Adjusting Lippert Components Rota-Flex 5th Wheel Pin Box

Updated 04/22/2020 | Published 11/05/2013

Question:

I have a 2006 F350 Ford with a Reese 20lb hitch. We have a 2013 AlpineKeystone3450RL. How does the front part of the rotating plate work. It seems like their is no rotation when I hook up. Do the bolts1 on each side of pin box that hold/Rotate the pin plate need to be loose for the rotation to work? No one explained how this pin box works. Thank You

asked by: Herman E

Helpful Expert Reply:

In order to resist the chucking (fore and aft jarring movement) experienced, the swiveling skid plate is pretty stiff by design. The relatively gentle jarring experienced during hitching will not move the plate much at all but any chucking experienced during travel will be dampened by the pin box.

The bolts that hold the skid or pin plate to the pin box are properly torqued during the assembly process, and for safety reasons should not be loosened. Once the pin box is installed and the bolts properly torqued, the pin box will require no further adjustment.

I believe you will find that once the fifth wheel is hitched and out on the road, your ride quality will show a noticeable improvement. I've linked to a product demonstration video for the Rota-Flex pin box.

expert reply by: Mike L

Kevin S.

4/20/2020

When installing the new trailair rota-flex how many pounds of torq is applied?

Chris R.

4/22/2020

The Rota-Flex install manual lists the following torque specs depending on the hardware used: 1/2”-13 bolts torque down to 65 foot pounds (Grade 5) or 80 foot pounds (Grade 8), 5/8”-11 bolts torque to 135 foot pounds (Grade 5) or 170 foot pounds (Grade 8), 3/4”-10 bolts torque to 220 foot pounds (Grade 5) or 280 foot pounds (Grade 8).