Should I Expect 5th Wheel Chucking With Mopar 5th Wheel Hitch in Ram Truck
Updated 08/11/2021 | Published 08/10/2021
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
Is it typical to have clanking noise during fifth wheel use. I have the ram fifth wheel hitch, which I do believe is the curt. It seems awful clanky when braking, turning, and acceleration.
asked by: Chaz S
Expert Reply:
To a certain extent, this is completely normal and should be expected since the trailer and the vehicle are not one piece; the connection between the two isn't perfect, so it's inevitable that there's some slop between them. You could look at getting a new 5th wheel hitch that has a single piece locking jaw, which would be an upgrade to your Ram/Curt hitch that likely has a 2 piece jaw that doesn't make complete 360 degree contact with the kingpin.
If you wanted to go that route you would need to provide the year, model and bed length of your Ram truck, but something like the Reese M5 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch for Ram Towing Prep Package - Single Jaw - 20,000 lbs # RP30918 would be a great solution that fits some of the Ram OEM puck systems (depending on the year of your truck). The M5 has a single piece jaw that would provide 360 degree kingpin contact to limit a lot of the chucking that you're experiencing now.
The other option would be the go with a cushioned pinbox like a Trailair Flex Air 5th Wheel Pin Box # LC328492, which is designed to replace Lippert 1621 model pin boxes and has an air spring that helps provide added cushion in the hitch to pinbox connection that can also help reduce chucking. Your pin box number can typically be found on the spec sticker on the arm of the pin box, above the kingpin; you'll need a replacement that matches the same model number on your pinbox.
There is nothing wrong with using the standard pin boxes and 5th wheel hitches, but to help provide a much more smooth towing experience you may want to look into one of these options. If you can provide the pin box number or the information about the truck I can help you locate the appropriate replacement options for each of these.
Continue Researching
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Q&A: Hitch Recommendations for a 2014 Ram 3500 with Hitch Prep
- Q&A: Fifth Wheel Hitch Recommendation for a 2014 Ram 3500 Long Bed with Hitch Prep Package
- Q&A: Shipping Weights of B&W and Reese 5th Wheel Hitches
- Q&A: Will the Reese 18K Signature Series 5th Wheel Hitch Work On a 2020 Ram 3500
- Q&A: Can a B&W Companion 5th Wheel Hitch from a Chevy Silverado Fit a 2018 Ram 3500 Long Bed
- Q&A: 5th Wheel Hitch For 2020 Ram 2500 Short Bed With Puck System & Side Ram Boxes
- Q&A: Best Value 5th Wheel Hitch For 2022 Ram 2500 With OEM Puck System
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Shop: B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch for Ram Towing Prep Package - Dual Jaw - 25,000 lbs
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Video: Firestone Ride-Rite Air Bags with Easy Mount Compressor Feature Breakdown
- Shop: Power Mountain Tallboy Off-Road Bottle Jack - 8-1/2" to 37-3/4" Lift - 6 Tons
- Search Results: trailer tires and wheels
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Video: B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch Manufacturer Breakdown
- Article: 4 Steps to Choosing Your 5th Wheel Pin Box
- Search Results: fifth wheel hitch
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Shop: B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch for Chevy/GMC Towing Prep Package - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs
- Video: In-Depth Look at the B&W 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Pin Box
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Article: 5 Things to Know About Weight Distribution Hitches
- Shop: Gooseneck Hitch
- Shop: etrailer Anti-Rattle Hitch Collar for 2" Hitch Receivers
- Search Results: trailer jack
on 5th Wheel Hitch
