sliding fifth wheel first time ever...help plz

Hate to see how he settles a domestic dispute with the missus.....

I remember watching an episode of IRT and Mr. Redmon was trying to beat a seat-belt into submission and it just made me shake my head and wonder what kind of public perception are we gonna have when that's all said and done.

I'm thinkin' that the phrase "put the hammer down" was invented WAY before we ever started going fast.

 

Until you beat it to the point the ends mushroom out then it will NEVER release!

 

I remember fighting many of those.......Not fun!

 

Slide it about once a month when your empty, takes about half a cigarette time wise including putting it back where it was. Throw some dish soap in the grooves at the same time if you want it to be real easy and your up to maybe a cigarette and a half time wise and you will be amazed how simple it is next time it actually needs to be moved.
And to the manual slides what a PITA I've used them on Jeeps where you had to hook up the unit and then slide them because legs had to be removed after hook up... there's some colorful words with a couple million dollars equipment couple hundred thousand pounds and well trying to move it one hole to march permits

 

LOL!

When you start quoting times in cigarettes, it may be a good idea to reconsider backin' off the tabacky. Just a little.

How does a non-smoker figure it out?

 

Beer, but doesn't work well driving for work now a days. Its the time it saves, not the time it takes in reality. And yeah maybe on the smokes, yet they save others life's everyday

 

I know it should be obvious, but in case a new driver is reading this thread trying to teach him or her self how to slide a fifth wheel let me point out that you MUST be straight in line with your trailer before you attempt to slide it! There are dogs, ears, prongs whatever you want to call them on both sides, you need to slide straight so you don't get it c ock-eyed. Then check BOTH sides when you're finished and make sure you are in the right slots.

I've seen guys post up here about putting lube on your fifth wheel slider. Yes, they even sell it in the TS. I personally have never used it, but a know of a driver who did. It collects dirt and gunk and effectively makes sliding much worse was his opinion. I have always used cheap liquid dish soap. I use plenty of it when I'm going to drop my empty trailer I always lube down the slider, and dogs thoroughly, slide all the way back and forth a couple of times, put it back where I want it, then drop the trailer. I drop my trailer on average once a month for service. I rarely have to slide unless I need to stretch out for long stuff, but it always slides easily. By the way, liquid soap at the dollar tree is very cheap compared to that slider stuff.

 

The last thing you want to do is grease the slide and locks on a 5th wheel. If you slide it once every couple of weeks it's good to go.

 

I guess I should get out more... I'd find these gems a little sooner!

Go to your local fleet/farm type store. Look for a product called Slip Plate or EZ Slide. They are spray-on graphite (not powdered) paint that are designed for this type off situation. I can slide my 5th wheel at 20-30 mph using the throttle or jake, depending on which way you're sliding. If you have your own wagon, it works on the slide rails and pins, too. On the coupler plates, it's great as long as no one else with a greasy 5th wheel ever grabs your wagon. There is a brush-on variety as well.

Just remembered they used to sell it at I-80, for about double the normal price.

 

Did you really just type that?