Fifth Wheel Adjustment

You don’t have very much adjustment left. Turn the nut counterclockwise to take up the slack. Inch and eighth socket. Best done with a tool but can be faked turn adjust nut rehook check release repeat as needed

 

I just put a new plate on mine last week. Figured that by the time you bought a rebuild kit for $400 and time involved it wasn't worth it to rebuild my old one vs 30 minutes to swap the plate out.

 

I’m in the same situation. As stated, while eased up on trailer, loosen bolt,snug it up, not too tight. Need to be able to turn washer be hand. Not textbook, but it works. Don’t forget new bushings

 

How do I know my 5th wheel needs replacement? They had me do a tug test (no dropped trailer) on a level-1 DOT inspection. The officer said he was checking for some slack. I’m starting to think the test should have been done with the lading gear down.

 

I got a Fontaine with the Side adjustment (Wedge stop rod) They say its a "No Slack" But i have to adjust it every once in a while.
You want about a 1/8 to 1/4 of play between wedge and pin- to be adjusted correctly
On your Tug Test- What was the result?? I know if its more than 1./2 inch,It can be a failed test

 

It passed, but I don’t think the officer knew what he was doing. Hahaha.

 

Same here, When He asked me to ease up on it to check slack, My first thought was, Oh no!! Ive Never had to do that before, thought I was OOS. Luckily it didn’t move, probably a little dry, Lol. But it’s nowhere near 1/2” play, I keep just enough grease on it, meanwhile to protect Trailer pin and plate.Drive it easy, hardly notice it.Next time may not be so lucky.