Do I need a kingpin plate and pin?

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by reelheavy, Sep 24, 2021.

  1. reelheavy

    reelheavy Light Load Member

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    Hey All!

    I have a 2000 utility combo. Owned it for a year maybe have pulled it 50 times. I was up under it the other day and noticed the kingpin plate looked worn. First trailer I’ve ever owned so I have never replaced a kingpin plate. Called and got some estimates best I could find here in MD was $2500 1250 for parts 1250 for labor. And he would change out the cross member and all that good stuff.
    But before I bite the bullet I wanted some other opinions which is why I am here. I took a few pictures. What do you all think? All help and suggestions welcomed! Thanks!
    Sorry for the picture quality the sun was bright.

    I mostly do power only work for a grocery chain near my home and only hook up to my flatbed when they don’t have anything or I find a good skateboard load.
     

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  3. Goodysnap

    Goodysnap Road Train Member

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    Looks worn? Thats a big job for a 20 year old trailer. These jobs always take longer than expected. I thought your quote was on the low side.

    I would measure the pin to be in specs. Cant see the pin bacause of your lock. If its good I say run it. Biggest worry is any structural cracks or welds. A good cleaning may show the true wear on the plate, Id be surprised if its major. Only if someone run a dry plate often.
     
  4. lester

    lester Midwest's #1 Feed Hauler

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    Why do you think it needs replaced? Can't see anything obvious in pictures
     
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  5. reelheavy

    reelheavy Light Load Member

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    the pin is good shape. The plate is worn in one spot. The guy who is doing the work for me suggested to go with 3/8” king pin and plate. And utility said that is what they put on trailers now and that is the replacement for the 1/4” pin. He replaced 2 pins and plates on my buddies flatbeds and changed all the cross members I can say his work is very good just trying to decide whether to put the money into the trailer due to its age. Everything on the backend is fairly new, brakes, drums, s cams, air bags, shocks, bushings, etc.
     
  6. reelheavy

    reelheavy Light Load Member

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    It has a worn spot on the plate. It was hard to get a picture to show it. Or maybe I’m just being dramatic and want to spend some money just getting opinions because this is the first trailer I have ever owned. Pin is good it pulls straight.
     
  7. reelheavy

    reelheavy Light Load Member

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    Is this hole in the plate major or minor? 1C2246AD-202E-4393-A1D2-E1EB9FC22C74.jpeg
     
  8. skallagrime

    skallagrime Road Train Member

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    Price is right and fair, if it needs done,
    Reelheavy has pointed at the biggest worry i see
     
  9. lester

    lester Midwest's #1 Feed Hauler

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    Oh yeah I'd say that's a problem
     
  10. Goodysnap

    Goodysnap Road Train Member

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    Looks like its probably rusted thru fom the inside. Water pools on top of the plate.

    Look the rest of the trialer frame and crossmembembers over for thin spots before you pull the trigger. Make sure all the new steel gets coated good.
     
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  11. BigBob410

    BigBob410 Road Train Member

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    @Tug Toy you want to pass on your experience with this??
     
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