Does Pin Box Capture Plate Need to be Removed Before Towing with a Standard 5th Wheel Hitch

Updated 06/26/2019 | Published 06/25/2019

Question:

There is a capture plate welded to the pin box of my 5th wheel. MUST the capture plate be removed before towing with a “regular” 5th wheel hitch? What happens if we try to tow with the welded capture plate in place?

asked by: Linda

Expert Reply:

That all depends on what 5th wheel hitch you are using and what the pin box is on your trailer. For example, the Reese 5th Airborne Sidewinder pin boxes use a wedge like part # 201100 to basically lock the king pin in place so that the rotating turret can do its job. It is possible to lockout the rotating turret so that you don't have to use the wedge or capture plate, but if you were to remove the wedge/capture plate and your pin box isn't locked out you will have 2 pivot points which makes for a very dangerous towing situation.

If you can let me know what 5th wheel hitch you have and what pin box is on your 5th wheel trailer I can see about giving you a more specific answer.

expert reply by: Jon G