Slider tailgate clearance?

Pathman · 05-26-2022, 04:14 AM

Ok, so finally took possession of the new Cougar. Got it delivered to the site actually because on pick up day CW system was down and we couldn’t take it home with us. So they offered to deliver it the 3.5 hours for us free, so took them up on it. However, I missed the wheel time I was looking forward to with the new camper.
Anyway, after the driver dropped it, I hooked up and took it out for a spin and to do some all around checks.
All went fine but I have a question about the clearance of the pin box against the tailgate when the slider is in the rearward position. I dropped the tailgate, moved the slider rearward, and then closed the tailgate, and there’s about a half inch clearance when stationary, so I’m wondering once I Try to make a turn, will the pin box hit the tailgate? I was not wanting to attempt it at that point as everything had gone off “without a hitch” to that point, and I didn’t want to screw the pooch so soon!LOL
So, take a look at the pic and give me your thoughts please.

Thanks.

**chuckster57** · 05-26-2022, 04:40 AM

Sure looks like the pin box will modify your tailgate. I would look at options to replace your tailgate when towing.

notanlines · 05-26-2022, 04:52 AM

At a bare minimum that Trailaire needs to be dropped down the remaining two bolt holes.....BARE minimum. And then Chuckster's idea of a net across the back taking the place of the tailgate.

Canonman · 05-26-2022, 04:55 AM

Way too close in my opinion. I think you're in the market for one of these:https://www.amazon.com/Stromberg-Car...49970011&psc=1
We found we didn't need to put the old tailgate back on after installing this drop version. The old one is in the basement though if we ever sell the truck.
Installation and removal is a 5 minute job.

**chuckster57** · 05-26-2022, 04:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Canonman

Way too close in my opinion. I think you're in the market for one of these:https://www.amazon.com/Stromberg-Car...49970011&psc=1
We found we didn't need to put the old tailgate back on after installing this drop version. The old one is in the basement though if we ever sell the truck.
Installation and removal is a 5 minute job.

I found one of those at a yard sale for $20.00. My factory tailgate has been sitting since 2009.

Pathman · 05-26-2022, 05:22 AM

Thanks guys, Didn’t realize the trailer section can be adjusted, now I see the bolt pattern.

Actually I can adjust the hitch plate up a bit as well, I’ll try that and then see where I’m at and maybe get an alternate tailgate.

bsmith0404 · 05-26-2022, 05:24 AM

How much bed clearance do you have at the side vs the front of the 5th wheel (vertical clearance)? If it’s not at least 5” and if the 5er is nose low when connected, then drop the pin box a couple holes or raise the hitch head. If everything is level and clearance is good, then you can change the tailgate as mentioned or get rid of the slider.

Pathman · 05-26-2022, 05:26 AM

I’ll have to measure that B, won’t be till next week though.

Thanks.

Pathman · 05-26-2022, 05:27 AM

I imagine adjusting the pin box is a dealer thing?

bsmith0404 · 05-26-2022, 05:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pathman

I imagine adjusting the pin box is a dealer thing?

No, you can do it. Some are easier than others. Someone may have a better way, but what I’ve found works is to connect it to the truck, put blocks or a Jack under it to keep it from dropping out, Pull the bolts and raise the RV landing gear. Sometimes they will move easily, sometimes they need some coaxing to get it to move to the next bolt hole. You mentioned you can raise the hitch head, I’d go that route before adjusting the pin box.

wrvond · 05-26-2022, 05:35 AM

I suspect you don't have the tools with you to lower that kingpin, so I have to recommend removal of the tailgate for the drive home for sure.

Pathman · 05-26-2022, 05:39 AM

Copy that B.

Pathman · 05-26-2022, 05:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrvond

I suspect you don't have the tools with you to lower that kingpin, so I have to recommend removal of the tailgate for the drive home for sure.

Hey W, the RV is at my seasonal site, so I can bring tools next time I go down there, I don’t have to drive it home like that, plus it’s only that close with the slider rearward, when it’s in forward position there’s no issue.

bsmith0404 · 05-26-2022, 05:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pathman

Copy that B.

You can call me BS (I’m used to it, Brent or Smitty all work too. Lol.

Pathman · 05-26-2022, 06:03 AM

Ha! Will do Smitty.

wrvond · 05-26-2022, 06:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pathman

Hey W, the RV is at my seasonal site, so I can bring tools next time I go down there, I don’t have to drive it home like that, plus it’s only that close with the slider rearward, when it’s in forward position there’s no issue.

Don't forget a torque wrench!

There are several YouTube videos of people removing and installing kingpins - some are great examples of how NOT to do it.
Smitty's method is a good one, especially if you are working alone. Even the cheapest kingpin is a substantial chunk of metal and can put a hurting on you if it gets away from you.

Pathman · 05-26-2022, 06:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrvond

Don't forget a torque wrench!

There are several YouTube videos of people removing and installing kingpins - some are great examples of how NOT to do it.
Smitty's method is a good one, especially if you are working alone. Even the cheapest kingpin is a substantial chunk of metal and can put a hurting on you if it gets away from you.

Copy that. Yeah I bought torque wrench when I put the hitch together. I’ll check out the vids before I attempt it, but I have good amount of experience taking trains apart in my previous life! LOL

**chuckster57** · 05-26-2022, 06:32 AM

IIRC the bolts for the pin box are torqued to 300+ lb/ft.

And be sure to apply upward pressure on the kingpin before torquing.

Pathman · 05-26-2022, 06:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuckster57

IIRC the bolts for the pin box are torqued to 300+ lb/ft.

And be sure to apply upward pressure on the kingpin before torquing.

Ah, my torque wrench doesn’t go that high, might have to go the dealer route with this job. I can foresee once the bolts are removed having a hard time lining up the holes again once that pin box or hitch head shifts slightly, I’ll think it through a bit.

**chuckster57** · 05-26-2022, 06:49 AM

We use the large one:

https://www.harborfreight.com/pry-ba...-pc-68339.html

To line up the holes. And also use an air impact gun that produces about 850 Lb/Ft. If you just use a LONG breaker bar you’ll probably get them tight enough for a ride home where you probably have air.

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