How To Block Up a Fifth Wheel (Stop Fifth Wheel From Shaking)
It is easy, just time consuming. When you want your trailer to stop shaking, you just have to add some blocks in some key spots. The important thing NOT to do is to not take the weight off the wheels. These wheels provide a lot of support for your trailer.
Blocking up your 5th wheel is not that hard. Add some cinder blocks to key spots on your frame then use wood shims to help make the support nice and solid. This is not a hard task to do, but it is time-consuming as you have to make adjustments to get it all right and keep the 5th wheel level.
To learn more about how to do this task, just continue to read our article. It has the information you want to know about so you avoid making any support mistakes. Take a couple of minutes to get this information and see how it helps you shore up your trailer.
How To Block Up a Fifth Wheel
Most people generally place a pile of cinder blocks on top of each other and let it go at that. It is a good temporary fix to keep your 5th wheel from shaking. But it is not a great long-term fix.
Over time, the block can crack and then you would have to do the work all over again. One way would be to put a piece of lumber between the concrete and the first block, then another on top of each block until finally, you place a piece of lumber between the steel frame and the top block.
This method is supposed to stop the cracking of the blocks. Some owners use concrete blocks coupled with screw jacks to keep the trailer from shaking. Their setup is seasonal so they have a little leeway and shouldn’t have to worry about cracks.
Another important place to support with cinder blocks is the spring hanger locations. These help support the trailer when it is being towed and they make good support points when the trailer is going to sit for a while.
The key to blocking your trailer is to make sure you are supporting the metal frame evenly. If you do not do this the frame can take on a permanent set which is not good for future support times.
Finally, some support under the gooseneck is advisable but do not put any support under the axles. Those are hollow and could get bent over time.
Tips For Blocking Up a Fifth Wheel
The first tip is that you can use your leveling jacks to help provide the anti-shaking support you want. Lippert has said this is fine as long as you cycle the jacks at least once a month.
A second tip would be if you are placing your trailer on concrete pads. You can use floor jacks and 12-inch pieces of lumber to provide the extra stabilizing you need.
Third, you can use your onboard system to get the trailer level to start. Then add your blocks measuring from the frame to the floor. As you work shim when necessary to make sure everything will work as planned.
Once you are done, you can lower the trailer onto the blocks. If you are going to add skirting, make sure those blocks do not interfere with that installation.
A fourth tip would be to use 4 by 4 pressurized treated wood posts. Cut them to 16-inch lengths and then alternate the posts on your way up to the trailer frame. You would be lying the posts on their side as you alternate them.
The reason for using wood posts is that cinder blocks are not the strongest items to use and they can crack or get crushed eventually. You can always drill holes in the blocks to keep them together.
One final tip and it has to do with your tires. If you are blocking your trailer on asphalt, you should put a layer of plywood between the tires and the pavement.
The oil in the asphalt will damage the rubber on the tires. Or you can use those plastic chocks that your tires sit on to elevate them slightly away from the ground. If you are staying in one spot for a while, think about covering those tires to protect them from UV rays.
How To Stop The Fifth Wheel From Shaking
You can give it some hot chocolate, hot tea, or some hot coffee or wrap it in a blanket. This was a bad joke we know but we could not resist. Shaking comes from the 5th wheel trailer not being supported properly.
That is the only source and the only solution is to make sure it is level and shore it up. The best way to shore up your 5th-wheel trailer is to identify the areas that shake the most.
Then look for an unsupported area and provide the needed support. This is a trial and error process but it works and helps you get the support where it is needed.
While you can use your onboard leveling systems and stabilizers, this is not a good thing for long-term storage or stationary lifestyles. These devices can help but other support methods are the best way to go.
If you are using your jacks and stabilizers alone, you will still feel some movement in your trailer. Those devices do not stop 100% of the shaking. That is why you need those other options mentioned earlier.
Some Additional Words
Blocking your trailer is not a difficult task to do. The key is to make sure your trailer is level and the support keeps your frame even. Cinder blocks are the most common item used for this purpose.
However, you can create your own design, use wood or add in your stabilizing jacks to make sure the trailer does not shake as you move. Your length of stay may determine which method you will use.
