Does your 5th wheel hitch make noise?

[clicker1944]

I have lots of experience with bumper pulls and know about all the creaking and noise you get from the hitches. Even my last bumper pull with a Propride made noises. Since this is my first 5er was just wondering the noise level you are experiencing if any. I have a Reese Revolution pin box with a 16k Reese Pro hitch. Some noise mostly on turns but wondering if it's normal.
I can't hear it with the windows closed only when open. I use lithium grease because Reese says not to use a teflon pad with the Revolution/Sidewinder because it will not hook up properly. I usually add grease every time I tow especially on both sides of the wedge. I also wipe off the old grease on the flat surfaces and reapply every few trips too. I just wanted assurance that I wasn't experiencing noise that no one else had. Chucking has not really been a problem so that's not the noise I was referring to.
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[Ford Idaho]

I use WD-40 Silicone on the moving parts of my hitch head and lube pad between it and the king pin plate.

Yes there is some noise especially if I am moving slow and turning into or out of a site.

[French]

We have the exact same Reese Rev pin box and 16 K hitch on our Rockwood 5. We are now on our 3rd pin box. the first one squeaked and creaked but made a definite loud clunk when turning sharp at low speeds. The dealer replaced it with another that was not painted properly and started rusting within 2 weeks outside. This one was replaced and we were told it was apparently defective as well. Check forum member B n B's remarks about these hitches having issues and Reese replacing them at the Goshen rally. you could PM him for info
I would have your s checked as there appears to be issues

[French]

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[Telstar]

I don't know anything about your Reese hitch, but if it provides side to side leveling check to make sure the pinion bolt holding the rocker arm in place is tight enough. It should be so tight that it takes all your strength to move it.

[dcheatwood]

Yes. My revolution hitch creaks and moans too.😬

[OldCoot]

First, is it locked for use like a regular 5th wheel or are you using the universal wedge to activate the pivot back 22" from the pin? IF you are using the universal factory wedge, get one that is special made for your hitch. DO NOT lube the rear pivot shaft. When you are turned as far as you can, spray the flat surfaces with lithium grease, turn maximum the other way and spray some more. Mine made some noise until the two guys from Reese that actually designed it pulled mine apart, cleaned it and lubed the flat plates. They stated very emphatically DO NOT LUBE THE PIVOT TUBE. I can't turn mine by hand, but some folks can, I don't want it to turn easy as it would be a major PITA if you are hitching at an angle or slightly off center. ALSO, if you are activating the rear pivot, DO NOT USE a Teflon plate on the hitch.
BTW, mine hasn't made a sound since the guys in Goshen cleaned and lubed it.

[clicker1944]

Yes, I am using the universal factory wedge. No teflon plate and lube only the flat surface of the hitch and the flat part of the pin box. They told me to lube the pin itself and the sides of the wedge. That's all the lube I have used. Do you have the Reese Pro 16K? If so what wedge do you use?

[MilCop4523]

im using a Reese 16k slider and have just the lube plate on the trailer.

I've jsut started hauling a 5th wheel and cant see anywhere in my manual that says what to lube before hauling or for maintenance.

as well do i lube the pin on the box?

I get a lot of snapping and strange noises back there as well

[frozen]

With a Revolution hitch, doesn't the rotation occur in the pin box, not at the king pin? If that's the case, the skid plate and king pin shouldn't require much lube at all since that's not where the movement is. I use a superglide hitch. I put a little WD40 on it and the king pin just to prevent rust. There's no pivoting action there at all. My hitch makes noises, but not from the skid plate or king pin.

[OldCoot]

Originally Posted by clicker1944

Yes, I am using the universal factory wedge. No teflon plate and lube only the flat surface of the hitch and the flat part of the pin box. They told me to lube the pin itself and the sides of the wedge. That's all the lube I have used. Do you have the Reese Pro 16K? If so what wedge do you use?

I made my own wedge. You will find that the factory wedge will loosen and move due to the bolts being in slots. The only way to keep the wedge from moving is to drive it forward as in the instructions and fill the front of the slots with steel from the bolt to the end of the slots.

[B and B]

Hello,

The pivot shaft on mine was seized. That is why FR replaced it. The plate, wedge needs to be lubed. I have found it hitches much smoother when well greased. As far as the friction surfaces OC is correct and Lithium is the way to go on these. I also used a factory wedge for 2 seasons and purchased a Reese specific wedge this past spring. Works like a charm, nice tight fit, no noise or clunks.

[gparrow]

I'm currious who told you Reese doesn't recomend the lube plate? their 10 inch lube plate is listed as a optional item for the 16k hitch on their website. As for the noise, I have the same setup as you except with the lube plate. I do get some noise from the joints on the hitch itelf but never had any noise from the pin box but that may be because we have never used the revolution part.

[clicker1944]

Actually I was told that by Reese customer service.
Maybe it works when not used with the Revolution pin box set for short bed trucks???
I think I will contact them again, it sure would make it easier and cleaner. Thanks for your input!

[Iwannacamp]

You mean more noise than a freight train?


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[clicker1944]

Let's not get carried away here! It ain't quite that bad.

[Iwannacamp]

Originally Posted by clicker1944

Let's not get carried away here! It ain't quite that bad.

I know. I have a diesel truck...I am used to noise and smells. No problem here. If it stays hooked and works I am happy.


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[gparrow]

Clicker, let me know what they say regarding the lube plate, i've been using one we bought with our hitch for a couple years now with no problems but i'd sure like to know if its something they don't want you to use.

[mud yapster]

Only time I hear a noise is if I'm turn or backing sharp then I get a loud clunk. I don't know if it's normal or not.

[randygk]

You cannot use a lube plate when using the Revolution pin box in the unlocked operation mode. It physically won't fit if there's a wedge on the pin box.
My Revolution creaked a lot when turning at first, actually sheared the cotter pin on the retaining nut. Evidently the trailer frame mfg's were sandblasting the pin boxes and getting grit on the bearing surfaces. I lowered the bottom of the pin box and cleaned the bearing surfaces and hosed everything with lube. Re-torqued the nut and two trips later works great, no creaking when turning. I can turn the pin box by hand, which seems to have made hitching slightly off angle easier. I have a Reese 16K hitch and do get some noise, when maneuvering or pot holes.
After several phone calls to Reese about my problems (very helpful) I received this email concerning maintenance;
MAINTENANCE:

1. For ease of hookup; frequently lubricate the wedge surfaces, back side of the king pin, and the skid plate surface.

2. Keep pin-box hitch painted to prevent rust and maintain a good appearance. (Do Not paint over labels)

3. Tear down and inspect annually. Repair or replace any wore items. When reassembling use lithium on the wear plate,

wear bushing, and bearing. Tighten large castle nut to a minimum of 80 ft. lbs. and then tighten to nearest through hole

for cotter pin installation.

Refer to page 1 for parts breakdown. Item#’s 2 and 7. I’m sure it won’t hurt if you lubricated the shaft, but not required