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5th wheel troubles

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by philjo, Dec 11, 2012.

Page 1 of 2
  1. Dec 11, 2012 #1
    philjo

    philjo Light Load Member

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    Dec 22, 2008
    Indiana
    0
    I have a fontaine 5th wheel and the problem im having is its an absolute pain to unlock. Its been gradually getting worse and its to the point where i need someone to help pull the rod while i pull out. Once pulled it locks itself before i can even get to my next trailer. It works flawless unhooked while pulling rod but as soon as truck moves or its under a trailer its a nightmare. Any advice is as always appreciated!
     
    philjo, Dec 11, 2012
    philjo, Dec 11, 2012
    #1
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  3. Dec 11, 2012 #2
    WitchingHour

    WitchingHour Road Train Member

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    Apr 1, 2011
    Broomfield, CO
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    Are you sure you have all the pressure relieved off the jaws before you try unlocking it?
     
    WitchingHour, Dec 11, 2012
    WitchingHour, Dec 11, 2012
    #2
  4. Dec 11, 2012 #3
    bender

    bender Road Train Member

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    Jul 20, 2010
    Don't Kid Yourself
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    Those symptoms indicate the fifth wheel is in need of adjustment. Is the adjustment bolt on yours to the side (right rear) or to the front?
     
    bender, Dec 11, 2012
    bender, Dec 11, 2012
    #3
  5. Dec 11, 2012 #4
    philjo

    philjo Light Load Member

    138
    26
    Dec 22, 2008
    Indiana
    0
    Its on the side.
     
    philjo, Dec 11, 2012
    philjo, Dec 11, 2012
    #4
  7. Dec 11, 2012 #5
    Pablo-UA

    Pablo-UA Road Train Member

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    Oct 11, 2010
    Borispol, Ukraine
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    yep, it is akusting problem. Loosen ajusting bolt on side of fifth wheel. I had the same problem with Jost/
     
    Pablo-UA, Dec 11, 2012
    Pablo-UA, Dec 11, 2012
    #5
    philjo Thanks this.
  8. Dec 11, 2012 #6
    philjo

    philjo Light Load Member

    138
    26
    Dec 22, 2008
    Indiana
    0
    Does lefty loosy still apply to the bolt? I read somewhere that its the opposite
     
    philjo, Dec 11, 2012
    philjo, Dec 11, 2012
    #6
  9. Dec 11, 2012 #7
    bender

    bender Road Train Member

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    Jul 20, 2010
    Don't Kid Yourself
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    Yes, loosen (turn it left, counter clockwise). The bolt should move in and out slightly (approx 3/16") with hand pressure when 5th wheel is latched after it has been adjusted properly.
     
    bender, Dec 11, 2012
    bender, Dec 11, 2012
    #7
    philjo Thanks this.
  10. Dec 11, 2012 #8
    JohnP3

    JohnP3 Road Train Member

    1,594
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    Feb 21, 2010
    Rock Creek B.C. Canada
    0
    I adjust them to 5/8 inward when latched. It also could be the plate is damaged and bent in at the jaws. To fix that you need to take it off flip t over and strip it then grind the mushroomed plate flat on the inside. Good time to put a kit into it.
     
    JohnP3, Dec 11, 2012
    JohnP3, Dec 11, 2012
    #8
    philjo Thanks this.
  11. Dec 11, 2012 #9
    bender

    bender Road Train Member

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    Jul 20, 2010
    Don't Kid Yourself
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    bender, Dec 11, 2012
    bender, Dec 11, 2012
    #9
    philjo Thanks this.
  12. Dec 11, 2012 #10
    Gear head

    Gear head Medium Load Member

    532
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    Apr 1, 2012
    Belair,md
    0
    You also need to unhook and rehook to get adjustment to take effect.
     
    Gear head, Dec 11, 2012
    Gear head, Dec 11, 2012
    #10
    philjo Thanks this.
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