Inspection of a tractor trailer 5th wheel plate and kingpin is an absolute necessity for ensuring operational and road safety; however, this inspection is often neglected, overlooking rusted, corroded, or cracked parts that need repair or replacement.

85%-90% of 5th wheel plate failures are found during the DOT inspection.

In this video, Lead Service Technician, Larry Anders, walks us through our 5-point process and showcases what sets Utility Keystone Trailer Sales service team apart from the rest.

Utility Keystone's 5^th wheel plate repair and replacement process:

1) Inspection Phase:

• Check Kingpin and verify wear:
  A kingpin gauge is used to check for wear and tear. If damage found, the kingpin will be replaced. Larry explains, "a worn kingpin can be responsible for drivers experiencing a loose trailer hook up or sliding trailer, or even resulting in a runaway trailer. Greasing the 5th wheel can help prevent wear and your kingpin will last much longer

• Check supports and look for holes/rust damage (inside check)

• Check functionality of air and electric, noting nonworking components

2) Removal Phase:

• Disconnect air and electric

• Remove bottom rail rivets and cut floor screws

• Plan rebuild/restoration

3) Rebuild Phase:

• First, we replace all rusted vertical and horizontal support gussets on the approach plate. In rare occasions, we'll rebuild the entire plate from scratch with measurements and specs from the original plate. 

• Then, the rebuilt approach plate is fitted to a new universal plate.

4) Reinstall Phase:

• Test fit new 5^th wheel plate and rerun wires and connections.

• Test and replace any faulty connections.

• Redrill new rivet holes

• Finally, the newly rebuilt 5th wheel plate is installed using 3/8 stainless rivets, these help cover the workload of the floor screws that were removed. These 3/8” stainless rivets are much stronger than a bolt or steel rivet or aluminum rivet.

5) Test Phase:

• Reconnect air/electric connections.

• Test durability and reliability of plate.