Fifth Wheel Adjustment

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by Geoffwhite18, Apr 9, 2009.

  1. Geoffwhite18

    Geoffwhite18 Bobtail Member

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    Apr 5, 2009
    Stanley, ND
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    I've asked about 20 different truckers, and searched and searched on the net and this website to figure out how to adjust my fifth wheel. I have heard different stories on how to adjust it. Some say to tighten the nut in, some say to let the nut out. Why dosn't anyone know how to do this? I'm hoping someone on here can help me. I can't afford to take my truck to the shop everytime I need the fifth wheel adjusted. thanks!
     
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  3. 25(2)+2

    25(2)+2 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    the road less travelled
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    Lots of fifth wheels don't have the nut, the Holland with the bolt sticking out the front is the one I think you are talking about, turn it counterclockwise to tighten the jaws, 1/8 turn at a time, don't go too far. That would seem as if you are loosening it but it tightens it up.
     
    Last edited: Apr 9, 2009
    Dino soar, Rideandrepair and Oxbow Thank this.
  4. MedicineMan

    MedicineMan Road Train Member

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    Woodville, TX
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    it's not something that gets done often, if ever. that's why you can't get a straight answer.

    I will tell you 95% of the time when a driver complains of loose fifthwheel jaws causing a slaping when you take off or stop, it's usually a worn out slider not the jaws
     
  5. Crotts Trucking

    Crotts Trucking Medium Load Member

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    Duncan, AZ
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    Or worn out kingpin
     
  6. firecaptain1204

    firecaptain1204 Light Load Member

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    Feb 13, 2007
    New Albany,IN
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    I think if you are here asking how to do that,,,maybe just maybe you should NOT do it yourself. I drive a 2007 INT with 256,000 on it and still no adjustment needed... maybe you have something else going on,,worn king pin,slider rail, or lock...
     
  7. 2hellandback

    2hellandback Heavy Load Member

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    Blackfoot Idaho
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    Or like he said hes trying to learn ,,, nothing wrong with learning,,, every one of us is still in this process.
     
  8. firecaptain1204

    firecaptain1204 Light Load Member

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    Feb 13, 2007
    New Albany,IN
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    Sorry, I must not understand the statement, and you are so right, there is nothing wrong with learning. I never said there was....
     
  9. Roadhound

    Roadhound Light Load Member

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    Tennessee
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    I have built several brands of fifth wheels, and usually, when they start getting slack in them, the adjustment available is a temporary fix. The jaws and locking mechanism are made of a softer metal so you don't wear out the king pin, and that is where your slack comes from. I would just plan on rebuilding the fifth wheel. The kits run around $200. Also, if it has had slack for a while, check the upper portion of the fifth wheel throat and see if there is a lip around the throat, where the king pin would slam against the fifth wheel. If there is and it is significant, you may end up replacing the entire top plate.
     
    Davidlee Thanks this.
  10. Geoffwhite18

    Geoffwhite18 Bobtail Member

    6
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    Apr 5, 2009
    Stanley, ND
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    Ok. thanks guys. I understand most of the time the fifth wheel dosn't need adjusting, but I bought this truck from an owner operator and he has the nut turned cloclwise all the way down. I know it needs to be rebuilt and I will take it somewhere to get that done, I just wanted to know how to keep things in line! Thanks guys. Oh yeah this fifth wheel has 985761 miles on it! LOL!
     
  11. Geoffwhite18

    Geoffwhite18 Bobtail Member

    6
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    Apr 5, 2009
    Stanley, ND
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    Ok. I just climbed around that greezy thing and decided that there really is no way to adjust them. Sure you can move the nut, but all that does is changes the angle on the cam that is attached to the lever you pull to release it. Once you have slack in the fifth wheel it's done. I guess I'm going to get a kit and rebuild it myself. I'm not dumb when it comes to fixing things so I know it will be fine!
     
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