JAYCO TOWABLE SECTION 3-PRE-TRAVEL INFORMATION
Fifth wheel pin box
The fifth wheel factory installed pin box is not interchangeable. Maintain the proper pin
box weight on the hitch.
Fifth wheel pin box height
There is no recommended hitch height for fifth wheels; usually the fifth wheel pin box is
adjustable for variance in trucks and truck suspension systems.
Adjust the hitch assembly so the tow vehicle and the fifth wheel are essentially level. A
high hitch will transfer weight behind the axles and cause the vehicle to fishtail.
A low hitch will transfer additional weight to the hitch. Refer to the hitch manufacturer
instructions to adjust the weight distributing hitch to the proper height.
FIFTH WHEEL LANDING GEAR
The fifth wheel landing gear can be operated manually. The fifth wheel landing gear must
be fully retracted before moving or towing the RV to prevent damage.
FIFTH WHEEL HITCHING PROCEDURE
Hooking up a fifth wheel will become easier with practice. The following procedure will
help until you become more experienced.
1. Make sure the trailer wheels are blocked.
2. Make sure the hitch lever is in its open or “cocked” position unless it has been
designed to open automatically. Adjust the fifth-wheel travel trailer pin to the proper
height. Lower the tailgate, if applicable.
3. Back the truck so the hitch encircles the fifth-wheel travel trailer pin.
4. A gentle contact of the hitch saddle against the pin will cause the mechanism to close.
5. Secure the hitch lever as specified by the manufacturer.
6. Put the truck in drive (DO NOT press on the accelerator) and ‘bump’ the hitch to
make sure it is locked.
7. Be sure to raise the fifth-wheel landing gear all the way up.
8. Attach the breakaway switch cable to the tow vehicle.
9. Plug the wire harness/connector plug from the tow vehicle to the fifth wheel.
10. Remove the wheel chocks from the trailer wheels.
WIRE HARNESS/CONNECTOR PLUG
A 7-way wire harness/connector plug is wired into your trailer to connect electrical power
from the tow vehicle for travel. This supplies power to the RV brakes, tail lights, clearance
lights, turn signals, brake lights, etc. Wiring to operate your brakes must be the same size
in both the tow vehicle and RV (the RV brake wiring is 12-gauge wire).
When attaching wires to your tow vehicle, carefully and tightly tape all the connections for
moisture protection.
WARNING
DO NOT USE THE FIFTH WHEEL LANDING GEAR TO SUPPORT THE
TOW VEHICLE WEIGHT. The fifth wheel landing gear is designed to bear the
front loaded weight of the RV only.
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