fifth wheel recommendation

They make just a top plate to replace. But not if you want the no tilt convertible like I got

 

Stupid question. Why no tilt? What is the benefit to that.

 

To pin the fifth wheel so you can pull a frameless dump trailer. The upper fifth wheel on a frameless dump pivots so you can’t have your fifth wheel on the truck pivot as it does pulling any other types of trailers.

 

What do you have to do to adjust the Fontaine? Mine has had slop in it since i first got the truck, just thought it was normal, but reading all of this i think it needs adjustment or replaced.

 

There should be a long bolt sticking out on the front or side. You will turn it counter clockwise to tighten the jaws.

I am not familiar with a fontaine, I have a Jost. Check you tube there are lot of videos on adjusting fifth wheels.

 

I've never adjusted it myself. Always had my mechanic do it. But on the Fontaine there seems to be some kind of plastic or polyurethane bushing or shim that wears out and thats where the slack comes from.

Hurst

 

Go Fontaine's website they have literature and videos that will teach you

Fontaine Fifth Wheel -- Heavy Duty and Weight Savings No-Slack Fifth Wheels

 

I just looked at the link. Unless thats something totally brand new,.. I had the 5th wheel replaced on my Columbia back in 2016. And it wasnt on 3 months and it started to develop slack. Everytime the truck comes in for service I have to have the 5th wheel adjusted.

And on the front plate stamped to the 5th wheel,.. in big letters. "Made in CHINA".

I'll never buy another Fontaine 5th wheel ever again.

Hurst

 

Bought a brand new 03 KW and never did get the slop out of it for 15 years I just lived with it.
I would like to try one of those light weight 5th wheels. I would like to be able to scale 51