Fifth wheel play on slider

There is 3 points of contact 1 lock jaws of the 5th wheel (adjustment) 2 5th wheel to slider (pins and bushings) 3 slider lock mechanism can be worn and need adjustments or new parts.

 

What @Dale thompson said, if you don't have the adjustments to tighten it up with no sliding back and forth, time to either rebuild the top plate or replace it. I had the same problem this summer and rebuilt mine, now it's nice and tight. The most difficult of the endevour was lifting that heavy pig off and back on by myself, had a flat cart with wheels, got it flipped over then used a come along.

 

I just flip my Hollands over and rebuild them right on the frame of the truck.

 

Depending on the brand/style of 5th wheel, they can be adjusted, to reduce-eliminate the sloppyness. Years ago, Fauntains(sp) were the easiest to adjust.

 

If its an older trailer that stays wet and has seen a lot of salt and metal cancer causing chemicals check the king pin and bolster plate. Loose king pin due to rusty bolster well also cause the movement you described. Flat beds and reefers tend to get it worse than dry vans cause water and crap gets in easier from the top of deck floor. Thats why some are built with a bolt on easy to replace bolster.

 

I am going to be attempting this on my own in my driveway replacing a stationary with a slider. I have the slider on the back already so think in can maneuver it in place I am going to unbolt old one and try to slide it off and onto a 4 wheeler.