Question for 5.0 Owners

[Zardoz]

Just saw my first post on this Forum of a 5.0 using a support under the kingpin while detached. Is this a necessary accessory? Thanks.

[D&R_SC]

Originally Posted by Zardoz

Just saw my first post on this Forum of a 5.0 using a support under the kingpin while detached. Is this a necessary accessory? Thanks.

I saw the same post of the 2013 for sale and wondered if the support does much. We've had a 5.0TA for a couple years without using one, but would like to hear other opinions.

[padlin]

I've been told they keep the big rigs lofts from shaking, very few of them use them though. I've never noticed any kind of shaking or bouncing in mine. Guess it'd keep someone from walking into the kingpin.

[Brian B-P]

A kingpin support takes some of the bounce out of the loft, and should reduce the tendency of the trailer to wiggle laterally when people move inside. This is more of a concern with larger fifth-wheels that have a bedroom in the loft with standing headroom and therefore people walking around.

Most people with large fifth-wheels in long-term (full season or longer) sites do use them, but they are not commonly used for short stays, and we used our large fifth-wheel for months without a support under the pin. I would prefer less wiggle in that trailer.

I would say that it is definitely not required. I don't think it's structurally important (since the trailer is supported at the "landing gear" jacks). If its effect is desired for stabilization, there are also alternative bracing methods.

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by padlin

Guess it'd keep someone from walking into the kingpin.

Perhaps, but I doubt that's why anyone uses one. It seems more likely to me to trip someone than to protect them - especially the three-legged type.

No one's loft is high enough for a typical adult to walk comfortably under it, and if people ducking under and running into the pin box is an issue, or just passing very close to the front and hitting it (because the pin box usually sticks out a bit beyond the body) some yellow warning tape should fix that... and a bit of foam padding might be good, too.
RV Safe Zone - Fifth Wheel Pin Box Cushions

[SFDavis50]

There is a You Tube video of modifications to a 5.0 and the owner added stabilizer braces to the front jacks "to make it rock solid." That made me wonder if the 5.0 is a little more wobbly than the 5.0TA. I assume the wheel stabilizers are a bigger benefit, though.

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by Zardoz

Just saw my first post on this Forum of a 5.0 using a support under the kingpin while detached. Is this a necessary accessory? Thanks.

Asked this same question myself.
http://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f9...zing-7112.html

[escape artist]

Originally Posted by Zardoz

Just saw my first post on this Forum of a 5.0 using a support under the kingpin while detached. Is this a necessary accessory? Thanks.

Hi: Zardoz... Had both a 5.0 and a 5.0TA, but never had a tri-pod!!! My wife gives me all the support I need. Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

[Zardoz]

Originally Posted by Jim Bennett

Asked this same question myself.
http://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f9...zing-7112.html

Great minds ...

Finally, one less thing I need to add to my list as I move from the 19' to the 5.0.