Fifth Wheel Hitch For Beginners & Trailer Maintenance Tips
In the RV world, there is a lot of jargon that you might come across. One of these terms is “5th Wheel” or “Fifth Wheel.” Whether you are looking for a new 5th Wheel For Sale or a used Fifth Wheel For Sale, it is an excellent option if you require space, luxury, and versatility.
A 5th wheel hitch is a U-shaped hitch coupling installed at the back of the tow vehicle that links with the trailer. If you want to buy a Standard Hitch, then you can search for “Trailer Hitches Near Me” on the internet & when looking for any RV Parts Online one of the best options you have is RV Part Shop.
Selecting Your Ideal Match 5th Wheel Hitch
There are a lot of options to consider when choosing the Best Trailer Hitches for your truck. For instance, Trailer Hitch by RV Part Shop offers different brands and styles. Custom Fit, Ball Hitch, Ball Mount, Weight Distribution Hitch, Tow Hitches, Receiver Hitches, Hitch Mounted, Gooseneck Hitch, Heavy Duty Weight Distribution Hitch with easy to install guide.
Know The Towing Capacity And Weight
Before you start connecting your Fifth Wheel Trailer to your truck, it is essential that you should know your gross trailer weight, tongue weight and towing capacity. Gross trailer weight refers to the total weight of your trailer once it is loaded and connected to your truck.
While the towing capacity is the maximum weight that your truck is allowed to tow. Keep in mind that towing capacity is restricted by the lowest-rated towing component. This means that Fifth Wheel Hitches should satisfy or exceed the towing capacity of the truck and cargo carrier.
Know The Length Of Your Truck Bed
Aside from knowing your towing capacity, it is also important that you know the length of your truck bed & receiver tube. This will help in determining the amount of space or clearance that your trailer and truck need when the tow hitch is installed. Generally, a short-bed truck has only less clearance while a long-bed pickup truck has more clearance.
Consequently, the type of mounting platform that you will use for Companion Fifth Wheel Hitches will depend on the length of your truck bed. You can either choose between legs or a slider. A few long-bed trucks use Fifth Wheel Hitch Sliders.
On the other hand, Fifth Wheel Hitch Rollers will make it easier for you to tow a 5th wheel trailer having a short-bed truck. Additionally, the Sliding Hitch is designed to provide additional clearance for short bed trucks, most especially during maneuvers.
Check For Puck System In The Truck Bed
The latest models of pickup trucks include a puck system. This is a mounting platform that consists of anchoring points (pucks) and a GooseNeck Adaptable Hitch. Puck systems are usually found in Ford, Nissan, Chevrolet, GMC, and Ram.
Using this built-in puck system can provide you with various options for your 5th wheel mounting whether you have short-bed or long-bed trucks. With the puck system, you can instantly drop Reese Fifth Wheel Hitches into the truck bed for smooth towing. This means that there is no need for brackets, drilling, and other hardware.
Select Removable Or Permanent 5th Wheel Rails
If your truck does not have a puck system, then the traditional way of mounting a 5th wheel hitch is to utilize 5th wheelbase rails. Depending on your preference, you can either use removable base rails or permanent base rails.
Select A Particular Style Of 5th Wheel Hitch
After choosing the type of mounting platform for your pickup truck, the next thing to do is to choose the style of your 5th wheel hitch depending on your weight capacity and preferred features.
How To Hook Up A 5th Wheel Hitch
If you want to have peace of mind while enjoying your vacation, then it is important that you have a reliable Trailer Hitch Installation. The following are the important steps for hooking up a 5th wheel trailer.
Park Your Truck And Trailer On A Level Surface
Before anything else, it is important to ensure that you park your truck and 5th Wheel Trailer on a level and solid surface. This can guarantee a sturdy connection. Additionally, it will be easier for you to back up your truck to your trailer. For more stability, be sure to check your trailer wheels.
Set The 5th Wheel Jaws In An Open Position
Retract the locking bar or open the jaws to make it ready for coupling. Generally, to set it in an open position, you have to pull the side handle. Also, to secure the hitch head and obtain a smooth connection, you can place a lube plate over the trailer kingpin. Another option is to apply high-pressure grease directly to the 5th wheel head.
Back-Up Your Truck
After lowering the tailgate of your pickup truck, slowly back it up towards the trailer. Always ensure that no one is standing near the trailer. It would be easier if you ask a friend to help you in backing it up.
Let your friend stand off the side so he/she can signal you whether you need to move left, right, forward or backward. Stop the truck once the 5th wheel hitch head is already four inches away from the trailer kingpin.
Make Some Adjustments On The Trailer Jacks
To make sure that the hitch plate is a bit elevated than the kingpin box, you have to make some adjustments on the jacks of the trailer. Make sure that the lower portion of the kingpin box is a one-half inch below the top of the 5th wheel head. In this way, the pin box will be above the hitch plate.
Hook Up The 5th Wheel Coupler
If the kingpin is not yet completely installed within the 5th wheel head, then you have to continue backing up your truck slowly. Once it is fully settled, you can park your vehicle and apply the emergency brake.
It is very important to check the connection carefully to ensure that the 5th wheel jaws are completely locked and engaged. While some hitches will engage automatically, some hitches will require you to engage the jaws manually. After getting the jaws fully engaged, you have to put the safety pin into the handle to keep the jaws completely secure.
Do Some Testing On The Connection
Place your foot on the brake pedal and slowly remove the emergency brake. Manually activate the brake controller of your trailer. Gradually let go of the brake pedal and let the truck gently tug at the trailer.
If you can feel any resistance, then the hitch connection is completely secure. If there is no resistance, then you have to repeat the hookup process again.
Why Proper Fifth Wheel Maintenance Is Important
Just like any other safety-related component, it is important that the fifth wheel is in good condition so that it can perform its job properly. Proper fifth wheel maintenance is important since it is the only component that connects the truck to the trailer.
Fifth wheel manufacturers recommend that every 30,000 miles or three months, fifth wheel maintenance should be performed. It is important to lubricate it throughout the four seasons. This is also the opportunity to inspect it each year. If you fail to do this, then you could at least keep the locking mechanism clean every 60,000 miles or six months.
Aside from maintaining your fifth wheel, it is also important to inspect for any damage. Although a few 5th Wheel Trailers For Sale have reliable parts, there are others that don’t. With an Air Ride Hitch, you can guarantee smoother, safer towing of your trailer.