Reitnouer king pin plate replacement question

I've found a '98 Reitnouer Big Bubba that I'm thinking of buying. Trailer is in great shape other than a few cosmetic blemishes. I was looking under it and the king pin plate is a little wavy at the back. What kind of money am I looking at to have it replaced? Can I replace it myself and if so what am I looking at price wise just for the replacement parts? I was expecting it to be bolted on but I didn't see any bolts although I didn't spend alot of time looking. Any info would be appreciated.

 

I assume it is steel frame trailer. If so, they are usually welded in. Needs to be cut out and have a new one welded in. Not sure on the price of parts. My 2001 ravens aluminum frame trailer needs a new plate as well, but it is bolted in place.

 

Its a all aluminum trailer. I'm gonna go back and look it over again this weekend. I was under the impression that most everything on the reitnouer was bolted on so I was surprised to not see any bolts. I'm gonna check again just to make sure I didn't overlook them.

 

I've never seen a steel reitnuer so the plate should be bolted on. They usually use stainless steel fasteners so that should help a little. I wouldn't be afraid to do it in the driveway but I wouldn't do it without torches and a hydraulic jack/porta power. Air would definitely be nice and some saw horses would help a lot. I'd set aside most of a day if you're doing it yourself and a helper. A friend did his on a East trailer and had a nightmare of a time getting the old bolts out of the frame flange. I would definitely get some advice from someone who has done one on a reitneur as there is always little tricks you learn after actually doing one. Good luck.

 

Thanks for the info. I gotta look at it again just to see if I overlooked the bolts. I was expecting to see the plate wrapping around the frame rails and bolting on from the sides. I do know this plate was in between the rails and the bottom of the frame rails bottom side was visible. I'm kinda thinking now that it may have been replaced and maybe not with the original style plate?

 

I haven't looked at the bubbbas up close-but the maximiser is no bolt. All welded up to something above it n touchin the frame flanges on the sides. No experience replacing reitnour specifically. Usually a pain in the D job on others I've assisted on.

 

What would cause a wavy 5th wheel plate?

 

Call this number 800-862-2855 and ask for brad or daron. They r a authorized reitnouer repair shop in Gary. They replace them all the time, last time I was there they had a big stack of fifth wheel plate boxes instock. They can give you a price.

 

This describes what I saw on this trailer.

 

Good question.