Fifth Wheel Pinning/Blocking

Nov 27, 2019 at 09:00 AM CST + 6
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Looking for a place to get a fifth wheel blocked. Any recommendations?

Replied on Thu, Nov 28, 2019 at 09:01 PM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Do it yourself, there are kits you can buy that are removable, any welding shop can install them in a matter of minutes, typically just four pegs, one in each corner, or you can make your own. Just remember not to weld on the plate itself, there are some guys that will try welding a tube across the bottom of the plate, and sliding a pin through it, but it’s generally frowned upon to weld on cast iron. Also remember to unhook your battery cables before welding, or you could damage the ECM.

Replied on Thu, Nov 28, 2019 at 09:01 PM CST

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

Do it yourself, there are kits you can buy that are removable, any welding shop can install them in a matter of minutes, typically just four pegs, one in each corner, or you can make your own. Just remember not to weld on the plate itself, there are some guys that will try welding a tube across the bottom of the plate, and sliding a pin through it, but it’s generally frowned upon to weld on cast iron. Also remember to unhook your battery cables before welding, or you could damage the ECM.

Replied on Thu, Nov 28, 2019 at 09:01 PM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Find a local welder/fabricator. I could send you some pics of how it needs to be done. Or you can buy the kit and have a welder put it on.

Replied on Fri, Nov 29, 2019 at 07:56 AM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Here is how my last 2 sets were done, pull one clip and the block comes out. Most guys around here use this method or go with the factory no-tilt options from Holland or Jost as welding on the fifth wheel plate it's generally frowned upon.

Replied on Sat, Nov 30, 2019 at 10:12 PM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Quote: "Do it yourself, there are kits you can buy that are removable, any welding shop can install them in a matter of minutes, typically just four pegs, one in each corner, or you can make your own. Just remember not to weld on the plate itself, there are some guys that will try welding a tube across the bottom of the plate, and sliding a pin through it, but it’s generally frowned upon to weld on cast iron. Also remember to unhook your battery cables before welding, or you could damage the ECM." The "no tilt" kit for the FW35 from Holland requires welding onto the fifth wheel. There's no way around it. I need to find a competent shop that can handle the job. I also would like to be able to continue sliding my fifth wheel after the kit has been installed just like the one sold by Holland themselves.

Replied on Sat, Nov 30, 2019 at 10:12 PM CST

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

Quote: "Do it yourself, there are kits you can buy that are removable, any welding shop can install them in a matter of minutes, typically just four pegs, one in each corner, or you can make your own. Just remember not to weld on the plate itself, there are some guys that will try welding a tube across the bottom of the plate, and sliding a pin through it, but it’s generally frowned upon to weld on cast iron. Also remember to unhook your battery cables before welding, or you could damage the ECM."

The "no tilt" kit for the FW35 from Holland requires welding onto the fifth wheel. There's no way around it. I need to find a competent shop that can handle the job. I also would like to be able to continue sliding my fifth wheel after the kit has been installed just like the one sold by Holland themselves.

Replied on Sat, Nov 30, 2019 at 10:13 PM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Quote: "Find a local welder/fabricator. I could send you some pics of how it needs to be done. Or you can buy the kit and have a welder put it on." Thanks. I know what needs to be done. I'm looking for a place that handle the job and do it well. Everyone in my area isn't interested, doesn't know what I'm talking about and/or does bad work.

Replied on Sat, Nov 30, 2019 at 10:13 PM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Quote: "Here is how my last 2 sets were done, pull one clip and the block comes out. Most guys around here use this method or go with the factory no-tilt options from Holland or Jost as welding on the fifth wheel plate it's generally frowned upon. " I've never seen that type of setup before. Holland's "no tilt" kit requires welding. And if I buy their version that's already setup for it, it's been wleded as well. Can you share some more pictures/details and/or where to get it done? Can you still use your slider? I currently have a low profile Holland FW35. http://literature1.safholland.com/sites/damedit/literature/XL-FW251_en-US.pdf

Replied on Sat, Nov 30, 2019 at 10:13 PM CST

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

Quote: "Here is how my last 2 sets were done, pull one clip and the block comes out. Most guys around here use this method or go with the factory no-tilt options from Holland or Jost as welding on the fifth wheel plate it's generally frowned upon. "

I've never seen that type of setup before. Holland's "no tilt" kit requires welding. And if I buy their version that's already setup for it, it's been wleded as well. Can you share some more pictures/details and/or where to get it done? Can you still use your slider? I currently have a low profile Holland FW35.

http://literature1.safholland.com/sites/damedit/literature/XL-FW251_en-US.pdf

Replied on Sat, Nov 30, 2019 at 10:13 PM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. East sells a weld on kit everything is prefab takes hour or so to grind and weld it on. there is nothing wrong with welding to the plate or the stands. 5th wheel plates are not cast iron they are cast steel some are stamped steel. which means you can weld on any of them without magic rod or special wire and no special provisions required. antizap surge suppressor is always good idea if you cannot ground directly the piece you are welding on (you can always unhook the batteries) . grind a clean spot for the ground no matter what your doing. low profile plates are difficult to install the east kit, the blocks will be better choice, medium and tall stands make it easier for any install. The East kit does occupy about 6 inches of the slide rail. I have only put them in front of the plate. If your plate setting is all the way at the front you want to go to blocks. 2x2 square bar works well. if you go blocks and somehow 1 one of the 4 gets out and gone under a load dont freak out just keep going and try get one back in there soon as you can. good luck

Replied on Sat, Nov 30, 2019 at 10:13 PM CST

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

East sells a weld on kit everything is prefab takes hour or so to grind and weld it on. there is nothing wrong with welding to the plate or the stands. 5th wheel plates are not cast iron they are cast steel some are stamped steel. which means you can weld on any of them without magic rod or special wire and no special provisions required. antizap surge suppressor is always good idea if you cannot ground directly the piece you are welding on (you can always unhook the batteries) . grind a clean spot for the ground no matter what your doing. low profile plates are difficult to install the east kit, the blocks will be better choice, medium and tall stands make it easier for any install. The East kit does occupy about 6 inches of the slide rail. I have only put them in front of the plate. If your plate setting is all the way at the front you want to go to blocks. 2x2 square bar works well. if you go blocks and somehow 1 one of the 4 gets out and gone under a load dont freak out just keep going and try get one back in there soon as you can.

good luck

Replied on Sun, Dec 01, 2019 at 06:26 AM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Quote: "I've never seen that type of setup before. Holland's "no tilt" kit requires welding. And if I buy their version that's already setup for it, it's been wleded as well. Can you share some more pictures/details and/or where to get it done? Can you still use your slider? I currently have a low profile Holland FW35. http://literature1.safholland.com/sites/damedit/literature/XL-FW251_en-US.pdf" Thanks for sharing that link, when I checked around my area, none of the shops in my area wanted to assume the liability for welding on the plate itself, since someone got sued a few years back, when one failed and caused a accident, but they are willing to weld on the towers themselves, and put removable blocks under the plate, wich allows you to still slide the fith wheel, and prevents tilt. I think the fear comes from the interpretation over compromised integrity of coupling devices, if something goes wrong the lawyers will spin it in court, that it wasn’t designed that way from the factory.

Replied on Sun, Dec 01, 2019 at 06:26 AM CST

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

Quote: "I've never seen that type of setup before. Holland's "no tilt" kit requires welding. And if I buy their version that's already setup for it, it's been wleded as well. Can you share some more pictures/details and/or where to get it done? Can you still use your slider? I currently have a low profile Holland FW35. http://literature1.safholland.com/sites/damedit/literature/XL-FW251_en-US.pdf"

Thanks for sharing that link, when I checked around my area, none of the shops in my area wanted to assume the liability for welding on the plate itself, since someone got sued a few years back, when one failed and caused a accident, but they are willing to weld on the towers themselves, and put removable blocks under the plate, wich allows you to still slide the fith wheel, and prevents tilt. I think the fear comes from the interpretation over compromised integrity of coupling devices, if something goes wrong the lawyers will spin it in court, that it wasn’t designed that way from the factory.

Replied on Mon, Dec 02, 2019 at 08:16 AM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Quote: "I've never seen that type of setup before. Holland's "no tilt" kit requires welding. And if I buy their version that's already setup for it, it's been wleded as well. Can you share some more pictures/details and/or where to get it done? Can you still use your slider? I currently have a low profile Holland FW35. http://literature1.safholland.com/sites/damedit/literature/XL-FW251_en-US.pdf" Your fifth wheel is just an older version of my old one I just replaced, it would be VERY simple to do this setup on your 5th wheel. Any welding shop could do it for $500 or less or if you have the tools you can do it yourself like I did. All it is is 4 pieces of 1.5" solid rod welded together with 2" x 1/4" strap. Here's a few pictures of my old setup to give you an idea.

Replied on Mon, Dec 02, 2019 at 08:16 AM CST

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

Your fifth wheel is just an older version of my old one I just replaced, it would be VERY simple to do this setup on your 5th wheel. Any welding shop could do it for $500 or less or if you have the tools you can do it yourself like I did. All it is is 4 pieces of 1.5" solid rod welded together with 2" x 1/4" strap. Here's a few pictures of my old setup to give you an idea.

Replied on Mon, Dec 02, 2019 at 08:17 AM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Quote: "I've never seen that type of setup before. Holland's "no tilt" kit requires welding. And if I buy their version that's already setup for it, it's been wleded as well. Can you share some more pictures/details and/or where to get it done? Can you still use your slider? I currently have a low profile Holland FW35. http://literature1.safholland.com/sites/damedit/literature/XL-FW251_en-US.pdf" Yes, my slider works as it should with the blocks in. Also, you will have to bend and/or move your 5th wheel handle to the forward hole to give you enough room for the front block on the driver's side. I did on both of mine. Luckily for you you already have a flat area on your legs for the bottom of the blocks to sit. New holland fifth wheels are not setup that way anymore so it adds another step.

Replied on Mon, Dec 02, 2019 at 08:17 AM CST

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

Yes, my slider works as it should with the blocks in. Also, you will have to bend and/or move your 5th wheel handle to the forward hole to give you enough room for the front block on the driver's side. I did on both of mine. Luckily for you you already have a flat area on your legs for the bottom of the blocks to sit. New holland fifth wheels are not setup that way anymore so it adds another step.

Replied on Mon, Dec 02, 2019 at 08:17 AM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Quote: "Thanks for sharing that link, when I checked around my area, none of the shops in my area wanted to assume the liability for welding on the plate itself, since someone got sued a few years back, when one failed and caused a accident, but they are willing to weld on the towers themselves, and put removable blocks under the plate, wich allows you to still slide the fith wheel, and prevents tilt. I think the fear comes from the interpretation over compromised integrity of coupling devices, if something goes wrong the lawyers will spin it in court, that it wasn’t designed that way from the factory." No problem. I actually like the block idea better for numerous reasons. My main requirements are that no matter how the fifth wheel is stopped from tilting I have to be able to easily remove it to go back to normal function for when I pull my flatbed and I need to be able to still use the slider. The blocks seems like a very viable option and an easier to achieve method with the added benefit of being less involved. With my fifth wheel being a low profile version it just complicates matters even further.

Replied on Mon, Dec 02, 2019 at 08:17 AM CST

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

Quote: "Thanks for sharing that link, when I checked around my area, none of the shops in my area wanted to assume the liability for welding on the plate itself, since someone got sued a few years back, when one failed and caused a accident, but they are willing to weld on the towers themselves, and put removable blocks under the plate, wich allows you to still slide the fith wheel, and prevents tilt. I think the fear comes from the interpretation over compromised integrity of coupling devices, if something goes wrong the lawyers will spin it in court, that it wasn’t designed that way from the factory."

No problem. I actually like the block idea better for numerous reasons. My main requirements are that no matter how the fifth wheel is stopped from tilting I have to be able to easily remove it to go back to normal function for when I pull my flatbed and I need to be able to still use the slider. The blocks seems like a very viable option and an easier to achieve method with the added benefit of being less involved. With my fifth wheel being a low profile version it just complicates matters even further.

Replied on Mon, Dec 02, 2019 at 11:44 AM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Quote: "Yes, my slider works as it should with the blocks in. Also, you will have to bend and/or move your 5th wheel handle to the forward hole to give you enough room for the front block on the driver's side. I did on both of mine. Luckily for you you already have a flat area on your legs for the bottom of the blocks to sit. New holland fifth wheels are not setup that way anymore so it adds another step. " Thanks, Ben. I really like your idea much better than Holland's weld on kit. I'll be going this route since it should be no issue whatsoever to find someone to put this together. With the pinning method, I was having a hard time finding someone I trusted to do the work.

Replied on Mon, Dec 02, 2019 at 11:44 AM CST

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

Quote: "Yes, my slider works as it should with the blocks in. Also, you will have to bend and/or move your 5th wheel handle to the forward hole to give you enough room for the front block on the driver's side. I did on both of mine. Luckily for you you already have a flat area on your legs for the bottom of the blocks to sit. New holland fifth wheels are not setup that way anymore so it adds another step. "

Thanks, Ben. I really like your idea much better than Holland's weld on kit. I'll be going this route since it should be no issue whatsoever to find someone to put this together. With the pinning method, I was having a hard time finding someone I trusted to do the work.