shop: RV Mattress
- Video: Furrion RV Camera FRCBRKT-BL Review
- Video: Stromberg Carlson 100 Series 5th Wheel Tailgate Review
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Video: Stromberg Carlson Tailgate Installation - 2008 Dodge Ram
- Video: Review of Steele Rubber RV Window Parts - Enclosed Trailer Rubber Window Weatherstrip - SR73FR
- Q&A: How to Reduce Play in Mounting Tabs on Demco 5th Wheel Rail Adapter DM6099