Is it Normal for Demco Hijacker 5th Wheel Head to Be Difficult to Pivot
Question:
Capture plate with Trailair Rota Flex king pin with Demco 18K above bed hitch The hitch will not rotate by hand at all making it difficult to get proper alignment for hitching, Is that normal? Its sometimes extremely difficult to align perfectly for smooth hitching.
asked by: Ken B
Expert Reply:
The head assembly on the 18K Demco Hijacker Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider # DM8550034, pivots at the saddle assembly (base), so the capture plates # DM6171 (for Trailair Rota-Flex Pin Boxes) have no effect on its operation. The head is designed to pivot front to back as well as side to side to limit unnecessary chucking in order to create a more comfortable ride as well as to make hitching up easier on up to a 15 degree angle.
That being said, if you recently purchased the hitch, it is perfectly normal and expected for it to be stiffer, making it more difficult to pivot the head by hand. As with any new piece of equipment with moving parts, a period of "wearing in" may be necessary to make it easier for you to pivot the head manually and achieve an overall smoother operation of the 5th wheel hitch.
Every single Hijacker is tested and pre-greased at the factory but as time goes on, keeping all moving parts properly lubricated will ensure it continues to operate smoothly throughout the years and increase its longevity.
At around the 4:50 mark in the attached video, you can get an idea of what to expect for normal operation of the head assembly double pivot feature, after its initial break in process. Keep in mind that what may be considered difficult or easy for one person, may not be the case for another.
Products Referenced in This Question
Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Single Jaw - Above Bed - 18,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Sliding Fifth Wheel
- Above Bed Rails
- 4500 lbs Vertical Load
- 18000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Premium - Single-Hook Jaw
- 16-1/2 - 19-1/4 Inch Tall
- 14 Inch Fore/Aft Travel
- Demco
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Product Page this Question was Asked From
Demco Autoslide Capture Plates for Trailair Rota-Flex Pin Boxes
- Accessories and Parts
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Plates
- Capture Plates
- Demco
more information >
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