3-year-Old Jayco HT Eagle 5th Wheel Trailer has Started Chucking

Updated 06/06/2018 | Published 06/04/2018

Question:

Weve had the Jayco 3 years and have had a smooth ride, Now recently we are having chucking problems. What could have changed to cause this to happen? We have a MOR/ryde pin box and a Demco High-Jacker hitch. Tow vehicle a F-250 with a 6.5foot bed.

asked by: Garnet J

Expert Reply:

It sounds like you will need to check the hitch and the trailer pin box to see if anything has come loose, is damaged, or broken. It could be that the capture plates on the side of the HiJacker need to be adjusted and also make sure that the jaws will fully close around the trailer king pin. If not then follow the manual for the hitch for maintenance and lubrication.

The dampening material on the pin box could be wearing down as well. I do not know if that can be replaced on those pin boxes though. Also check to make sure all the hardware on the pin box is tight.

If you have towed the trailer a lot then it also could just be that various components are wearing as normal specifically the slide mechanism on the hitch. If it is not maintained according to the manual then it may not be returning to center on its own and that could be the source of the movement leading to the chucking.

Another possibility is that the brakes on the trailer are not applying as much force as they used to. If you have not adjusted the brakes in that 3 year period then that could be the issue. The brakes may even be worn down enough to require replacement of the shoes (which would also lead to less braking).

Similarly, worn suspension parts could allow for excess movement. For this I recommend having the dealer inspect the trailer to see if they notice anything worn down on the suspension.

expert reply by: Michael H