Correct Pin Weight to Reduce Chucking on a 5th Wheel Trailer Pulled by a 2003 GMC Sierra 2500
Updated 06/16/2010 | Published 06/13/2010
Question:
I have a 24 5th wheel prowler. I just bought it. On rough bridges on the interstate, the trailer bounces back and forth like a see-saw. some time is lifts the king pin off the 5th wheel. I am pulling it with a 2003 2500 GMC. The king pin is 4 inches in front of the axle. What will stop the bouncing
asked by: Reitzel M
Expert Reply:
If the pin weight (the weight pushing down on the 5th wheel hitch) is too high or too low, more than 20 percent of the gross trailer weight or less than 15 percent, it could cause the see-sawing problem you are having. The pin weight should be 15 to 20 percent of the gross trailer weight, loaded and ready to tow. You can reduce the pin weight by moving items within the trailer further back away from the front of the trailer or increase it by moving items forward. I have included an FAQ article on 5th wheel trailers and installation tips below.
You could also install a 5th Airborne which will reduce longitudinal shock or chucking by almost 60 percent and vertical shock by 44 percent. If you know the make and model number of your pinbox, I will be able to find if there is a 5th Airborne replacement that will fit your Prowler 5th Wheel trailer. I have included a link to a 5th Airborne FAQ article.
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Article: Fifth Wheel Trailer Hitch Information and Installation Tips
- Shop: Firestone Ride-Rite Red Label Extreme Duty Air Helper Springs - Rear Axle
- Video: Curt A20 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch Installation - 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
- Video: All You Need to Know About the Firestone Ride-Rite Red Label Extreme Duty Air Helper Springs
- Shop: RV Camera
- Q&A: Highest Capacity Air Bags for a 2024 GMC Sierra 3500
- Video: Firestone Ride-Rite Red Label Air Helper Springs Installation - 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
- Video: Comprehensive Review: Lube Plate for Elite Series and Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches
- Shop: B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch w/ Slider for Chevy/GMC Towing Prep Package - Dual Jaw - 20K
- Q&A: How to Determine the Pin Weight of a 5th Wheel Trailer
- Q&A: How to Choose Correct 5th Wheel Hitch to Clear Bed Sides of 2020 Chevy Silverado 3500
- Search Results: 5th wheel hitch
- Shop: Curt 5th Wheel/Gooseneck Custom Wiring Harness w/ 7-Pole Connector and Cover Plate - 7' Long
- Shop: Curt 5th Wheel/Gooseneck Custom Wiring Harness w/ 4-Way and 7-Pole Connector - 7' Long
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Q&A: 5th Wheel Hitch for 2024 GMC 3500 AT4 Crew Cab Standard Bed 6’9”
- Q&A: Will Air Lift Air Bags Work with B&W 5th Wheel Hitch Frame Brackets on a 2020 Chevy Silverado 2500
- Q&A: Recommended Air Bags for a 2024 Chevy Silverado 2500
- Q&A: Recommended Air Bag Suspension for a 2023 Chevy Silverado 3500
- Shop: Air Lift LoadLifter 7500 XL Ultimate Air Helper Springs - Rear Axle
- Video: PullRite Manufacturer Highlight - SuperGlide 5th Wheel Hitches
- Video: Review of Pullrite 5th Wheel Hitch - Sliding Fifth Wheel - PUL83RR
- Shop: Curt Flex Air 5th Wheel Pin Box - Lippert 1621 - 18,000 lbs
- Shop: Voyager WiSight 2.0 Wireless RV Backup Camera System w/ Night Vision - Rear Mount - 7" Screen
- Search Results: curt a20
- Search Results: 331723
- Search Results: demco locking plate
