How to Fix Excess Chucking While Towing Your 5th Wheel

Updated 07/23/2026 | Published 01/11/2026

Question:

Hello, my 5th wheel has a rotoflex pinbox rated at 14-18k. The rv has a gvwr of 10k. Im getting a lot of chucking! Can the 2 bolts on the side of the plate be adjusted? Or should I put a different one on? Thank you, Clayton

asked by: Clayton

Expert Reply:

Hey Clayton, thanks for reaching out!

The bolts on the side of the pin box should not be loosened. I know the arrows are a little confusing and seem to indicate adjusting will somehow control the chucking, but that is not the case. They are just a graphic to highlight that the head will pivot to help control chucking while towing.

That being said, if you're getting a lot of chucking, then the fifth wheel hitch is almost always the problem--not the pin box. The chucking can be solved by upgrading to a 5th wheel hitch that makes better contact with the king pin.

Which 5th wheel hitch do you have? And what's the year/make/model of your truck? I can give you some options once I get that info from you.

expert reply by: Josh B

Clayton

1/12/2026

I have a 23 f150 and the hitch is rotoflex 14-18k. Someone told me to look at morryde pinbox up to 11,500k?? We have balanced the rv out the best i can?

Clayton

1/12/2026

It's a husky 16k

Josh B.

1/13/2026

@Clayton thanks for the info! If you have an 8' bed, then I recommend the B&W Patriot 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch # BW82CR. It was made for lighter 5th wheels and it'll solve the chucking with its dual jaw connection. For a 6-1/2' bed, check out the Curt A16 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch # C53VJ. It's also equipped with a dual jaw system to reduce chucking and has a cushioned head to absorb shock giving you a smoother ride. For a 5-1/2' bed, you need a fixed hitch like Curt A16 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch # C76VJ with the Reese Sidewinder 5th Wheel King Pin # RP34FR. The Sidewinder gives you more turn clearance for the short bed trucks.

Jerry

1/13/2026

The roto-flex pin box worked as expected it doesn't take all the chucking out but it reduces a significant amount over a rigid pin box. You can watch it flex as you travel down the road so you know it is taking bumps and shocks out of your ride. Definitely a huge improvement. Thumbs Up

Josh B.

1/14/2026

@Jerry that's great insight! It will be super helpful for neighbors deciding which pin box to install on their own trailers. What trailer do you have?

Dennis

7/23/2026

I have the Bw 18000 hitch and Montana 3100RL 5th wheel. With Ford F350 long bed Have checked tire pressure and air bag pressure still experiencing chucking

Heather A.

7/23/2026

@Dennis How much air are you running in the air bags when you're towing? Too much air can actually make the ride harsher by taking some of the load off the truck's suspension instead of just bringing it back to a level ride.