What to Do If You Find a Bird Nest in Your RV Pin Box

You’ve probably heard stories of people getting their RVs out of storage to find droppings and damage from rodents.

Maybe you’ve experienced a line of ants along your kitchen countertop during a camping trip. But have you ever found a nest of eggs in your fifth wheel pin box? 

While this may seem sweet and beautiful, it can pose a problem when you want to hitch up. But it’s actually illegal to move it. Let’s look at how to prevent this situation so you don’t have to put your departure on hold!

About the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918

According to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, it’s unlawful to kill, capture, sell, trade, or transport protected migratory bird species without prior authorization by the Department of Interior U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This treaty remains in force between Canada, Russia, Japan, Mexico, and the United States.

The Migratory Bird Treaty Act protects over 1,000 bird species and families. Geese, hawks, herons, gulls, owls, flycatchers, pigeons, doves, and more make the list. 

What’s a Fifth Wheel Pin Box?

Towable RVs are connected to a vehicle with a hitch. Travel trailers attach to the rear bumper of a car with a ball and coupler.

But fifth wheels are different. They have a special kingpin hitch that’s bolted to a truck bed. Then the kingpin, which is connected to the pin box on your RV, slides into that hitch and locks.

The pin box is bolted to the underneath of the front cap by the manufacturer, although sometimes you have to replace it due to damage or personal preference. The bottom portion of the pin box is the kingpin. It’s circular and is the part that slides into the hitch in the truck bed.

Can a Bird Make a Nest in a Fifth Wheel Pin Box?

Your fifth-wheel pin box has an opening in the back. This allows it to slope at an angle. Unfortunately, birds love to make nests in this opening. It offers protection from the weather and a cool place to lay their eggs. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ku3_6n4prh8

Is It Illegal to Move a Nest?

If a bird is sitting on the nest or has laid eggs in it, it’s illegal to move it. This is considered an “active nest,” and The Migratory Bird Treaty Act protects the bird and its home. If the nest is empty, you can scoop it out and place it on the ground. But you cannot interfere with an active one.

What to Do If You Find a Nest in Your Pin Box

Can you imagine calling a local rescue organization to remove a nest in your fifth wheel hitch? That’s precisely what you’ll have to do if you need to leave a campsite and find a bird brooding in your pin box. 

Or, if you find it while parked at home, wait for the eggs to hatch and leave the nest before removing it.

If the nest is empty, you can legally remove it. So it’s best to watch your pin box or take precautions to prevent birds from making a nest there.

Pro Tip: Before you hit the trail, make sure you know these Hiking Safety Tips That Could Save Your Life!

How to Prevent Birds From Nesting in Your Pin Box

RVers have come up with all kinds of solutions for keeping birds out of their pin boxes. If you have a fifth wheel, consider one of these makeshift hacks to prevent wildlife from interrupting your travels.

They all work similarly, so it comes down to personal preference and what you can get your hands on.

Aluminum Foil 

Aluminum foil is a good material because it reflects light and deters birds from landing. Tape a piece across the opening of the pin box, and you’ll keep birds away. This is one of the cheapest ways to prevent nesting.

Wire Mesh 

Additionally, you could find a small roll of wire mesh and attach it to the pin box. Ensure the holes are tiny so that even the smallest birds can’t get through. You can use clips to keep the wire mesh in place so it’s easily removable once it’s time to leave.

Grocery Bags

You can tape grocery bags or trash bags to the pin box. But use painter’s tape to protect the RV. As long as you completely cover the opening, you’ll keep the birds out. You can also just stuff grocery bags inside it.

Pool Noodles

Pool noodles are great accessories for RVers. Many people slide them and attach them underneath slide-outs to prevent hitting their heads while dumping the tanks or rounding the corner.

Another pool noodle hack is cutting them to size to slide into the opening of your pin box. Some people even paint them black to match. You won’t even know they’re there, and birds will be unable to get inside.

Keep in Mind: Is the MORryde Pin Box Really Better? Let’s take a look.

Block of Foam 

A block of foam works similarly to a pool noodle. Cut it to size and slide it into the pin box opening. You can paint it black to match or leave it as-is. These options work well because you can easily remove them and don’t usually need to tape them down.

Enjoy Camping Among the Birds But Don’t Let Them Nest

As RVers, we love nature. Seeing bison roam wild in Wyoming or moose crossing a river in Maine can get your adrenaline pumping. It’s an amazing feeling! But we don’t want wildlife living in our RVs. Rats, ants, and even birds try to make their way into our campers however they can.

Do your part to protect birds by keeping them out of your fifth-wheel pin box. Try one of these inexpensive hacks the next time you go camping.

Have you ever dealt with a nesting bird in your pin box?

Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API