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N-Trouble's avatar
N-Trouble
Explorer
Dec 01, 2014

Is this normal?

I recently purchased my first 5er (32ft 12Klb GVWR) and am using B&W Turnoverball with the Andersen Ultimate 5er hitch. So far I have been very satisfied with this setup. Its very smooth going down the road however under hard acceleration when the truck shifts from 1-2 or 2-3rd, or a hard downshift pulling hills I get a very noticeable back/forth jerking movement felt in the truck. No noise or clunking just a very noticeable movement in the truck. It does this 4-5 times before finally settling out. It feels like its likely flex between the hitch and trailer frame. I have checked all the bolts on the Turnoverball and Andersen hitch and all are snug so I don't suspect any movement in the hitch is occurring. Is what I am feeling considered normal? Trailer has Lippert 1116 pin box on it which I plan on at some point replacing with a MorRyde unit. I assume the MorRyde would remove some/most of what I am feeling when the truck does a hard shift.

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  • MFL's avatar
    MFL
    Nomad II
    Dec 01, 2014
    No, I would not consider this normal. If going over a bump, or dip in the road maybe. I don't have an answer for you, but will ask a couple of questions.

    How heavy is your pin wt? Going by the FW GVWR I'd guess 2,200. Is your truck suspension bouncing up/down, from the weight? Are you towing your FW fairly close to level?

    Jerry
  • Bamaman11's avatar
    Bamaman11
    Explorer
    Dec 01, 2014
    You probably have a common complaint with fifth wheel owners. I don't know that there is a fix other than to go to the MorRyde pin or comparable unit.

    Your Anderson hitch would actually have less of this problem than many other Pin lock style fifth wheel hitches.

    I'm using a new B&W Patriot 16K hitch, and it's very tight right now. My truck bucks a very minimal amount.

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