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    You are at:Home»Do-It-Yourself – “How To…”»Upgrading to an Aluminum 5th Wheel
    Do-It-Yourself – “How To…”

    Upgrading to an Aluminum 5th Wheel

    By Bryan MartinMay 1, 20182 Comments2 Mins Read
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    Swapping from a standard Holland 5th wheel plate to an aluminum top plate (#09-05110212) is easy. Not many parts replacement projects are as simple and straight-forward as removing and replacing a late model Holland 5th wheel plate. The job requires a minimal number of tools, along with just a lil’ cash, time and muscle!

    Step 1: Remove the small ‘Pin Keeper’ bolts on both sides of the 5th wheel plate. Once the bolts are removed, the large pivot pins merely slide out. Using a pair of pliers, you may have to twist them while pulling them outward.

    MayHowTo1A

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    Step 2: Using a fork lift, a cherry picker or perhaps two or three of your buddies, lift the old 5th wheel up and out of the way.

    MayHowTo2

    Step 3: Before setting the new aluminum plate into position, inspect the pivot bushings and make sure they are in good condition. They most likely will need to be replaced and, if so, there is no better time than RIGHT NOW to change them!

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    Step 4: Insert the large pivot pins on each side. Install the ‘Pin Keeper’ bolts and nuts and tighten securely… and you are done!

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    BONUS: 100 LBS! Light weight. On average, save 100 pounds versus a standard steel 5th wheel plate.

    TIP: 1” TALLER! Be advised that the aluminum plate is approx. 1” thicker/taller than the standard version, so it does raise your trailer height by 1”.

    ANOTHER BONUS: NO GREASE! Built-In Teflon pads means no grease and no mess, which makes for one happy driver!

    Check out more aluminum Holland 5th wheel parts for your big rig at www.4statetrucks.com – home of the Chrome Shop Mafia!!

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    Bryan Martin

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    2 Comments

    1. Ronald Toews on June 21, 2019 7:13 pm

      Is a aluminum fifth wheel taller than a steel one

      Reply
    2. Jeb Smyth on December 2, 2020 10:58 am

      What’s the capacity of the Aluminum plate vs the heavy duty plate that was removed from this unit? Also, why do you not mention having to use a different bushing in step 3 for the smaller pin required by the aluminum plate? Why are you using grease on top of the riser legs, when you are using the pocket inserts?

      Reply
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