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in2bashun's avatar
in2bashun
Explorer
Feb 10, 2015

5th wheel hitch maintainence

How often do you have your 5th wheel hitch checked?
  • Take the top part off and look it over for loose or missing retaining clips and worend piviot pin. Also loose springs.
  • Really depends on the brand/style of hitch. With my Andersen I only have to occasionally re-torque the bolts on the pin box coupler. Nothing to lubricate/grease.
  • My manual says to oil with WD-40 every use. So everyday I hook up a spray it down keep it well lubricated. Once or twice a year I clean it up with Mineral Spirits to remove excess oil grease and grime. Remove the pivot bolt and add axle grease to it so it pivots smoothly.
    Clean all the sand and dirt from the latch mechanism and check for excessive wear.
  • I keep mine oiled/greased (Reese Slider). Maybe once or twice a year it get removed so I can clean it up and lubricate everything a little better. With mine it is pretty easy to remove the head, and then unpin the base from the truck.
  • Every time I prepare to leave home.
    Check, maintain and lube.
  • I check it all the time. Can't for see a malfunction. Can only see if it's not broken. Maintenance is key.
  • Any problems will be obvious to you when you try to use the hitch. Otherwise visually inspect it and lubricate the moving parts with a light oil.