If you've been noticing a bit of slack or a sluggish response when you're coupling up, it might be time to look at a new fontaine fifth wheel spring kit to get your rig back in top shape. It's one of those things that most people don't think about until the handle starts acting stubborn or the jaw doesn't snap shut quite like it used to. But let's be honest—out on the road, the last thing you want to deal with is a fifth wheel that's being temperamental.
The fifth wheel is arguably the most important connection point on your entire setup. When you're pulling eighty thousand pounds, you want that connection to be crisp, tight, and reliable. Fontaine is known for their "No-Slack" technology, but even the best engineering in the world eventually bows down to the laws of physics. Over time, those springs lose their tension, they get caked in old, gritty grease, or they just plain wear out from the constant vibration of the highway.
Why Tension Is Everything
You might wonder why a couple of springs deserve their own kit and a dedicated afternoon of your time. Here's the deal: the springs in your Fontaine fifth wheel are what provide the "snap" that keeps the locking mechanism engaged. If the springs are tired, the locking jaw might not seat properly against the kingpin.
In a Fontaine No-Slack system, the springs play a huge role in the self-adjusting mechanism. This system is designed to automatically take up the slack as the parts wear down over thousands of miles. However, if the springs aren't pulling their weight—literally—the wedge won't move forward to lock things down tight. That's when you start feeling that annoying "clunk" every time you accelerate or brake. It's not just annoying; it's putting extra stress on your components.
Spotting the Warning Signs
So, how do you know if your fontaine fifth wheel spring kit is overdue for an install? Well, your truck usually tells you if you're listening. One of the biggest red flags is a pull handle that feels "mushy." When you go to release the lock, the handle should have a distinct resistance and then a clean release. If it feels like you're pulling through a bucket of molasses, those springs are likely shot or the whole mechanism is gummed up.
Another thing to watch for is the visual check after you've hooked up. You should always be looking to see if the secondary lock is fully engaged. If you find yourself having to give the handle a little "extra nudge" to get it to lock into place, don't ignore that. It's a sign that the internal tension isn't where it needs to be. And let's not forget the rust factor. If you live in a place where they salt the roads in the winter, that brine can eat through the coating on your springs faster than you'd think, leading to brittle metal that's prone to snapping.
What's Actually in the Kit?
When you order a fontaine fifth wheel spring kit, you're usually getting a few specific items that work in tandem. Typically, this includes the main jaw spring, the timer spring (or secondary lock spring), and sometimes the handle spring depending on which specific model you're running.
You'll also usually find new cotter pins and perhaps some bushings. Don't be that person who tries to reuse an old, rusty cotter pin. It's a five-cent part that holds everything together—just use the new ones. The goal of the kit is to refresh the entire tension system so that everything moves at the same rate. Replacing just one spring while leaving two old, stretched-out ones in there is a bit like putting one brand-new sneaker on and leaving an old one on the other foot. It'll work, but it's going to feel weird.
Getting Down to Business: The Install
If you're a DIY type, swapping out these springs isn't exactly rocket science, but it is a bit of a greasy job. You're going to want a good pair of needle-nose pliers, a flathead screwdriver, and maybe a small pry bar.
Before you even touch a tool, make sure the fifth wheel is clean. I'm talking really clean. It's a lot easier to see what you're doing if you aren't digging through three inches of fifth wheel grease. Use a degreaser or just scrape the bulk of it off with a putty knife.
Once you can actually see the springs, take a photo with your phone. Seriously, do it. It's very easy to forget exactly which way the hook on the end of the spring was facing once you've popped it off. Work on one spring at a time so you don't end up with a pile of parts and no memory of where they go.
Safety tip: Springs are under tension. When you're popping them off, keep your face out of the "line of fire." I've seen more than one guy take a spring to the safety glasses because he got a little too close while prying.
Why Not Just Buy a New Fifth Wheel?
I've heard some guys say, "If the springs are going, the whole plate is probably toast, just replace the whole thing." While I love new gear as much as the next person, a full fifth wheel assembly is expensive. A fontaine fifth wheel spring kit is a fraction of that cost.
If your top plate is still flat and the jaw hasn't reached its maximum wear limit, there's no reason to scrap the whole thing. Most Fontaine fifth wheels are built to be rebuilt. They're heavy-duty pieces of equipment meant to last for years if you treat them right. Swapping the springs is just part of the standard mid-life maintenance. It's like changing the spark plugs in your engine; you don't buy a new truck just because the plugs are fouled.
The Importance of High-Quality Grease
After you've got your new kit installed, don't just slap it back together and call it a day. The grease you use matters. You want a heavy-duty lithium-based grease that can handle the pressure. But here's the trick: don't overdo it on the springs themselves.
While the moving pivot points need plenty of lube, the springs just need a light coating to prevent rust. If you pack the springs with too much thick grease, in the winter it can actually become so stiff that it slows down the spring's movement. You want that "snap" to be instant. A light film is usually plenty to keep the moisture off without gumming up the works.
Longevity and Peace of Mind
There's a certain peace of mind that comes with knowing your equipment is 100% solid. When you're hauling a heavy load down a steep grade or navigating a tight yard, you don't want to be second-guessing your connection.
Investing in a fontaine fifth wheel spring kit every few years—or whenever you start to feel things getting a bit loose—is just smart business. It keeps you compliant with DOT inspections, sure, but more importantly, it keeps you and everyone else on the road a whole lot safer.
If you haven't checked your fifth wheel springs in a while, do yourself a favor: grab a flashlight, crawl under there (or tilt the plate if you can), and take a look. If they look tired, stretched, or covered in a decade's worth of road grime, it's probably time to give that Fontaine the refresh it deserves. It's a small job that makes a massive difference in how your truck feels on the road. After all, a smooth ride starts at the hitch.