The Best Fifth Wheel Hitch

The best 5th wheel hitch will make the big difference in safety when towing your trailer. It is a valuable investment for fifth wheel owners looking to have a safe and smooth ride when moving or towing their vehicle.

However, it is uneasy to find the right fifth wheel hitch because there are many types and capacities of them. For this reason, you should compare and weigh your options well.

In the following, we have prepared a guide with the top picks and features so that you can make a better decision and pick the right fifth wheel hitch for you. We’ve also answered some of the most frequently asked questions for more help.

Best Fifth Wheel Hitches

1. Andersen Hitches 3220 Gooseneck

The Andersen Hitches 3220 is our first on the list of RV 5th wheel hitch recommendations because it is reliable and easy to install.

For RV owners that don’t want to spend so much time in installing and removing the hitch, they go for the 3220. So if you’re looking for a one-person installation/removal process for a hitch, you should not think twice but go for this model.

Another thing I liked about the fifth wheel hitch is it helps in preventing the struggle of getting it in and out of the truck because it is lightweight. The gooseneck hitch is one of the most, if not the lightest, hitch available now.

This product weighs only 35 lbs, helping you get it in and out of the truck easier and faster than with other hitches. In this case, you can just put the hitch when towing and then remove it when done for space in your truck when needed.

In addition, the fifth wheel is heavy-duty and comes with a greaseless coupler that makes it adjustable, adding to its strength.

Speaking of strength, this product is rated at 4,500 pounds tongue weight and 24,000 pounds GTWR. I also noticed that we could adjust it to three heights, being 19 1/8 inches upper position (measured from the truck bed to the top of ball mount).

More so, it has a ball that rides inside a greaseless coupler, meaning a mess-free use experience unlike with hitches on the market now. I also noticed that the design of the coupler riding on the ball results to better swivel in each direction.

2. B&W Companion RVK 3500 Fifth Wheel Hitch

B&W is a reliable fifth wheel hitch brand that has been around for quite a while, offering top-quality hitches to fifth wheel owners looking for a durable and heavy-duty hitch.

The RVK3500 is a top of the line product that is designed and made to remove any sloppiness and offer you the smoothest towing experience.

This model can also attach to the turnoverball under-bed mounting system for an easier and quicker use. This fifth wheel hitch can give you the smoothest experience around but without sacrificing the towing power, reliability and sturdiness.

And when shopping around for the best fifth wheel hitch for short bed truck, long bed truck or standard truck, you should not miss but take a second look at the RVK3500. Based on many reviews we also found, users were reporting that the B and W Companion is one of the best hitches that they can buy for its price around.

While it is easy to install and remove, its manufacturer didn’t sacrifice the reliability and heavy-duty performance of the 5^th wheel hitch. I would also like to note that this model comes with a greatly articulating bed allowing it to pivot in any direction with ease. I noticed it could easily pivot side-to-side and front to back without any hassles.

And when comparing different products, we must also check on the easy releasing feature especially helpful when parked and have to tow on an unlevel site. The RVK3500 is made with a cam-action latching handle for quick and easy release, and that is one of its great features.

This product also has polyurethane bushings, offering a rattle-free and quiet towing experience, one of the things we have to look at when shopping around for a new 5^th wheel hitch.

I also liked that this model comes with vertical adjustments for choosing the appropriate height and coupler position. More so, the product is rated at 5,000 lb VTW and 20,000 lb GTW, making it one of the sturdiest around. Finally, it comes with a Limited Lifetime Coverage for peace of mind in every purchase.

3. CURT 16115 Black E16 5th Wheel Hitch

CURT is another great brand for manufacturing sturdy and heavy-duty fifth wheel hitches. By choosing a Curt fifth wheel hitch, you can rest assured that you’re getting a well-made product that will last through the years. One of their most innovative products is the CURT 16115.

One of the top features of the Curt hitch is its dual pivoting head, offering us with an x10-degree lateral movement for a stable and smooth towing. So if you want a less-hassle experience when towing the fifth wheel, you might want to consider such feature.

In addition, this model comes with an automatic-locking coupler to make the process of coupling faster yet more secure. It is an essential consideration to look into to avoid any hassle and unnecessary movement when towing the fifth wheel.

Another thing I noticed is the anti-rattle feature of this model. So in terms of a smoother ride, it is a reliable choice versus others on the market. By choosing this product, you can look forward to reduced vibration and rattling at its coupling point. What makes it possible is the anti-rattle skid plate that is with the design.

More so, I liked that the hitch is safety tested based on the specifications of the SAE J2638. This product can tow a fifth wheel with up to 5,000 vertical load and 16,000 pounds GTW. In addition, the product can offer a versatile fit coming with standard legs. With these standard legs, we can mount the product onto many fifth wheel base rails like the #16204 or #1610, but you have to buy it separately.

I also noticed that the E16 is offering a single-handed operation along with a steady carbide power coat that can offer a long-lasting protection against any elements.

4. B&W Hitches RVK3300 Companion 5th Wheel Hitch

B and W Companion is one of the best offers from the brand so far because of its solid performance and heavy-duty build.

The fifth wheel hitch has a design that can get rid of any sloppiness, offering us with the smoothest towing experience as possible. It is one of the most essential factors to look into when comparing different products on the market to have peace of mind that the hitch can deliver a smooth ride and less struggling on our part.

I also appreciate that the RVK3300 is able to fit four pucks in the truck bed of a Ford. This feature can allow for an easy and smooth pivoting in all directions. And that it is thanks to the fully articulating head to make that possible.

Another good thing about the Companion is that it can attach to the under-bed mounting system that makes it easy to pull a gooseneck or fifth wheel hitch using the same system. This product can offer us with that great towing power, having up to 20,000 lb GTW and 5,000 lb VTW.

It also allows for an easy releasing even if we’re parked on an unlevel site, and that is thanks to its cam action-latching handle.

The B and W 5th Wheel for Ford Puck is also a great choice if you’re looking for a rattle-free and stable ride. It is made possible for its polyurethane bushings that can offer a quiet towing experience.

The hitch is also easy to use because it comes with three vertical settings up to 18.75 inches along with 2 inches in terms of front to back adjustments. In addition, it has two inches of front to back adjustments through its three-coupler positions. Finally, this product has a Limited Lifetime Coverage for added peace of mind.

5. Reese Pro Series 30128 15K Fifth Wheel Hitch

The Reese 5th wheel hitch is another top choice for quality and durable product in the category because it offers top performance and heavy-duty use. So if you’re shopping around for one that can give you the most value of your spending, you can check out the 15K capacity fifth wheel hitch.

The Pro Series 30128 is a sturdy pick that can handle up to 15K of GTW, making it more versatile and stable in handling different fifth wheel hitches. In addition, the 30128 is offering up to 3,750 lbs. pin weight capacity that makes it one of the most accommodating around.

The fifth wheel hitch is also offering a great value. It is reasonably priced, yet it can offer accuracy that we’re looking for in this kind of product. You will appreciate that it can deliver great value to the consumers.

One of the good things about the Pro Series is that it doesn’t need much maintenance unlike other products in the same category do. I also liked that it is not as bulky that it can be suitable for most sizes of trucks and trailers.

In addition, we must look for a product that can offer an adjustable height, ensuring we can adjust it to our desired height. Also, I noticed that this fifth wheel hitch is with a head-to-head support, adding to its stability and performance.

6. Andersen Hitches 3200 5th Wheel Connection

The 3200 is another fifth wheel hitch to look into if you’re looking for an excellently performing product. If you could read on Anderson 5th wheel hitch reviews, you would notice that most users were noting about the ease of installation and removal and a quiet towing experience they could get from the fifth wheel hitch.

The relatively affordable fifth wheel hitch is also lightweight. We might not need outside help to use .it. With a no-struggle use, we can also prevent straining in getting the hitch in and out of the truck. In fact, most users also reported of being able to install it in minutes alone.

Another thing to like about it is its greaseless coupler, which is also adjustable while also being heavy-duty.

Using the hitch with this coupler, you can ensure of a sturdy and quality product that you can use for the years to come. The Andersen Hitches 3200 can deliver ease of use in addition to being a strong fifth wheel hitch.

You can adjust it easily up to three height adjustments from 15-3/4 inches to 18 inches. It is designed with a ball that rides inside a greaseless coupler, offering not only a smooth but also a quiet swiveling in every direction. Also, you don’t need to spend on extra adapters or parts choosing the fifth wheel hitch.

7. Pulliam Enterprises 2900 Superglide

The Pullrite SuperGlide 5th wheel hitch is what you need if you’re looking for a sturdy and high-performance fifth wheel hitch that works for standard base rails, making it one of the versatile choices around.

The Pulliam Enterprises is one of the highest capacities on the market with 18K of trailer weight capacity. The 2900 fits onto most standard base rails, making it one of the most versatile picks available now.

It is a well-made product, which is tried and tested by many RV owners looking for a heavy-duty fifth wheel hitch that can offer them a solid performance. It is one of the most dependable when it comes to coping up with destructive situations. With it, you can expect a long-lasting performance.

I also liked that the 2900 can offer a stable and strong performance while not compromising a quiet operation. Using it, you can be certain of a durable product that lasts for many years because it is also built for heavy equipment in mind.

I also liked that it is ideal for long journeys even for long trips and on rocky and rough terrains because it can provide a secure and safe ride. It is a great choice as well if you’re looking for a quiet performance.

Overall, it can also provide us a worry-free and easy towing experience because it can also eliminate any worries due to pin or lever pulling.

8. CURT 16039 Q25 Fifth Wheel Hitch

When making a 5th wheel hitch comparison, you should not miss the CURT 16039 Q25 on your list because it has the solid and top performance features that make it a reliable and great choice.

One of the things I liked about the product is that it has the standard for the brand’s other models in the same category. For example, this model also has a durable double jaw construction, adding to its heavy-duty performance. This product also has a 360-degree tilt, making it easier to use.

Another thing I liked about the CURT 16039 is that it can offer a quiet and smooth ride. This model is designed to offer the most silent towing experience that you will appreciate, too.

I appreciate that the Q SERIES also boasts a patented and quality spherical axial bearing, allowing its head to tilt in any direction and ensuring a fluid movement with your truck or trailer.

And for continuous lubrication and less maintenance operation, this model comes with three built-in grease fittings.

More so, it has a coupling indicator, which is built into the fifth wheel hitch. It works as a three-position coupling indicator, showing your trailer and your hitch’s coupling status.

It makes operation easier because it can show if the hitch is coupled or not or ready for towing. It can help in streamlining the process of hitching up.

It is also one of the most powerful around because it is tested and rated to be 24,000 pounds for its gross trailer weight capacity and up to 6K lbs in vertical load. For this reason, it is able to carry a wide range of fifth wheels with varying weights (limited to lowest-rated towing component).

9. Demco 8550045 Recon 5th Wheel Hitch

The Demco hitch is a top rated product in the category and for reasons. When we’re shopping around for the same fifth wheel hitch, we should look for one to give us ease of use including installation and removal. Or else, using such would become a struggle. If you don’t want to suffer from the worries, you might want to choose the Demco 8550045.

For one, it has a large capacity reaching up to 21K. With such a large capacity, you can have peace of mind that you can use it with ease and more versatility. This model is a ball mount only fifth wheel hitch that boasts a lightweight, geometric and two-piece design, making it sturdier and tougher to carry and handle a heavier fifth wheel.

Another thing to like about the Recon Gooseneck ball mounted 5^th wheel hitch is also lightweight, making it easy to get into and out of the trailer. This model is suitable to fit any two pieces of 5/16 inch of gooseneck ball.

It is also easy to use that we can separate it quickly into two pieces. In this case, the installation and removal of the fifth wheel hitch easier and quicker. In addition, the hitch is also making use of a standard fifth wheel head design, making operation a breeze.

More so, I liked that there is no plate or adapter needed to use the fifth wheel hitch. Also, I liked that we don’t need any pin box modifications required in using the fifth wheel hitch. You will also appreciate that the product is made for heavy-duty use, ensuring a long-lasting use.

This model also has clear installation instructions that you can check online. I also liked that it has an integrated latch handle, so you don’t need any additional rods or levers to unhook or hook the product to your trailer.

When shopping around for this kind of product, you must also consider about getting a lighter weight design to prevent much struggle in getting it in and out of the trailer or truck, weighing only 123 lbs.

It can also offer up to three height adjustments, 15-1/2 inches being the lowest and 18 inches being the highest.

10. CURT 16116 E16 5th Wheel Hitch

Another promising fifth wheel hitch we found is the CURT E16, a great and reliable model, which also happens to be a top rated product. Recreational vehicle owners choose the product for its affordability, too.

One of the things I noticed is that it can also offer similar features we can find in the Q-Series fifth wheel hitches on the market but without you spending much money in the process.

When shopping around for a fifth wheel hitch, you should also look for a versatile product that can deal with varying weights and vertical load.

The CURT 16116 is a decent choice because it can handle up to 4,000 pounds of vertical load and 16,000 pounds of gross trailer weight.

With that said, you could have peace of mind that you can use it with ease and convenience because it is versatile to accommodate a wide range of loads.

I also appreciate it has a dual-pivoting head along with an anti-rattle skid plate and a 10-degree lateral movement, all working for a quiet and smooth ride.

With that said, you could have peace of mind that you’re using an easy to operate fifth wheel hitch that won’t give you a hard time in towing your fifth wheel.

In addition, the E16 is offering us with a single-handle operation, adding to ease of use and operation of the hitch. I also noticed that it is made with sturdy carbide powder coating, making it longer lasting even with exposure to the elements.

Choosing the CURT 16116, you can also set it for your desired adjustment settings for its four height adjustments. This product is simple and quick to install. It is also with a limited lifetime warranty, adding to peace of mind.

11. B&W 3050 5th Wheel Hitch

B&W Trailer Hitches is one of the most reliable brands on the market that values their commitment to quality and performance. One of their best offerings is the 3050 fifth Wheel Companion, which makes use of the Companion coupler but only having a short base.

This product is for use with steel flatbeds and is rated to handle up to 22K lbs, making it one of the sturdiest and most powerful on the market. In addition, the fifth wheel hitch will be able to sit on 20 x 20 inches and up to four inches deep.

More so, I liked that the flatbed fifth wheel hitch is making use of a B&W Turnoverball that has an under-bed mounting system, allowing for easy removal. It also allows for using your truck for other things because the hitch can free up the truck when it’s not used for towing.

I also appreciate it is designed using utmost attention and care to come up with one of the best fifth wheel hitches on the market now. The reliable brand also makes sure of durability and safety for using the fifth wheel hitch.

Another thing to notice on the fifth wheel hitch is that it is making use of tough materials, which can offer great quality. When using the product, you can have peace of mind that it is safe and will provide you with a smooth ride.

12. Camco 48625 Eazlift 5th Wheel Hitch

When comparing a non-automatic and automatic sliding fifth wheel hitch¸ you might want to include the 48625 on your list. The fifth wheel hitch is an easy to use and operate product that is one of the top rated in the category.

The fixed fifth wheel hitch has a universal design, allowing it for mounting to an existing base rail, adding to its compatibility and value for your money. It is also useful for EAZ-Lift’s heavy-duty rails, making it an ideal option among RV owners looking for a quick and easy to use.

In addition, I liked that it has a side-to-side pivot measuring 11 inches along with urethane cushions and a 32-inch front to back pivot, allowing for a smooth and easy ride.

Another thing I appreciate about the Camco is its enhanced durability for its powder-coated steel, ensuring of long years of service and use in your trailer or truck. You can also use it for short bed trucks because this model is making use of a slider system avoiding any trailer or truck damage. It is also made possible with the extra nine inches of turning clearance.

This model also has a fixed adjustable height ranging from 14.5 to 18 inches so that you can set it for your desired height along with a slider height adjustable from 17 1/2 to 21 inches.

The fifth Wheel Hitch is also easy to use that it can be mounted easily to a standard four and 10 bolt bed rails, making it one of the most versatile choices around. More so, you will notice that it has this powder-coated finish, adding to its durability.

Why You Should Trust Us

SmartRVing.net is your one-stop source of information and guide for RV gears, appliances, equipment, tools and systems, which can make RV living and camping even more worthwhile.

We believe that the right products in our recreational vehicle can make us feeling comfortable and like home. For this reason, we are also using a system in making a review of the top products.

First, we think about and weigh those things that must be considered when buying a specific kind of RV product.

From there, we research and find the top picks in the category and review each of them. In each review, our team also highlights the pros and cons of each product.

Through this process, we’re able to review each product more effectively so that you can make a better decision later. Pick the right fifth wheel hitch after reading our guide.

What Is A 5th Wheel Hitch/ How Does It Work

A fifth wheel hitch is an essential tool to have for your fifth wheel because this product is designed to carry a heavy load versus a ball hitch. Its attachment point is the truck’s bed not its rear bumper. In this case, the truck is able to carry the heavy load.

Its main job is to ensure the safety and smooth ride of your fifth wheel going into your destination. This hitch can make sure that both the trailer and the truck will arrive at the destination without any issues.

However, you need to make sure that you’re choosing a good quality product for a stress-free experience even when parked on an uneven site.

You won’t doubt that it will do its job if it is made of sturdy materials, so you have to do your homework when selecting this product. We’re going to talk about that later.

How does it work? It is used in towing the fifth wheel from one place to another safely and smoothly. The hitch is placed in the truck’s bed, not on its rear frame. With this kind of placement, the added weight is pressed down between the rear axle and the cab.

These products usually don’t have a ball mount but a kingpin and a plate resting on top of the hitch plate in order to connect onto the trailer. It works securely because the kingpin locks into place. While it does lock, it can still move around while your vehicle is making a turn.

The two plates slide against each other when your vehicle is moving, making lubrication important, or else they will be worn down and lead to problems that you don’t want to deal with.

You don’t have to worry about that though if you have a quality fifth wheel hitch that can provide you with a stress-free vacation experience. Nevertheless, the fifth wheel hitch is a support system that will make the towing experience safe and smooth.

Types Of 5th Wheel Hitches

Before selecting among one of the hitches on the market, you might want to know what to expect and that is from the different types of 5th wheel hitches available.

Gooseneck hitch

This type can be set up or installed onto the truck, so it is commonly chosen by fifth wheel owners, too. You can install it easily by managing the existing system that can also be detached or taken out afterward.

5^th wheel hitch with universal rails

They can be installed easily and convenient to use in any trailer. They’re useful and fitting, not requiring you to drill any hole into the truck’s mount.

5^th wheel hitch with custom rails

It comes with a personalized set of rails, which are custom made and easy to install. This type is made based on the specifications you need and is user-friendly. And for added convenience, they have drilled holes that make them easier to use.

Single jaw

One of the things that fifth wheel owners like about the single jaw hitch is that they can offer you with an easy grip, allowing for an easier and more effortless use. It can linked using rails to the fifth wheel hitches.

Double jaw

This type can offer double the power versus a normal hitch could do. If you want a more flexible and powerful hitch, then you can take a look at the double-jaw hitch.

2-way pivot head

It works in the same manner like an ordinary or normal fifth wheel hitch and pivots two directions or ways. However, it can only revolve back and forth, but it can be useful when towing or climbing in on an inclined road. Its head will adjust as needed.

4-way pivot head

This type has an adjustable head moving from side to side, making it more user-friendly and flexible. It can also work either on uneven or even grounds. You might want to go for it if you’re looking for more versatility in your fifth wheel hitch.

Why Do You Need A Fifth Wheel Hitch

You need a fifth wheel hitch for certain reasons. For one, you need it to ensure safety in towing your fifth wheel even on an uneven surface. With it, you can make sure that you can tow smoothly and safely.

Using the right fifth wheel hitch, you can conveniently move your fifth wheel from a place to another. For this reason, you need a fifth wheel hitch that has high quality, stability and durability. You can get started picking the right product based on the list that we’ve featured here.

How We Picked

The fifth wheel hitch is an important tool for fifth wheel owners because it can offer stability and safety when moving your vehicle from one place to another. Having a ball hitch or an ordinary tow bar is insufficient for a heavy motor home or trailer. For this reason, you need to invest on a quality and reliable fifth wheel hitch.

However, it can be easier said than done because there are plenty of choices on the market. It can be hard to choose if you’re unaware of certain factors to look into when comparing your option. It is why we’ve listed the following points to help you in making a good decision and finding the most reliable and durable product.

Assembly

They’re made of metal and tend to have strong and tight bolts and bearings, but they can be corroded, worn, chipped, squeaky and broken. You should find a firm and strong hitch that can also be disassembled quickly and easily. Also, you might want to find one that is easier to reach with pivot arms that have levers and clamps to release, and that can be locked that can be undone instantly.

Adjustability

More so, you should look for a hitch that you can adjust based on your needs. In some cases, you might have to adjust the angle, height or weight distribution on the vehicle.

For this reason, you must find a product that can be adjusted. You might want to look into features like retracting or pivoting arms so that you can change the arm’s length without any hassles.

In addition, you should look for a model built with swivel arms to change the angle as well as bolts and levers to let you change the hitch’s architecture and shape. But these things can only be optional.

Security

Besides the things mentioned, you must also look for a one that you can put in place firmly and securely. You should find hitches made with strong metal clasp you can connect to the tailgate without loosening past the weight capacity.

Also, you must look for additional safety features, such as a belt or a rope that can keep the trailer attached to the truck. More so, you can find one that has additional locks that can prevent the trailer from falling if the locks fail.

In addition, there should be enough lubricated ball bearings for smooth and quiet operation. You must also find one with included warning lights or alarms, a second pivot arm if the main arm malfunctions or breaks as well as backup bolts and locks.

Strength

What size 5th wheel hitch do I need? Consider its strength. This factor is paramount when choosing a trailer hitch. It must be able to withstand heavy weight and accommodate it consistently. But if you have a heavier trailer, you should buy one that can deal with heavier weights. In our selection above, we have reviewed models that can handle up to 16K while others up to 22K of weight.

Material

In general, these hitches are made of metal. Many are known for their strength including aluminum, copper or steel. But if you want both durability and strength, you might want to go for a combination of stainless steel with nickel coating. Nevertheless, the choices above are best places to start when looking for durable and heavy-duty products.

Versatility and compatibility

The fifth wheel hitch should be manufactured precisely for the car or truck because these hitches need specific designs. For this reason, you need to check your truck brand before buying a fifth wheel hitch. You must look for a compatible hitch before buying one for your truck or car. If you cannot find one, you should pick for a universal hitch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are good 5th wheel hitch brands?

A: When choosing a good fifth wheel hitch, you should also think about the brand. The best ones won’t compromise their reputation and create substandard products. Some of the finest ones include Andersen Hitches, B&W Hitches, CURT, Reese, Pulliam Enterprises, Demco and Camco.

Q: Are 5th wheel hitches interchangeable?

A: When reading Pro Series 5th wheel hitch reviews and other brand reviews, you might have also bumped into some user comments or questions on whether or not hitches are interchangeable. Each of them has their specifications, and before buying, you must check whether the size or capacity will fit your truck or trailer.

Nevertheless, you should check for their specifications before buying one because some may fit your truck and some are will not. Also, they have their weight limits, and you have to check on that. It must be able to accommodate the weight of your fifth wheel.

Q: Are 5th wheel hitches removable?

A: When shopping around for the best fifth wheel hitch for f250 or any other model/make, you might also want to know if they are removable or not. The answer will depend on the maker and model of the fifth wheel hitch you’re buying. It will also be based on the features it has.

There are some products, which are only removable with only the bars and mounting brackets that you leave in place. On the other hand, some hitches cannot be removed. These are common among large commercial trucks and are very durable models, each with a high weight capacity.

Some of those that you are more likely than not encounter can be removed by pulling on the clevis pins/another mechanism.

But then, many hitches are movable in different places so that the lifting load in sufficiently distributed that the lifting is made easier. However, you don’t want to break your back, so you might want to ask for help.

Q: Are fifth wheel hitches all the same?

A: No, they are not the same because there are many models and types of fifth wheel hitches around. Just as we discussed earlier, you can choose from a wide range of 5^th wheel hitches that will match your needs.

But all of them have the main purpose of ensuring you’re arriving to your destination without accidents. More so, the fifth wheel hitch can ensure that towing will be easy and smooth.

Q: The 5th wheel hitch rails, are they universal?

A: The fifth wheel hitch rails make it possible to attach the hitch to the truck securely. Without it, you won’t be able to have a successful and smooth towing experience. And back to the question, it will depend on the make or model of the rail you are going to use. In many cases, the rails are with the same industry standards in terms of dimensions. The rails will be called universal.

For this reason, you can determine what rails will be adaptable to a wide range of fifth wheel hitches available. Nevertheless, the universal rails are useful for a truck bed that can accept a hitch. But then, do take note that the hitches and sliders with your under rails can be different.

Q: What fifth wheel hitch do I need?

A: Now you might also want to know what best 5th wheel slider hitch or any other type of hitch you need for the fifth wheel.

In all cases, you have to decide the hitch type needed for the tow vehicle. For a long bed truck, might want a fixed type of hitch. Or you might want to use sliding hitch if you have a short bed truck to reduce sharp turn damage.

In addition, you must choose a hitch that has a higher capacity in comparison to the gross vehicle weight rating of the trailer. Its total hitch rating will allow 20 percent of the rated weight for the specific pin weight.

Generally, you must choose a higher capacity hitch if you have a trailer with a higher pin weight versus 20 percent of the total hitch weight rating.

Q: How much does a 5th wheel hitch weight?

A: It will depend from one maker/model to another. Many of them will weigh about 130 pounds, maybe more or less, depending on what you’re buying. Nevertheless, you can start comparing based on the reviews we did earlier.

Q: How much does it cost?

A: As what you might have noticed, these hitches are not cheap. Some of them are even over a grand. Thus, you should determine how much you are willing to spend on the product. In many cases, the price will depend on the capacity of the hitch you’re buying.

But if you have the money to spend, you might want to pick the highest quality as possible to ensure of safety.

Q: How install 5th wheel hitch?

A: There is no universal instruction to install a fifth wheel hitch. The good thing is that all of them come with an instruction manual that you just need to follow closely in order to ensure that it is properly installed.

Q: Do I need a trailer hitch lock?

A: Yes, you need a trailer hitch lock to prevent theft. Otherwise, you might be one of the people that had their fifth wheel stolen because it does not have a lock. So if you want to prevent someone walking over the trailer and hitching it onto his/her truck. Invest in a secure lock to prevent it.

Q: How to lock a 5th wheel hitch?

A: Just like in installing the hitch into your trailer, you might also want to refer to the instruction manual when looking your fifth wheel hitch. It should be easy and not time consuming to do that.

Q: How to lift 5th wheel hitch out of truck?

A: You can hitch it up as you used to do if it is close by. You just have to pull the pins/mechanism that can retain the fifth wheel hitch in the truck bed. Then, you can use the front jacks that will lift the hitch in order that you can drive out from under it. Then, if you would like to reinstall, you just have to reverse the process.

Q: How to adjust 5th wheel hitch height?

A: It is recommended that you have between four and six inches clearance between the tailgate or box side and the trailer’s body. Your trailer must be level as possible. It should not be over three degrees nose high. You should remember that the trailer must not be on a downward angle.

If the trailer is not sitting level, it is adjustable by lowering or raising the hitch height. But if it doesn’t give movement, you might have to adjust the pin box. Alternatively, you can flip an axle or adjust the trailer suspension.

On the other hand, you should consult the hitch shop or local RV dealer to make height adjustments, trailer axle, pin box or suspension changes.

Q: What is the 5th wheel hitching checklist?

A: To put safety above all, the following is the checklist to remember.

• Set the king pin to the correct height by lowering the trailer.
• Lower the tailgate.
• Open the locking bar of the hitch.
• You should then back the truck under your trailer and then connect it with the king pin.
• Secure the locking bar in place.
• Check that the connection is secure before putting the tow vehicle in drive.
• Connect the umbilical cord and the breakaway switch cable.
• Check the brakes and the trailer’s lights.
• Lift the tailgate of the tow vehicle.
• Raise the landing gear of the fifth wheel trailer.
• Take the wheel chocks out.
• To unhitch, you can repeat the process in the reverse manner.

Q: How to care and clean?

A: You can take care and clean the fifth wheel hitch by following the specific instructions in the maker manual included in your purchase. Nevertheless, the care and cleaning process should not be hard and take less of your time tan you think.

Q: Where to buy?

A: You can buy one in the local RV shop or supplies store, or online marketplaces like Amazon and eBay. But then, you might want to check one out online where to find the best deals and products. Here, you can also buy directly from the manufacturer that also mean you can save money and ensure of genuine products.

Conclusion

Have you found the fifth wheel hitch for your truck? We do hope that you can make a thorough comparison using our guide featuring the top picks along with their pros and cons. Also, if you need more help, you can go back and refer to the buying guide section to know what features to look for when buying this kind of product.

Nevertheless, the best 5th wheel hitch is what you need if you want a safe and smooth towing experience as possible. And if you want to find the right one for your needs, start referring to our reviews and buying guide sections. Buy the right fifth wheel hitch today!

Arthur

Except when sleeping, Arthur cannot keep camping out his mind. He loves RVing that he spends most of his time in his recreational vehicle and on the road. Arthur knows that this might change once he got married to the love of his life, Amanda. But the two have no problem, as Amanda also loves camping. In fact, the both of them are excited to have kids that would also love RVing.