5th wheel replacement question Holland FW35

Hi,
I need to get my 5th wheel replaced and I see quite a few on Facebook that are selling used for below half the price of new and look in great condition too.

My question is is it possible to replace just the top plate or it has to be installed with the plate a Used 5th wheel comes with?

I like 1 5th wheel on FB that is stationery and comes with the railing. and I currently have Sliding rail on my truck, so I was wondering if I can just take the top plate off and keep the sliding option.

Appreciate any help.

Truck photo for Example but isnt mine.

 

First, I would advise to almost never buy a used 5th wheel. If you did, you would wanna check for level. And rebuild before use. They have rebuild kits. And yes you normally replace top plate, not slider. It's 2 separate units.

Sounds like some mechanic is about to get rich, what is your actual problem?

 

You can have a 5th wheel rebuilt. It replaces the spring, latch, and any other item that wears. It is just as easy to just get a new one, there is a bolt on each side that holds in a pin that the 5th wheel pivots on. Take out the bolt, remove the pin and the plate simply lifts off. Jost is a brand that is popular.

 

Thanks for advice.
My 5th wheel got some play and my mechanic advised to get it replaced in next couple months.
He said we aren't supposed to rebuild anymore so get a new one and only get Holland FW35. I saw they aren't cheap. Over 2500 in canada.
Thats why i am looking at used.

 

Well think I paid 800 bucks 10 years ago. No idea on Canada pricing. But rebuild kits should be around 500.00. I do not know Canada regs. But mechanic sounds lazy. There is nothing wrong with a competent mechanic rebuilding a serviceable fithwheel.

I would check dealers, parts houses. Not just internet pricing. You might get a surprise.

 

Never heard we can't rebuild a 5th wheel but I haven't kept up on the regulations the last couple years either so who knows?

 

Lot of insurance companies won't cover if you rebuild a fifth wheel. None that my agent wrote policies for would. I'm talking general liability.

That may be the reason he suggested new.

To be honest, with the lack of competence in the mechanic industry, most are probably better off to R&R.

4-600$ for a rebuild kit, couple hours labor at 150$ an hour... You might as well have bought a top plate and swapped in 30 minutes

 

Never had this conversation with a agent about this and no idea how GL coverage would apply here.

 

As in the GL policy covering the mechanics shop in case of an issue caused by their rebuilding of the 5th wheel.

Say trailer comes detatched and causes an accident, and it's the fault of the shop that rebuilt it.

My GL policy would not cover that.

If i put a new 5th wheel on and the same happened, they would.

 

@Noobtr Has anybody adjusted your fifth wheel? You say it has play. There is an adjuster to remove jaw slack, up to a point.