5th Wheel Rebuild or Buy New?

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12-30-2006, 10:54 AM

Papa Rick

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Join Date: Sep 2006

Location: North Alabama

Posts: 476

5th Wheel Rebuild or Buy New?

I have very much Slack in my 5th Wheel and it cannot be adjusted anymore. It is a Fontaine with the pull handle on the right side (Old One)

I have a question that I am looking for advice on and this is:

1. Should I have this one rebuilt? Cost $250 to $350.

2. Look for a used one in a Salvage Yard? Cost $150 to $300.

3. Buy a New One? Cost $750 and up.

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12-30-2006, 01:24 PM

GMAN

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Join Date: Feb 2005

Location: Tennessee

Posts: 17,097

I would probably just have the old one rebuilt. It would be about the same as buying new for half the price. If you get one from a salvage or junk yard you may need to replace or repair it before long.

12-30-2006, 02:02 PM

Maniac

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Join Date: Sep 2004

Location: Northeast

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Have it rebuilt by someone who knows how, otherwise buy NEW.

Things can get pretty ugly if the trailer falls off.

12-30-2006, 02:05 PM

sidman82

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Join Date: Jun 2006

Location: Long Island, NY

Posts: 532

Unless your plate is bad, and slop on the side pins,you can buy new wedges for under $100 bucks, it's not to hard to do yourself. You will get a little greasy though.

12-30-2006, 04:30 PM

Sonny Pruitt

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Join Date: Sep 2006

Location: Mahwah,NJ

Posts: 450

I have had my 5th rebuilt over the years
I would not do it myself unless someone is there to show you
There is a spring, jaws and adjusting screw etc ....you don't want to make a mistake
A lot of times the adjusting screw is stripped
If you are planning on keeping the truck I would buy new