How to Fix RV Jerking Back and Forth When Towing with a 2013 Ford F-150 and Pro Series 16K Hitch

Updated 03/13/2018 | Published 03/11/2018

Question:

I just purchased a 2010 KZ245 fifth wheel. It is our first. I have a 2013 f-150 V-6 eco boost crewcut with a short bed. The truck pulls the coach fine with respect to power. My fifth wheel also has a sidewinder hitch. My fifth wheel hitch is a Pro 16K. My problem is that on a SMOOTH highway it is fine, however on a slight bump of change in pavement, i.e. bridge, etc. I get a jerking forward and backward on the truck. I am having a hard time figuring out what is causing this. On a smooth highway it is fine, on a transition etc it jerks forward and backward. I have read about leveling, air bags, different type of hitches on trailers, etc. and adjusting the electric brake controller. The former owner didnt have any problems with it. Do you have any suggestions on what I could try as this is a disappointment with the RV and I do not want to ruin my trucks transmission or anything else.

asked by: James J

Expert Reply:

The chucking and jarring that you are experiencing when towing your 5th wheel trailer with your 2013 Ford F-150 is due to the Pro Series 16K PS30093 5th wheel hitch that you are using.

This trailer hitch will get the job done, but since it is an entry level hitch with just a slide bar to secure your king pin, when you hit any kind of bumps you and feeling the king pin movement within the jaws of your 5th wheel hitch.

If you swap out your Pro Series 16K for the Reese 20K M5 # RP30928 you will see a vast improvement in your towing experience. This 5th wheel hitch has a single jaw that has complete 360 degree contact with the king pin so that it doesn't move around in the jaws of your hitch like it does with the Pro Series hitch. The Select Plus also features a 4-Way pivot head to help make hookup easier on uneven ground. You want to use the Custom Wedge # RP44FR with this hitch since you are using a Sidewinder pin box.

The Sidewinder pin box is one of the best out there. The upgrade to is would be the 5th Airborne Premium which is a Sidewinder that also uses an air bag for extra cushion. This will help to absorb the shock of the road that would be transferred from your trailer to your F-150. These are pin box specific so I would need to know your pin box number to give you a correct recommendation. For example, the pin box # RP61422 replaces the common 1621 and 0719 pin boxes.

I have attached some review videos for you to check out as well.

expert reply by: Jon G