Fifth Wheel Hitch Experiencing Back and Forth Movement While Towing

Updated 05/14/2019 | Published 05/11/2019

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Question:

it seems like the pins are a little too small ,because i get a lot of back and forth movement i use half inch pins and the hitch is fairly new , the slop is definately in the pin s

asked by: Michael M

Expert Reply:

The 1/2" pin is pretty standard with fifth wheel setups because they have to fit through the rails in the bed. All of the fifth wheel pins we carry are 1/2" options. If you are just concerned about rattle I recommend to use Curt Fifth Wheel Sound Dampeners part # 16900. They install between the hitch and mounting rails to eliminate some of the rattle while you are driving. These will work with any industry standard fifth wheel rail in the bed.

You may be experiencing chucking or jarring between the king pin and fifth wheel hitch. Some chucking while towing is normal but a lot of back and forth movement could be caused by an improper connection between the king pin and fifth wheel jaw. You want to make sure the jaw is securely locked onto the king pin and there is not a lot of slack. If the jaws allow any play at all the king pin's rattling around in the hitch jaws will be transferred to the vehicle, which isn't very pleasant.

If you have checked the jaw and it seems to be operating properly, you may consider going with a fifth wheel that has a tighter jaw setup like Reese Single Jaw Fifth wheel part # RP30928 or Reese Slider part # RP30083 if you have a short bed. The single jaw design holds the king pin tighter compared to the dual jaw design.

expert reply by: Heather A