How to slide your 5th wheel (and why). You Asked, I Delivered

Many of yiu have been asking me about the 5th wheel. Does your 5th wheel slide? What hole should my 5th wheel be in? Why slide your 5th wheel? How do you slide the 5th wheel?
All your questions answered!
If you enjoy my videos, please subscribe and click the notification bell so you don't miss my future videos.
Interested in becoming a truck driver in the USA?
Visit driveforprime.com and complete a free, no obligation application. Tell them JJ Paulson (Driver Code PAUJAJ) sent you.
As an Amazon Affiliate, I may earn commissions from qualifying purchases that use any amazon.com or amzn.to links posted by me in the video description or comments. Thank you for your support. It helps me to grow my channel by purchasing better tools to create better videos.

[@JJtheTrucker]

If you enjoy my videos, please subscribe and click the notification bell so you don't miss my future videos. Interested in becoming a truck driver in the USA? Visit driveforprime.com and complete a free, no obligation application. Tell them JJ Paulson (Driver Code PAUJAJ) sent you. As an Amazon Affiliate, I may earn commissions from qualifying purchases that use any amazon.com or amzn.to links posted by me in the video description or comments. Thank you for your support. It helps me to grow my channel by purchasing better tools to create better videos.

[@TheTruthseeker707]

Great info. Thanks

[@georgearceneaux]

33³ the

[@alfredovillarreal1197]

Good video !!! For the guys doing port or intermodal chassis Be very careful sliding the 5th wheel to far forward you will tear up your mud flaps and or Chassis when cornering or getting into a tight spot Especially the 20’ chassis.

[@juniortrucker3389]

The more and more I see your truck the more and more I like your Peterbilt.

[@user-td4pz1xq1p]

This is great. I needed to know this short notice, and your method of explaining and showing the process is perfect. I’m not ashamed to say “walk me through this like I’m an idiot”. Thank you man.

[@CubanoLibre80]

Great video JJ, as usual!..... it would have been good to test it as well... drive to a section of a road or truck stop and try to do a U turn. Stop and GOAL. And show that (just an Idea). Just to reconfirm not only the space between the ferring and the refer is good but the stretch of the hoses and cables is good also

[@tom7110]

Very very good video JJ. The way that you explain yourself and executive the job at hand is amazing. I'm not saying to be a trainer but, you are very good at showing how to do something. Hats off to you my friend. I admire that in you. Be safe and KEEP ON TRUCKING !!!

[@Staticsun]

My trainer was horrible. I really appreciate a good teacher. Currently hating the job. I've only got 6 months in. Thought I'd be making at least decent money starting off but it hasn't been great. Need money so I rarely take hometime. I wouldn't mind being out so long if the paychecks were better. 48 years old andPraying my next move will be to a better company. Worried about tine. One I Don't feel like a slave and a number. Constantly getting live load and unloads, often waiting more than a day to recieve another load after delivery of the last one. Any advice from anyone would be greatly appreciated.

[@JJtheTrucker]

I hear ya. You've probably heard this before but Trucking goes in waves. Right now we are in a low point because the economy slowed down and there were too many drivers. A lot of those drivers are quitting or getting out which will eventually help. And when the economy starts picking back up then everything is just the opposite and you'll be making money hand over fist and you won't know what to do with it all. That's when more and more people start getting into Trucking which balances it out until there are too many drivers and the economy slows down again and then you're back at this point. It's a cycle that will never end. If you can make it through this low cycle then you can make it through anything and you will eventually make a lot of money. Many people are believing that it will start picking up throughout this summer and start that upward Trend again. Hope this helps and hang in there. Good luck with everything

[@Wooptywooo]

Find a new company. Good economy or not I’m still making decent money. Big companies are good for training but after that you need to leave. go to mgm, mgl, or stl thank me later💪🏾

[@georgewilson1184]

In my time I had air slide and manual pull lever pin release mechanism Some times you have to get a hammer and nail punch and a can of PB blaster to get some action but if you own your tractor or drive the same unit all the time you can maintain it and lubricate it and there should be know problems but when you are in a slip seat operation there are always hiccups all day long with every aspect of the equipment Good video JJ

[@truckingwithcrete]

Very good JJ believe me couldn't done it better myself 😆😆

[@ivoryjohnson4662]

Thanks JJ for explaining it for “the rest of us”

[@jesusizhere]

Sweet truck and great explanation! Thanks for the content JJ!

[@amindadkhah4387]

Very helpful and awesome explanation. Bravo

[@WildhareXXX]

Great video. Very well done!

[@peteschiavoni]

Very cool video. Nice to see all of the other stuff truckers know.

[@Nick-vz2hr]

JJ great video I love videos about the technical side of things keep up the good work and please keep them coming. Stay safe out there.

[@justinoaks9231]

Always great stuff my friend!

[@meavey38]

Nice Video, Thanks JJ

[@hadishhaile5664]

Finally I got what I was looking for.. Great Job..God bless you all the time. 🙏👍

[@jamesdjesse]

Hey JJ. I have been driving since 2004. I really think this is the best video on this subject I have seen. Good job.

[@theboomboxshowatl5519]

Very helpful video. Thanks

[@willcrockett7732]

Great job JJ! I just switched over to a Peterbilt and your video was very helpful. Thanks!

[@frankrodriguezit]

Good video, thank u for posting 👍🏽

[@raramuri2013]

Thank you so much for that great explanation and for the time you spend to made the video, I am trying to get my CDL and learn the most I can, found your on KZbin I am ready subscribed to your channel, persons like me really appreciate that kind of information, God bless you…and protect all the truckers on the road..

[@chitownshank3164]

My 5th week solo I did this by accident. I meant to release the king pin. Trying to leave and I was like wtf is going on! Lol.

[@naneherbert6712]

That was quick and to the point 💯💯

[@MaksMaks-ov8nd]

So clean truck

[@WildBeardTrucking]

Solid video and good information.

[@GabrielG80]

Excellent video!

[@TheReese3000]

THANKS, GREAT VIDEO

[@benabraham9995]

Well explained. Thanks bro

[@surafel.]

wow, this is the best video on sliding the fifth wheel for me. Thank you, Sir!

[@igotbig1333]

Thank you. You explain how to do it perfectly. Didn't know about the hose on the catwalk violation.

[@gipsydanger316]

Super Informative,,, 👍 Keep it up Great Contents.

[@ramazanali2615]

Thank you sir this video was very helpful for me

[@robertfranki5477]

Very good video about the fifth wheel movement. Excellent before, during and after photos

[@adrianhidalgo9699]

Ur the best JJ

[@calebbennington7322]

Another Great video man

[@BADALICE]

That was cool. I just got my learners permit. Now I'm all interested in learning everything I can about trucks; so I don't make an *ss of myself when I get out there. Nice rig.

[@fairywireontheroad6914]

The best video on KZbin about 5th wheel...

[@JJtheTrucker]

Thanks. Love your channel BTW. Glad you're back, even if it's just a vid here and there. And I really love your favorite word... Shiaaat! 😁😁😁

[@fairywireontheroad6914]

@@JJtheTrucker Thank you so much !!

[@dimensioniam283]

Great video thanks

[@risbertrisbert4188]

Excellent 👌

[@MohamedHassan-qx8cz]

As a new driver I was afraid to touch the fifty wheel, not after watching this clip. Thank you for posting this very valuable video

[@jayrhough1912]

Great video.

[@GONZOTHETRUCKER]

Great vidja brotha!

[@BackroadsHomestead]

Thanks man, I came from flatbed and had to learn how to move my tandems by myself but had no idea how to move the fifth wheel

[@365redeye]

Thanks Bud

[@brianc7746]

11:21 that spring clip can get caught in the teeth of the deck plate. if it got lodged in between the gaps on the deck and you turn you could rip your lines from the trailer. secondly look at the slack in your service and emergency air lines and look at the tension on the ELE cord. if you cut the air lines down about 3" on each side it will help 2 fold. it would raise your lines off the deck and take pressure off your ELE cord connectors.

[@PaulThomasHarris]

Excellent, my trainer never explained the method to slide the 5th wheel.

[@drewrbunn]

My driving school didn't even show me. KZbin to the rescue.

[@JJtheTrucker]

To be honest, it's not really something that you would learn in a typical CDL driving school. It's something that you would learn in your extended training with the company that is hiring you. However a lot of trainers and people generally do not move their fifth wheels so it often gets overlooked. That's why I decided to make this video, to help people out in case it was ever needed.

[@youfirst4174]

NICE VIDEO!

[@vadimbinevschii498]

Thank you very much.Interesting

[@joseoyervidez311]

Thank you amigo ❤

[@sheldonmcdowell-seatatthet8217]

Wow! What an education in a matter of minutes! Very well explained!

[@JJtheTrucker]

Thanks Sheldon.

[@None-gm4yk]

Thank you

[@alexh7982]

Thanks ☺️!!!!

[@kooshinmohamed7679]

Thanks bro you help to move my 5th wheel

[@arazguliyev2474]

Thank you Man. I just done how said. You saved me.

[@JJtheTrucker]

Glad I could help

[@harryknutts8428]

Great video this makes life easier because eventually you have to slide your fifth wheel to get a load to be legal. Just wanted to update My , I’m not sure I haven’t watched the video in a while, but it always slows easier with an empty trailer and then if you do intermodal it possible to hook it to a chassis with no container on it and it slows even easier.

[@OSheaShenanigans]

Great video as always JJ! I know how you feel about training, but honestly, you would make a fantastic trainer!

[@JJtheTrucker]

Thanks Brian. That's what I'm doing... Virtually... 2020 style 😁😁😁

[@dpd3802]

Visuals and explanation are great!

[@dannyguerrero3501]

Thanks J know what is the sliding 😊

[@josephboley]

New subscriber here ✌️✌️ enjoying the content so far. Stay safe out there 🙏🙏

[@JJtheTrucker]

Hey Joseph, welcome to the channel. Glad to have you here and glad you are enjoying the content. Have a great day.

[@curtiswilson8193]

Nice truck..god bless

[@wthshorts9287]

Thanks

[@stihan58]

Awesome

[@johncalvo1743]

That's the cleanest 5th wheel I've ever seen! So, I need to move my 5th wheel forward because the guy I bought the truck from had it in the last hole. So the increase in turning radius is KILLING me when I'm in tight spots. Can the 5th wheel be moved if you're just bobtailing?

[@cjeverette5906]

Im glad he made this video cs I bn wondering how to do tht

[@JJtheTrucker]

Tks

[@blacksodomia187]

awesome

[@michaelusausa]

Great 👍 ❤🎉🎉🎉

[@jayzee2882]

Good luck moving it that easy if you got dirt and rust on that fifth wheel last time it took me an hour to do it but I love how easy you did it lol

[@crimsonwolf8391]

Makes me feel better about it taking me 45 mins in an old freightliner.

[@johncalvo1743]

@@crimsonwolf8391 I'll be doing that this week!

[@MeatEaterzs]

Great info JJ.. I have a suggestion for a video. Can you make a video of the difference between the Freightliner Jake breaks and the Peterbilt Jake breaks..I’m currently doing TNT with Prime and driving a Freightliner and really like how the Jake Breaks work, especially on those steep declines. I wanted to see how the Peterbilt works

[@JJtheTrucker]

I have a Jake brake video on the to do list, but as for a comparison, they're virtually the same.

[@richardrodriguez9098]

Awesome video JJ!! Would it be possible to show how you move the tandems? And do you have a weight loader in your dash ? Stay safe brother!!😎👍🏼

[@JJtheTrucker]

It's on my to-do list. And yes I do have a scale in the cab.

[@yuzumizoponzu3780]

5th wheel is properly mounted and secured, not cracked, bent or broken🤦🏽‍♂️. I got pre trip ptsd.

[@JJtheTrucker]

Roflmao 🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂

[@vasquezalfred]

I have 18,800 pounds on my drives…. it’s a New Truck 2023 Freightliner, I’ve learned to center your fifth wheel between your drives. Even an extra notch beyond center. (Towards the cab). Omg it makes it so much easier to judge exactly where to slide your tandems! WARNING: you will lose your tight radius!! So please!! Always ALWAYS know that.

[@bernadetteleonard4940]

Thanks for that!

[@Volkpilot]

But if you owner , the closer the trailer is to the cabin, the greater the fuel savings.

[@davidwilliams3520]

Great video! Now I actually understand the why behind the movement.

[@cloroxlysolbleachwhipes8658]

Ok you made this video for me 😁🤫 ... only because I know I asked this question a little while ago 😂

[@JJtheTrucker]

You Asked, I Delivered 😁

[@JasonweedQ3]

Good info, but I never move mines haven't in over 10 years😂😉👍🏾. If the load doesn't weigh right with my settings, I'm taking it back loool. But make sure you keep it greased use lucas spray grease .

[@PK-rl7qv]

I’m waiting your pre trip Air Brake Check..

[@mouhammedrasoull7710]

Call me when he do it he is teaching good 😂😂❤❤

[@drewrbunn]

Already had this knowledge, just wanted to see your presentation. Good tutorial. Wondering why you chose the landing gear over the tractor air suspension to take tension off your slide pins. Wok smart not hard and all that..

[@JJtheTrucker]

I found from my drop and hook video, that I was gating a lot of comments from people that didn't have a dump valve. Also, dumping the air could lower the 5th wheel too much of you don't set the gear down to the right spot.

[@Antattack22]

I have my fifth wheel all the way to the front and haven’t had issues with scale loads the previous driver of this truck had it all the way to back idk why

[@RunninMiles]

Awesome video, JJ! Love video's like this. Great work! Do you have a facebook page?

[@JJtheTrucker]

Thanks. Nope, I disowned FB a couple of years ago and have never been happier. 😊

[@RunninMiles]

@@JJtheTrucker I do not blame you one bit! I am actually thinking about doing the same.

[@JJtheTrucker]

it's the most elite group you can join. The no Facebook group LOL

[@DannyMack100]

Sorry I'm just seeing this been solid on the road friend. Were you in Greenville SC? That blue building behind you looked familiar. Dude I live in SC would have loved to treat you to a Steak! How you liking the Paccar engine? Im loving the X-15 in my Vulva this truck rides like a dream! I run my 5th wheel up front to. Back is good for stretched trucks that's bout it in my opinion. How's good does the Engine pull heavyweight?

[@kingsleysarfo.]

Wait so it’s opposite than the tandems ? You slide to the problem to take weight off but for the 5th wheel you slide to the the place you want to add weight to ?

[@bcooper7352]

I see someone else mentioned moving the 5th wheel forward gets the trailer out of the wind for better mileage. I was looking on Peterbilt's website and they show peak torque on the MX engine is at 900 rpm. In 12th gear what speed would they be at roughly? Just comparing Cascadia is geared so peak torque is 1200 rpm which in my trainers truck is about 65. Just food for thought. Another great video sir.

[@JJtheTrucker]

Thanks B-Coop. I don't think this engine/transmission setup would be at 900. At 900, this thing is lugging and shaking horribly. They say the sweet spot for this engine is 1100 to 1400 RPMs. In 12th, at 65 mph on flat ground, I'm hovering around 1050 RPMs. Seems like 70 would be an optimal speed. Of course, no way for me to confirm that. If I drive 55, in 11th, I'm around 1300 to 1350 RPMs.

[@bcooper7352]

@@JJtheTrucker I thought 900 sounded pretty low. I know in my trainers FL once you start up a hill and drop below like 1300 you just as well shift down or it drops like a rock! How is the power in your Pete?

[@JJtheTrucker]

It's OK, a little better than the FL, but still all about the fuel savings instead of power. It pulls up hills a little better.

[@phillipcleveland5207]

A very good video. I noticed during the better angle shot it looked like it was raining. Did you wash the truck before the rain LOL? Be safe out there

[@JJtheTrucker]

Roflmao It sure did! That video was shot during my last weekly update, after the first truck wash.

[@brandonjones152]

How long did you drive before you made your own authority?

[@mexicatrucker6309]

I did this once a year ago and have been trying to do it again on new truck and can't. I forgot about the landing gear... smh

[@normanjohnston5383]

Also helps with pups if you have to haul one slide all the way to the back so your mud flaps don’t hit the landing gear

[@jerrykinnin7941]

I pull all the trailers so I like finding the hole that puts the steers at 12000 lbs full fuel and gear. Now move the slide plate back so the front hole of the slider is your 12000 lb hole. Now you got enough slide to pull pups or strange trailers. If you got the money you can buy additional slide track to do the same thing but my way is cheaper.

[@jerrykinnin7941]

Those square holes are worth 500 lbs.

[@johncalvo1743]

@@jerrykinnin7941 Are you sure about that? On the tandems they're only about 350 and these don't have as much separation.

[@jerrykinnin7941]

@@johncalvo1743 there are 2 style holes on the trailer slides. Close and far. Far is about 500 close is about 300. The slider on a Fontaine 5thWheel is 500 a hole. The 2 pin style 250a hole. I got a Holland now on a freightliner. I've yet to figure out. But that all the way forward will get you 12000 lbs on the steers with a 40ft tri-axle Pratt dump chassis with a 20 ft can grossing 45,800 lbs in the box and 79000 lbs and high change.

[@jerrykinnin7941]

And I would love for my boss to chop the frame ends off the rear of the truck frame even with the last cross member. Schneider container style. Then all my container chassis have the JBHUNT style shallow drop chassis rails with an 18" kingpin setting for a 40', 30" for a 45', 36" for a 53' I'd be able to scale 47000 lb in a 40ft container with a 51ft 5axle bridge and only be 58ft long overall. The 45ft container would have the 40ft Cali bridge for a 55ft overall 5axle bridge At 62ft total bumper to bumper. 53ft would come in at 55overall bridge and under 70ft long overall. Now how to get the 45 And 53 lite enough to scale 46000lbs and the 40ft to scale 50000 lb

[@rchrd1bolt]

How many lbs off your drives per notch Of slide? Care full JJ trailer is closer , when you U turn . Love the videos . I keep looking for the Dragon Truck on the road !

[@JJtheTrucker]

That all depends on how much is in the trailer and how it's distributed. There's no set amount.

[@drewrbunn]

General rule is 250-300lbs, but that varies based on 5th wheel manufacturer.

[@rchrd1bolt]

@@drewrbunn lol , I knew it was 300lbs .

[@1Hale-of-a-Trucker]

Does the 2020 peterbilt have in cab 5th wheel release button ,or do you have to manually release the king pin from the 5th wheel ,, im coming from a freightliner

[@JJtheTrucker]

It's manual. As far as I know, only Volvo has the in cab release. Seems like it'd be convenient, but you're already outside dropping the landing gear and disconnecting hoses, so I dunno that it's all that great of a feature. In fact, I'd hate to accidentally push that button and drop the trailer. 🫣

[@1Hale-of-a-Trucker]

@@JJtheTrucker thanks for your reply, and yeah your right ,your already outside dropping landing gear and pulling hoses ,so 1 extra step really isn't a big deal , thanks stay safe out there

[@theAsterisk]

@@JJtheTrucker International has it, at least on some. It's on the LT I've been assigned for a few weeks. Not really any faster than the manual release on my old Freightliner, though, since I still don't trust it enough to forgo a look to verify each time I use it. Makes you hold it for a solid few seconds of irritating beeping before it will work, so an accidental bump of the button shouldn't drop the trailer.

[@wthshorts9287]

Hi man I have the same truck

[@HerrmannThompson]

Would I want the fifth wheel all the way forward or all the way back if I'm making tight turns in a city?

[@GoSpankYourMom4Me8514]

All the way forward....

[@JJtheTrucker]

I concur with Andrew. The shorter the wheelbase, the better your turning radius will be.

[@Brsrafal]

So just want to know what you guys think I'm a flatbed driver I haul pipe split axle trailer with a peterbilt 579 sleeper tractpr. I recently slid the 5th wheel all the way back ( before it was second to last hole) I figured it will give me better turning and uturn capabilities without worrying about hitting the tractor I'm in nj ny md pa de area I do good amount of city driving and I at times have to go into tight spots make tight turns and some unavoidable uturns. So will having it all the way back effect my turning or backing ? what about winter driving if i'm too light on my steers?? again before it was in second to last so I believe i wont feel a difference at all the truck is in the shop now for maintenance so i'm just analyzing on down time lol

[@johncalvo1743]

My 5th wheel is in the last hole right now and I'm going to have to move it. The increase in turning radius will kill you in tight spots, even if your tandems are all the way up. If you run inner cities in the East, I suggest you move your 5th about to the halfway point.

[@sarahmathias9463]

What's with the Super Singles on the rear? What benefit do those have over normal duallies?

[@JJtheTrucker]

Better fuel mileage, less chance of blowouts when punctured, better traction and control during slippery conditions, less expensive, better wear and a few more. The down side is that if you blow a dual, you can often times still limp the truck to a garage. With singles, you can't.

[@JJtheTrucker]

Matt, I'm fairly sure Prime gets a kickback with nearly every company that they purchase from regardless of the product. I'm sure that if they bought dual tires, they would get a kick back from them as well. But Prime is definitely saving money on all of the items that I listed.

[@sirgod9276]

good vid, you would have thought since its nearly 2021 they would have made an air motor to put on the trailers to raise and lower the land gear. ?

[@JJtheTrucker]

Exactly! Or an electric motor. It would still need to have a manual crank as a backup and maybe that's the issue but still you would think they would be able to figure out something LOL. Maybe that would be a good thing for you to invent and get a patent for.

[@JJtheTrucker]

I think you're on to something.

[@sirgod9276]

@@JJtheTrucker little off topic here..i was watching a cool video about solar panels for trucks powering the apu for 12 hours or more.. you ever thought of that ?

[@sirgod9276]

@@matt89108 you can but them of amazon for like $130 a panel . just get 2 flexible solar panels and inverter.they also use them on canal boats here in the uk and they cost very little to buy no idea why you paid so much.. only 2 panels needed

[@JJtheTrucker]

I've thought about looking into it... Eventually. Once I get some free time lol. If they work well, I'd love to do it.

[@JoeSmith-ll3uj]

What are some things to get for cooking with or withought an apu

[@JJtheTrucker]

Other than a microwave oven I have no idea LOL. I don't cook anything unless it's microwavable. I do make a lot of salads and sandwiches. I have seen other truckers with slow cookers and there's another type of Cooker out there that's like a slow cooker but it's faster but I'm not sure what it's called. Not really my forte.

[@JoeSmith-ll3uj]

@@JJtheTrucker thanks for the info

[@danflagg5280]

JJ does the system automatically adjust one space at a time or is it a trial and error process?

[@ryanpatterson336]

Trial and error

[@harryknutts8428]

I always like to ride with my fifth wheel all the way to the back but I’ve recently kind of changed my mind and think maybe it’s better a little bit more towards the front right now I have it like one notch closer to the front from halfway and I don’t have any trouble making turns and I weighed I’ll 41,800 pound load today and I was able to fill the whole fuel tank and I was still only about 33,000 on the drive axle whereas if you had it all the way to the back he might be overweight on your drive actual like 34,200 or something which doesn’t sound like much goes in about 200 miles you’ll lose that weight but he might go through a scale burst I went through a scale today which was a surprise first time I’ve been through one like that in a while and it was a creep through scale where they Weighed each axle one at a time so if you was over they were going to find out this is a easy job if you don’t play the hook and book game sooner or later they get you in trouble

[@hunterlee1401]

Where were you in sc I live there

[@sevenseries6497]

good day Sir just to be sure why is it called the 5th wheel..not refer to it as a 3rd row tire axle..is there a code or system for that..thank you

[@JJtheTrucker]

TBH, I'm not 100% sure why it's called the fifth wheel. I've always assumed that it was because old trailers only had four wheels in the back and needed that fifth wheel up front. I could be completely wrong about that though LOL

[@sevenseries6497]

​@@JJtheTruckerthank you Sir..just be careful always on your work duties everyday..

[@samknott6294]

Why do people think they have to crank the dollies to take the pressure off? Just put them down and drop your suspension it's that simple.

[@honeyBTV]

Thank you I just dropped my airbags and that helped me move my fifth wheel for the first time by myself❤

[@akaiwilliams6043]

So you don't need to put them down just drop air bags

[@stretch273]

What if there is no drop button?

[@samknott6294]

@Stretch I never seen one that couldn't drop the air bags. Unless the truck was really old I guess. Then you do what you gotta do right. But if you do have them there's no need to crank until you see daylight between the fifth wheel and the plate. That's when you use your common sense!!

[@samknott6294]

@@akaiwilliams6043 Did you read the comment?

[@longliner205a4]

What length wheelbase is your truck, it looks to be around a 240" wheelbase.

[@JJtheTrucker]

244