How to Adjust Kingpin on 5th Wheel? Steps Taken By Me
To ensure a proper connection between the kingpin on a fifth wheel and the trailer, you must first adjust the kingpin to the correct height. The kingpin is a component of a trailer that has a large pivot point that attaches to the fifth wheel on the truck. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the kingpin is properly adjusted.
Without proper adjustment, the weight distribution will not be even between the truck and the trailer. Therefore, it won’t be stable and may create wobbliness while driving. So, if you are interested in learning how to adjust the kingpin on the 5th wheel, we’ve got you covered. Below is a step-by-step guide on adjusting the kingpin on 5th wheel. I have also mentioned all the necessary tools that you will need.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Adjust the Kingpins on 5th Wheel
Before you go on with the adjustment procedure, you should make sure that the towing vehicle and trailer are on a level surface. Park your trailer securely and engage the parking brake on both the towing vehicle and the trailer. Also, you should inspect the kingpin to make sure that there are no signs of damage, wear and tear, or corrosion. Make sure that it’s in good condition and properly greased.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure proper adjustment of the kingpin on the 5th wheel:
Measure Trailer Height: Measure the height from the ground to the top of the trailer’s kingpin plate or skid plate. Note down this measurement.
- First, adjust the hitch height. Most fifth-wheel hitches have a mechanism to adjust their height. Use a wrench or socket set to adjust the height of the hitch. Raise or lower the hitch as you need to match the height of the trailer. If you are unsure on how to adjust the hitch height, you should refer to your user manual.
- Now you need to check the alignment to ensure that the hitch and kingpin are correctly aligned. The kingpin should be positioned directly over the hitch plate. If they are not aligned, you may need to make further adjustments to the hitch’s height or angle.
- Before moving ahead with lowering the hitch, you should lubricate the kingpin. Apply a healthy dab of grease or lubricant to the kingpin. This is to reduce friction and make the connection smoother. Although this step is optional, you shouldn’t avoid it especially if the kingpin is rusty or old and heavily used.
- Slowly back the towing vehicle towards the trailer until the hitch is perfectly aligned with the kingpin. Lower the fifth wheel hitch.
- Now connect the kingpin. Back the towing vehicle until the kingpin on the trailer slides into the fifth wheel hitch on the towing vehicle. You may need to adjust the height slightly to ensure a proper connection.
- Then you need to engage the locking mechanism. Most fifth-wheel hitches have a locking pin to secure the kingpin in place. Most of the time, you can do it by pulling a lever or releasing a pin.
- After connecting the kingpin, perform a safety check. Inspect the hitch and kingpin connection. Cheek if it’s secure and locked in place. Double-check that safety chains and any other trailer attachments are properly connected.
- Now you should test the connection by slowly moving the towing vehicle forward. This will put a slight amount of weight on the hitch and kingpin connection. Check for any unusual movements and noise.
Summing it Up
Adjusting the kingpin on the 5th wheel is really easy, provided you are handy with tools and have some basic mechanical knowledge. However, always make sure to consult with a professional if you are unsure of how to do it, as improper connection can be a big safety hazard. Also, make sure to check the user manual for proper instructions and safety guidelines.
