Bent Kingpin?
Greetings all. I got a new truck - and a new hitch - thanks to you all for your opinions. Hooked up the new hitch and the trailer and the world looked good - after some height adjustment. T...
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A couple of years ago I noticed our pin box had been moving forward and back just a little by looking at the fiberglass joint just forward of the pin box area. None of the supporting structure actually bent permanently, but it had been flexing enough to identify a problem. Ultimately I cut out the fiberglass overhang at the front corners, roughly 4' x 4' with a 4" cut off wheel. I added about 250 lbs of 1/4" thick angle iron, and constructed some gussets for the corners where the pin box receiver is located. I decided to bolt everything in with grade 8 instead of welding. I had been carrying too much weight (tools) in the front area of the 5th wheel which caused the issue, plus double towing from time to time.
So if you have your trailer frame re-welded, I would suggest you add to that with some extra steel to strengthen the entire structure.
When I reinstalled the fiberglass panels, I made "L" brackets that allowed me to have threaded holes to attach the panels. Then I used stainless screws and covered the seams with 2" x 1/8" thick aluminum strapping. I also added new insulation and used the aluminum strapping to create a tight (read mouse proof) seal around the pin box.
We have an older Carriage triple axle, and also from Denver. We use a storage facility in the Southern part of Denver metro.
Good luck
So if you have your trailer frame re-welded, I would suggest you add to that with some extra steel to strengthen the entire structure.
When I reinstalled the fiberglass panels, I made "L" brackets that allowed me to have threaded holes to attach the panels. Then I used stainless screws and covered the seams with 2" x 1/8" thick aluminum strapping. I also added new insulation and used the aluminum strapping to create a tight (read mouse proof) seal around the pin box.
We have an older Carriage triple axle, and also from Denver. We use a storage facility in the Southern part of Denver metro.
Good luck
