Troubleshooting Lippert Turning Point Pin Box Not Moving Before Connecting To 5TH Wheel Hitch

Question:

I have a 2019 5th wheel with a turning point hitch. It was serviced in the fall of 2022. In Feb 2023 we parked at our current site. Now the pin box seems frozen in place ... it will not when I push it by hand in one direction or another. One service rep I spoke to suggested hooking up and doing a few turns, however, I cant predict just how much stress torque the pin box and the hitch in the trucks bed can take. Is the best solution to lock the pin box into the fixed position rather than having something unexpected happen? The area where the pin box swivels is metal on metal with minimal space between the two plates. Consider using a graphite lube or WD20?

asked by: Robert M

Helpful Expert Reply:

I just have to say to start make sure the lockout bolts are not in place and there is nothing in those holes preventing the Lippert Turning Point from moving. If you do connect it to your 5th wheel hitch with the wedge to try and break it free from any surface rust be sure to only make small adjustments to turn and break it free. If it is light surface rust holding it in place it may be freed just by connecting to your truck since it will shock the pin box when you connect to the truck.

There is a chance if the pin box was not serviced properly the bearings could be frozen up inside the pin box. This would require disassembly of the pin box to check the bearings, races and nylon sleeve are not damaged.

expert reply by: Bud M