Tightening the slack on a fifth wheel is crucial for anyone who owns an RV. It guarantees that your trailer lines up accurately with your truck, aiding in the reduction of deterioration on both the truck and trailer. In this article, we will detail the necessary procedures to tighten the slack on your fifth wheel.
Step 1: Park Your RV
The first step in adjusting fifth wheel slack is to park your RV on a level surface. This will make it easier to measure and adjust the slack.
Step 2: Measure the Slack
Once you’ve parked your RV, use a tape measure to measure the distance between the center of the fifth wheel plate and the center of the kingpin. This will give you an idea of how much slack there is in the system.
Step 3: Adjust the Slack
To adjust the slack, you’ll need to loosen the bolts that hold the fifth wheel plate in place. Then, use a wrench or socket set to turn the nut on the kingpin until the desired amount of slack is achieved. Be sure to tighten the bolts back down once you’ve made your adjustments.
Step 4: Test Your Adjustments
After making any adjustments, it’s important to test them out. Drive your RV around and see how it feels. If everything seems good, then you’re all set. If not, you may need to make further adjustments.
Conclusion
Adjusting fifth wheel slack is an important task for any RV owner. By following these steps, you can ensure that your trailer is properly aligned with your truck and prevent wear and tear on both vehicles. Remember to always park on a level surface, measure the slack, adjust as needed, and test your adjustments before hitting the road.
