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Semi to haul

Bradycall
Explorer
Explorer
I'm considering buying a fifth wheel camper and if use a peterbilt to pull it. What is the height of a typical fifth wheel RV kingpin?
24 REPLIES 24

memtb
Explorer
Explorer
Brady, I'm glad that we "all" we're willing to help and give you some good advice. Good luck with the trip.
Todd & Marianne
Miniature Schnauzer's - Sundai, Nellie & Maggie Mae
2007 Dodge Ram 3500, 6.7 Cummins, 6 speed manual, 3.73 ratio, 4x4
2004 Teton Grand Freedom, 39'
2007 Bigfoot 30MH26Sl

Bradycall
Explorer
Explorer
I've talked to the dealer and they say they can adjust the box on which the kingpin sits to lower or raise it to make it jive up with the fifth wheel on my Pete.

ol_Bombero-JC
Explorer
Explorer
A Binkley or other "standard" tractor (HDT) /trailer hitch should do just fine for the 10 miles - even if the height is off a bit.

If you went on the Escapees HDT or MDT forums (and ask) you might find somebody in your area who will tow it for nothing more than a "thank you".

Good folks, all.

~

laknox
Nomad
Nomad
Bradycall wrote:
The top of my fifth wheel skid plate is about 44" (with a laden reefer trailer) I know that fifth wheel Rvs hitch boxes are also (to a point ) adjustable. Would one be able to be adjusted to that height to pull the RV level?


For a one-time 10 mile tow with a completely unloaded FW? Why bother, unless you simply need the clearance between the rear of the truck frame and the underside of the FW?

Lyle
2022 GMC Sierra 3500 HD Denali Crew Cab 4x4 Duramax
B&W OEM Companion & Gooseneck Kit
2017 KZ Durango 1500 D277RLT
1936 John Deere Model A
International Flying Farmers 64 Year Member

F-TROUP
Explorer
Explorer
time2roll wrote:
Bradycall wrote:
I would really just need it to pull a trailer like 10 miles from the dealer to the farm.
Dealer can probably deliver at minimal charge. He has people doing this all day long.


X2 simple

time2roll
Explorer II
Explorer II
Bradycall wrote:
I would really just need it to pull a trailer like 10 miles from the dealer to the farm.
Dealer can probably deliver at minimal charge. He has people doing this all day long.

memtb
Explorer
Explorer
Brady, I apologize if I offended. It "certainly" wasn't meant to be!

Please explain where/ how I offended you.

I was merely suggesting that if, your local police deptment will work with you on a short run to your home, it should not be a problem. If that is the case, and of course the 5er will clear the end of the truck in a turn. I again apologize as I truly meant no disrespect!!



It was brought to my attention by my DW (dear wife), after I asked her to read the entire communication that..... I was not clear in my answer. Did not give you complete information.

Others in previous posts covered pin height, and all possible issues concerning towing with a class 8. Several of us thought (incorrectly), that this was going to be a long term use of the class 8 for tow.

When you explained that it was "only" for a ten(10) mile tow, I thought that putting on a brake controller and putting all of the lighting system, was probably not necessary on a ten (10) mile tow! Hence the suggestion about contacting local law enforcement for permission and for safety, have someone escort ( following with flashing lights,etc.). I did "not" make this as clear as I perhaps should have. I was lazy and gave a "very" brief suggestion....thinking it was helpful advice!!

Again apologies offered!
Todd & Marianne
Miniature Schnauzer's - Sundai, Nellie & Maggie Mae
2007 Dodge Ram 3500, 6.7 Cummins, 6 speed manual, 3.73 ratio, 4x4
2004 Teton Grand Freedom, 39'
2007 Bigfoot 30MH26Sl

Bradycall
Explorer
Explorer
memtb wrote:
Bradycall wrote:
I would really just need it to pull a trailer like 10 miles from the dealer to the farm.



Talk to local law and get permission and have wife or friend do an escort ! That should be doable!


You don't have to be rude about it.

Bradycall
Explorer
Explorer
Bradycall wrote:
The top of my fifth wheel skid plate is about 44" (with a laden reefer trailer) I know that fifth wheel Rvs hitch boxes are also (to a point ) adjustable. Would one be able to be adjusted to that height to pull the RV level?

I guess I could eventually fab a longer hitch box if need be

Bradycall
Explorer
Explorer
The top of my fifth wheel skid plate is about 44" (with a laden reefer trailer) I know that fifth wheel Rvs hitch boxes are also (to a point ) adjustable. Would one be able to be adjusted to that height to pull the RV level?

memtb
Explorer
Explorer
Bradycall wrote:
I would really just need it to pull a trailer like 10 miles from the dealer to the farm.



Talk to local law and get permission and have wife or friend do an escort ! That should be doable!
Todd & Marianne
Miniature Schnauzer's - Sundai, Nellie & Maggie Mae
2007 Dodge Ram 3500, 6.7 Cummins, 6 speed manual, 3.73 ratio, 4x4
2004 Teton Grand Freedom, 39'
2007 Bigfoot 30MH26Sl

Bradycall
Explorer
Explorer
I would really just need it to pull a trailer like 10 miles from the dealer to the farm.

memtb
Explorer
Explorer
SidecarFlip wrote:
Don't matter. a Class 8 fifth wheel and a 5er king pin are 2 different animals. You'll need to remove the fifth wheel and replace it with an RV fifth wheel. There are other issues as well. especially brakes.


The pin sizes are the same! We pulled our old Teton several times with our '96 FLD Freightliner (we were owner/operators for a brief period) However, to avoid issues with the DOT, the class 8 plate should be exchanged for a more " user-friendly" 5 re hitch. On the brake issue... we merely installed a "pendulum " brake controller tied into the brake-light wiring. Brakes applied... power to controller!

As a note of caution - class 8's are "very" light on the "driver's"and as 5 res have very little pin weight. traction on snow or ice is non-existent!!! You haven't lived until... you've slid "backwards" down a steep grade with your 5er in tow (or push)!!:o
Todd & Marianne
Miniature Schnauzer's - Sundai, Nellie & Maggie Mae
2007 Dodge Ram 3500, 6.7 Cummins, 6 speed manual, 3.73 ratio, 4x4
2004 Teton Grand Freedom, 39'
2007 Bigfoot 30MH26Sl

dblr
Explorer
Explorer
I will agree about the HDT section an the Escapees board, also Google the HDT Resource Guide, plenty of info there. We tow our 5th wheel with a Kenworth T2000 and are very pleased with it. Good luck.
2017 River Stone Legacy 38MB
2001 Kenworth T2000
2009 Smart on the deck.