Lippert Components Curt Rota-Flex Pin Box - User Manual

Rota-Flex™
Pin Box
OWNER'S MANUAL

Summary

Safety Information

Safety Symbol Definitions

Explains the meaning and risks associated with WARNING and CAUTION safety symbols.

Recommended Safety Equipment

Recommends wearing eye, hearing protection, and gloves during operation.

Operation and Hitching

Hitching Procedure Overview

Key steps for safely connecting the Rota-Flex Pin Box to the fifth wheel hitch.

Hitching Safety Warnings

Critical warnings on hitching safety, vehicle stability, and proper jack usage.

Pull Test Procedure

Final Hitching Checks

Connect cables, verify hitch engagement, and prepare for the Pull Test.

Performing the Pull Test

Steps to secure, test, and verify the hitch connection for safety.

Post-Pull Test Actions

Actions post-test: raise landing gear, check circuits, remove chocks.

Troubleshooting Guide

Common Hitching Problems

Solutions for trailer leveling, skid pad issues, and tow vehicle chucking.

Maintenance Schedule

Inspection and Lubrication

Inspect kingpin, pads, bolts, bearings; grease seasonally as per recommendations.

Grease Compatibility Warning

Critical warning against mixing incompatible greases due to health risks.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Usage Features
3. Maintenance Features
4. Troubleshooting

The CURT ROTA-FLEX™ PIN BOX is a component designed for fifth-wheel trailers, serving as the connection point between the trailer and the tow vehicle's fifth-wheel hitch. Its primary function is to provide a secure and stable towing experience, while also incorporating features to enhance ride comfort and reduce stress on the towing system.

Function Description:

The ROTA-FLEX™ PIN BOX is engineered to absorb and dampen road shock and vibrations, which are common during towing. This is achieved through its unique design, which likely incorporates a rubber compression bumper system or similar dampening mechanism. By mitigating these forces, the pin box helps to reduce "chucking" (fore-and-aft movement) in the tow vehicle and provides a smoother ride for the occupants. It connects to the fifth-wheel hitch via a kingpin, which slides into the hitch's receiver and is secured by its jaws. The skid plate on the pin box is designed to rest on the hitch, ensuring proper engagement.

Usage Features:

• Hitching Procedure:

  • Safety First: Before hitching, ensure the tow vehicle and trailer are secured against movement using wheel chocks and the tow vehicle's emergency brake.
  • Tailgate Clearance: If necessary, lower the tow vehicle's tailgate, being mindful of potential clearance issues with the trailer.
  • Trailer Height Adjustment: Use the trailer's landing gear to adjust the trailer height. The bottom of the pin box should be positioned 1/2" to 1" below the top portion of the hitch skid plate. This precise height adjustment is crucial for proper kingpin engagement.
  • Hitch Jaw Operation: Open the jaws on the fifth-wheel head according to the hitch manufacturer's instructions.
  • Backing Up: Slowly back the tow vehicle towards the trailer until the hitch contacts the bottom of the pin box, and the kingpin slides into the receiver.
  • Latching: Latch the fifth-wheel hitch in the closed position as per the manufacturer's instructions.
  • Verification: With trailer wheels still chocked, confirm several points: landing gear is on firm, level ground and fully supports the trailer's weight; tow vehicle is stationary with the emergency brake on; the bottom of the pin box is resting on top of the hitch; and there is no space between the mating surfaces. If space exists, the trailer is not properly hitched, and the process must be repeated.
  • Electrical Connections: Connect all necessary electrical cables between the tow vehicle and trailer.
  • Pull Test Requirement: A pull test must be conducted before towing to ensure a secure connection.

• Pull Test:

  • Preparation: Ensure trailer wheels are chocked, landing gear is supporting the trailer on firm ground, and the tow vehicle is in park with the emergency brake engaged. Double-check that the tailgate is lowered.
  • Execution: Release the tow vehicle's emergency brake, apply the trailer brakes, and slowly pull the trailer forward with the tow vehicle.
  • Outcome: If properly hitched, the wheel chocks and trailer brakes should prevent the truck from moving. If the trailer is not properly hitched, it will separate from the hitch, and the truck will move forward. In this case, the hitching procedure must be repeated.
  • Post-Test: After a successful pull test, fully raise the landing gear, raise the truck's tailgate, check all electrical circuits (clearance, turn, stop lights), and remove wheel chocks.

Maintenance Features:

Regular maintenance is essential to ensure the longevity and safe operation of the ROTA-FLEX™ PIN BOX.

• Kingpin Inspection: Annually inspect the kingpin for excessive wear.
• Skid Pad Inspection:
  • Check the skid pad for a neutral (centered) position when disconnected from the tow vehicle. An equal gap of approximately 1" to 1¼" should be observed between the lip of the skid pad and the rubber compression bumpers.
  • It's normal for the skid pad assembly to have slight movement and twist by hand.
  • If the skid pad assembly does not return to a neutral position when disconnected, check for loose or torn rubber shear springs.
• Retainment Rods Inspection: Inspect retainment rods for excessive wear. Minor surface scratch marks from occasional contact are acceptable, but significant wear should be minimal.
• Plastic Glide Pads Inspection: Inspect plastic glide pads for excessive wear. The thickness should be no less than ¾”.
• Bolt Torque: Periodically check the torque values of all bolts to ensure they are properly tightened.
• Bearing and Grease Check:
  • Check the bearing and grease once per season.
  • If more grease is needed, add it to the bearing assembly.
  • Grease Compatibility Warning: Do not mix lithium, calcium, sodium, or barium complex greases. Mixing incompatible compounds can create corrosive and/or toxic chemicals with harmful fumes. If converting from one grease type to another, completely remove old grease before applying new grease.
  • Approved Bearing Greases: Mobilgrease HP, Ronex MP, Kendall L-427, Valvoline Val-plex EP Grease, Premium Wheel Bearing Grease 707L.

Troubleshooting:

• Trailer Not Level: Adjust the pin box or hitch accordingly.
• Excessive Bottoming of Skid Pad Assembly / Chucking in Tow Vehicle:
  • Inspect rubber compression bumpers to ensure they are in place.
  • Check trailer brakes for proper operation.
  • If issues persist, it may be necessary to install a shear spring with a different spring rate.
• Skid Pad Assembly Not Returning to Neutral Position: Check for loose or torn rubber shear spring.
• Excessive Noise from Pin Box Area:
  • Verify the pin box is securely attached to the fifth wheel.
  • If the kingpin is excessively worn, the skid pad may need replacement.
  • Hitch mechanisms can also cause noise; verify that unwanted noise is not originating from the hitch. Consult the hitch manufacturer for guidance on this check.

The ROTA-FLEX™ PIN BOX is designed to be a reliable and low-maintenance component, but adherence to the recommended usage and maintenance procedures is critical for optimal performance and safety.

Lippert Components Curt Rota-Flex Pin Box Specifications