Forum Discussion

CMunrock's avatar
CMunrock
Explorer
Jul 15, 2014

Will leveling blocks bind the hitch?

Hello experienced 5th wheel owners. I just sold my 19' bumper pull TT that I would regularly back onto 2x6's to level the trailer when we camped on sloped spots (common in Alaska).

Now I have an awesome 29' fifth wheel and I was in the process of building similar leveling blocks when I realized that the king pin (i think that's what it's called) could bind in the receiver if the trailer and truck are not on the same slope.

Is this something to be concerned about? If so, how do 5th wheel owners level their trailers? Thanks in advance.
  • JIMNLIN's avatar
    JIMNLIN
    Explorer III
    Jul 15, 2014
    A wedged pin is possible on a primitive campsite where one side of the trailer is several inches higher than the other.
    I've had to ramp the truck also to get unhitched and hitched back up when camping in a unimproved area for campers.

    Wedged pins were common when sitting up on a hill side with one side dug down and the other with 6-7" of blocks under the tires.
  • Rvpapa's avatar
    Rvpapa
    Explorer
    Jul 15, 2014
    If you hitch / unhitch properly, that is to keep the pin plate an inch or so lower than the fifth wheel plate, you should have no trouble at all with using up to doubled 2x's on one side. When the weight of the hitch pushes down the truck it will sort itself out.
    Art.
  • kmbelt's avatar
    kmbelt
    Explorer
    Jul 15, 2014
    What brand of hitch is it. You could always put a 4-way hitch head on it for a reasonable price if you are worried.
  • fj12ryder's avatar
    fj12ryder
    Explorer III
    Jul 15, 2014
    IMO not only does it improve ride quality it helps lessen the stress on the truck and trailer.
  • CMunrock's avatar
    CMunrock
    Explorer
    Jul 15, 2014
    Thanks all. It looks like my hitch is not a 4-way (it came with the truck, which is why I am still figuring it out). I didn't know such an animal even existed. I can certainly understand how a 4-way would improve ride quality.
  • Sturgeon-Phish's avatar
    Sturgeon-Phish
    Explorer
    Jul 15, 2014
    There is a little side to side play and unless the pitch difference between the camper and truck is severe. You'll know if you are binding because you may not be able to release the jaws. If it is an issue maybe a block under the truck rear to level the truck side to side may help.
    Jim
  • bucky's avatar
    bucky
    Explorer II
    Jul 15, 2014
    A leveling board under the rear tire of the 5er would help it the difference was extreme.

    I must have been half asleep yesterday, I meant under the truck. Sorry
  • danojeno's avatar
    danojeno
    Explorer
    Jul 15, 2014
    My hitch only rotates front and back and I on rare occasions have had binding issues when unhitching. These were always on the street in front of my old house, which was on a hill with funky issues. I have never experienced it camping.
  • glazier's avatar
    glazier
    Explorer II
    Jul 15, 2014
    You won't have a problem if your hitch has 4 way pivot head. You level a fifth wheel side to side with blocks under the tires like a travel trailer. You level front to back with the landing gear.
  • Chiefcpo's avatar
    Chiefcpo
    Explorer
    Jul 15, 2014
    Need to know what hitch you have. Tilt only front to back or front to back and side to side. The later one should be no problem.

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