Proper kingpin height for hitching

My way is cheap and easy. I took a small level, glued it to a small magnet I had and stuck it to the frame by my propane bottles. When I un-hitch, I just turn it until it shows level...in the level. Now I setup front to back etc... when leaving I just raise the legs and watch the level, when its in the center I know thats where I un-hitched and it should be good to go to back her right in.

Hiking Hunter wrote:

rhagfo wrote:
Got to ask why this will not work with a Curt hitch, when it is the recomeded method for all other 5th wheel hitch.

avvidclif1 is right...

The Curt Q20 is a different kind of hitch and is not hitched up like other hitches. Some people who have had other brands of hitches have trouble with this. I did too, until I realized the reason.
Most fifth wheel hitch plates “fall back” at an angle to provide a “ramp” for the trailer hitch plate to ride up on when hitching. This doesn’t work very well for the Curt hitch because of the way it is made. The Curt hitch has a solid steel shank that is affixed to the hitch plate that extends down into a thick, rigid, rubber mount. This mount provides damping and prevents most “chucking and bucking” prevalent in many hitches. When the hitch is not coupled, the "resting" or "static" position of the hitch plate is parallel to the ground instead of tilting back like most hitches. The plate does have a slight bevel at the trailing edge of the hitch plate. When you are hitching to the Curt hitch, I have found it is best to elevate the trailer pin so that the hitch plate is almost at the same height as the truck hitch plate – within ½”. Most other hitches are a little more forgiving on the height because they will elevate the trailer 1-3 inches with the “Ramp”.

Not according to the Curt Q20 Owners Manual pg. 3 & 4 'Coupling' Section

Pg. 3
. Adjust the front trailer lifting jacks so the trailer's kingpin skid plate is approximately 1/2" below the top surface of 5th wheel
skid plate. Hooking up in this manner helps ensure proper
engagement of the trailer kingpin to most 5th wheel systems.
Never lower the trailer's kingpin into the 5th wheel hitch head.

Pg. 4
.Back-up the towing vehicle while remaining centered and aligned to trailer's kingpin. The trailer's kingpin skid plate will compress the towing vehicle's suspension and ramp up onto the 5th wheel skid plate

Pretty much sounds like hitching is the same ...trailer king pin plate lower than 5th wheel hitch plate...back in/up onto hitch

Granted the 1" to 2" might be a bit too low for some hitches.....but king pin plate lower than 5th wheel hitch is a good method that will help eliminate some issues




I back in very close to my hitch....get out adjust king pin plate lower then get in truck and back in/up....clank!
Get out of truck, visual, handle/lock pin, umbilical cord, emergency cable, raise landing gear until trailer is fully on hitch.
Pull Test......retract landing gear/remove chocks...last walk around

ON THE ROAD AGAIN!

rhagfo wrote:
You don't need to have the pin level with the hitch to connect, in fact trying to do that can lead to "High Hitching"! You want the pin plate about 1"'lower than the hitch plate, even up to 2" works just fine! You really want the pin plate ride up the hitch plate a bit the will prevent high hitching.

NOT

I use the Level + by Hoppy. You adjust the smaller level to level before you unhitch. Then when you go to hitch back up just raise or lower the 5th wheel till the level reads level again. Super simple. Here is a pic of one.

rhagfo wrote:
Got to ask why this will not work with a Curt hitch, when it is the recomeded method for all other 5th wheel hitch.

avvidclif1 is right...

The Curt Q20 is a different kind of hitch and is not hitched up like other hitches. Some people who have had other brands of hitches have trouble with this. I did too, until I realized the reason.
Most fifth wheel hitch plates “fall back” at an angle to provide a “ramp” for the trailer hitch plate to ride up on when hitching. This doesn’t work very well for the Curt hitch because of the way it is made. The Curt hitch has a solid steel shank that is affixed to the hitch plate that extends down into a thick, rigid, rubber mount. This mount provides damping and prevents most “chucking and bucking” prevalent in many hitches. When the hitch is not coupled, the "resting" or "static" position of the hitch plate is parallel to the ground instead of tilting back like most hitches. The plate does have a slight bevel at the trailing edge of the hitch plate. When you are hitching to the Curt hitch, I have found it is best to elevate the trailer pin so that the hitch plate is almost at the same height as the truck hitch plate – within ½”. Most other hitches are a little more forgiving on the height because they will elevate the trailer 1-3 inches with the “Ramp”.

I have my fwd aft level on the side of the trailer by the sw's. I look at it after I unhitch, before I finish leveling and make a mental note of the bubbles position. Then just put it back close to same place. Works for me 99% of the time.

Padlin wrote:
Looking for any tricks for getting the upper coupler plate the right height for hitching up. Currently doing it by myself I eyeball it after dropping the tailgate, back in some then get out of the truck when I think I'm close and readjust. Not rocket science, but any way I can save getting out and rechecking would be appreciated.

Usually the way I do it. (shrug) Just make sure you're 1-2" below the hitch plate so the pin rides up the hitch, forcing the truck down. Helps to prevent high-hitching.

Lyle

avvidclif1 wrote:

rhagfo wrote:
You don't need to have the pin level with the hitch to connect, in fact trying to do that can lead to "High Hitching"! You want the pin plate about 1"'lower than the hitch plate, even up to 2" works just fine! You really want the pin plate ride up the hitch plate a bit the will prevent high hitching.

Unless you have a Curt Hitch. Then it doesn't work.

Got to ask why this will not work with a Curt hitch, when it is the recomeded method for all other 5th wheel hitch.

rhagfo wrote:
You don't need to have the pin level with the hitch to connect, in fact trying to do that can lead to "High Hitching"! You want the pin plate about 1"'lower than the hitch plate, even up to 2" works just fine! You really want the pin plate ride up the hitch plate a bit the will prevent high hitching.

Unless you have a Curt Hitch. Then it doesn't work.

With out Big Foot levelers, it will return the trailer to the height that you unhitched.

Ken