If you’re asking the question “what is a fifth wheel hitch?”, you are not alone. If you are planning on pulling a large RV, livestock trailer, or industrial trailer, a fifth wheel hitch allows your truck to pull more weight and more importantly, pull it safely. We have compiled a basic explanation of what exactly a fifth wheel hitch is.
What Is A Fifth Wheel Hitch?
A fifth wheel hitch is made by bolting two steel rails to the bed of a truck, and then mounting an adjustable hitch onto each of them. The hitch itself has jaws that lock around what is called a “king pin” that points downward toward your trailer’s tow plate. It works similar to the connection between a semi-truck and its trailer. Using a fifth wheel hitch also allows passengers to ride in the trailer, so they are very popular for towing RVs and camping trailers. Unlike the gooseneck hitch, there is no type of fifth wheel hitch that won’t cause at least some interference in the bed of your truck.
How Do Fifth Wheel Hitches Work?
The fifth wheel hitch (the part that is installed in the bed of the truck) is a large, flat plate that has a shape very similar to that of a horseshoe. Metal rails run beneath the hitch attach to the frame of the truck for added durability and strength. The trailer connects to the fifth wheel hitch by a king pin along with a plate that rests on top of the fifth wheel hitch plate itself. The king pin locks into a position so it is fastened within the hitch but can pivot to accommodate left and right turns.
The flat plate of the trailer and the flat plate of the fifth wheel hitch are in an unbroken contact with one another. They slide against one another continuously when the trailer is moving, so lubrication amid these two components is crucial. Some fifth wheel hitch owners use a lube or similar, but there is also an alternative, a polyethylene disc. They are less messy than the traditional fifth wheel lube. Some users use both, but only lubricate the ball.
Choosing A Fifth Wheel Hitch
A big part of being able to tow heavier loads is choosing the right trailer that’s set up for fifth wheel hitches. Depending on what you plan on hauling it will play a major role in choosing the right trailer. Are you planning hauling a fifth wheel camper? Do you plan on hauling a livestock or industrial trailer? Also the make and model of truck you’re planning on using to haul your trailer will be a big part of how you choose which fifth wheel hitch to use.
Calculating Gross Trailer Weight
A big part of towing a trailer, is actually knowing what your trailer weighs when it is fully loaded. While a fifth wheel trailer can handle a ridiculous amount of weight, the weight of a fully loaded adds up fast. In addition to adding up the trailer weight to find the right fifth wheel hitch you need to make sure that your truck is up to the task. In most cases you should have a 3/4 ton or 1 ton truck to handle the weight that a fifth wheel trailer is intended to tow. You can use this calculator provided by www.changinggears.com to help you determine which is best suited for you.
Fifth Wheel Hitch Installation
Before you to do it yourself or have it installed by a professional installer, you must first make sure your truck is rated to hold the added weight of the trailer that you’re planning attaching it to. Typically, quality fifth wheel hitches will require installation by highly trained installers. You don’t want you trailer detaching from your truck when traveling down the road. So if you are unsure about installing it yourself, hire a professional.
Cost Of Fifth Wheel Hitches
There are various manufacturers each with their different types of fifth wheel hitches. The price of the fifth wheel hitch will depend on the brand and type you want for your truck and what you plan on using if for. The cost of a fifth wheel Fifth-wheel hitches can cost anywhere from $300-$2,000 or more for just the hitch, but the average ranges from$400-$1,500. Do it yourself installation of a fifth-wheel hitch may require cutting, drilling and welding on your truck. If you are uncomfortable, or if you think it is above your skill level, a professional may be needed. Professional installation and labor can cost you $200-$500 or more, increasing your total costs to $500-$2,500 or more.
Fifth Wheel Hitch Installation Arizona
If your business requires you to haul heavy loads, or if you enjoy camping in you fifth wheel camper, a fifth wheel hitch may be just right for you! Our team of towing and truck accessory professionals at Cliff’s Welding, Inc. can help you choose the right towing setup for your individual application. We proudly offer fifth wheel hitch installation at our shop in Mesa, Arizona and offer our services to anyone needing help in the Valley of the Sun.
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