New to fifth wheel towing

[HappyCamper66]

We just took delivery on our new Pinnacle in SC and took our first trip to Va beach. Driving home today (second time hitched up) I am noticing slight amount of slop in the hitch when taking off and braking. Takes off with a thunk. Is this normal? Husky 16k hitch.

[Larry G.]

Does your Pinnacle have the Mor-Ryde pin box?

That usually takes care of most 'chucking' issues.

Video information

[taviking22]

Congrats on the new Pinnacle!

Most standard 5th wheel hitch setups could have some degree of chucking (clunking) when starting up and stopping so what you experience could be expected depending on your setup. There are specialty king pin boxes available that will dampen the chucking effects such as the Mor-Ryde pin box or Airborne coupler to name a couple of them.

[HappyCamper66]

We do have a Mor-ryde pin. The the clunking is not severe just noticeable. Thanks for the replies

[Larry G.]

If not severe then not to worry.

We get a little from time to time...no big deal.

By the way what model Pinnacle do you have?

Enjoy....

[Crabman]

Welcome to JOF, Happycamper!

[HappyCamper66]

Larry, We have a 34RLTS. We have been shopping for about a year and seriously since April. This is our fifth trailer and first fiver. Our other trailer was 2004 35' Sunnybrook. This trailer's quality is by far the best of any thing that we looked at in this level of camper. The floor plan fits my family needs perfect. I spent the last week on vacation going over it and can't find anything wrong. I am already (with the help of my wife planning mods.). FYI I own and operate a architectural millwork and cabinet manufacturing business so I have an understanding of what things should look like.

[tinlizzie23]

As said above, different set-ups get different results. I have a 2004 Designer 5er, with factory pin box (plain jane Leland AF 7921 ), hitched to a Reese 16K signature series, and get no chucking at all. Just goes to show that sometimes you get a good combination that requires no special (and expensive) equipment. You just have to experiment until you get the desired results.

[Rob_Fla]

Congradulations on the new Pinnacle.

We also have the Mor Ryde Pin Box and do not notice any significant chucking, tows great.

[Sailorman]

Hi Tinlizzie, I read your specs above and we have an '02 Designer with a Leland pin box, is it an extended pin? Mine is 89 inches from the front of the lower bulk head to the center of the pin, was wondering if this is normal. Thanks for any info and happy travels.