M818 5th wheels question

[Hooty481]

Just wondering how much side to side play should be in the 5th wheel when only towing on the road. Mine has a little bit but i can tighten it up with the wedges. Is this a personal preference thing or should it be a certain way?

 

[pctrans]

Shouldn't be play in either direction, Just snug enough to allow for turning. You can test with a 2" OD piece of pipe, and adjust from there. Make sure the kingpin on the trailer isn't wore out, and you keep plenty of grease on the jaws and kingpin.

 

[KsM715]

When you say you can "tighten it up with the wedges". Do you mean the plate actually rocks side to side? Or do you mean the kingpin is moving side to side in the jaws?

 

[Hooty481]

Yea the plate rocks side to side... The wedges are for off road use. You back them out to allow for alot of play. Not sure how much but alot.

 

[KsM715]

I'm not a truck driver but I would think if your just pulling on the road you would want them snugged up tight. My father-in-law hauls grain for his local co-op and I know on his civy freightliner there is no side to side play in his fithwheel.

 

[m16ty]

Most civilian over the road trucks do not pivot at all from side to side. As a matter of fact, the side to side movement could get you in trouble if you're not careful. If you're going to be loaded heavy on the front of the trailer I'd definitely wouldn't want it to pivot side to side. I'd lock it down tight unless you are doing some serious off-roading.