Introduction
You cannot tow your 5th Wheel without a high-quality hitch. A fifth wheel hitch is a vital accessory that connects your camper to a tow vehicle. It ensures that you can travel smoothly and safely on the road.
But not all 5th wheel hitch products are suitable for your special tow vehicle, budget, lifestyle, trailer, and driving skills. If you’re after a fifth wheel hitch, there are key things to consider, which include the following:
Towing Capacity of Your Truck
When shopping for a 5th wheel hitch, your truck’s towing capacity should be the first thing to learn. If you purchase and install a hitch that isn’t designed and rated for your fifth wheel and truck, you risk serious damage for yourself and your loved ones, as well as your vehicle.
The first step to accomplish is to check the owner’s manuals for your fifth wheel and pickup to know their Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. This is the allowable weight of a loaded vehicle, including accessories, fuel, gear/equipment packed into it, and passengers.
It’s also important to reference tow guides to know the tow limit of your vehicle. Carry this information to your fifth wheel hitch provider to help you find and purchase the right tool for your towing needs.
The Tow Vehicle’s Features and the Truck Bed’s Length
Some tow vehicles have features that excellently suit them to certain fifth wheel hitch styles. It can have metal rails or pucks. You’ll require a 5th wheel that can blend smoothly with pre-built anchors if it has metal rails of pucks.
And if your towing vehicle features a plastic liner, you must create a hole to accommodate the coupler. Sometimes, your vehicle may have holes drilled into it already. In that case, custom rails are an ideal option.
When it comes to the truck bed’s length, it may be either short or long. If your vehicle contains a short truck bed, then it faces a special dilemma. You’ll face a higher chance of your 5th wheel hitting the tow vehicle when navigating a turn. This is where an extended pin box becomes important. It boosts your turning radius, reducing the chances of collision massively.
How Does a 5th Wheel Hitch Attach to Your Vehicle?
Fifth wheel hitches have numerous ways in which they can be attached to your truck bed. Let’s find out three common ways, including:
- Gooseneck Mount: Your fifth wheel may need an adapter if the mount is installed underneath and only the ball hitch is above the pickup bed.
- Under Bed Mount: The mount is installed underneath the truck bed to make it look clear when not towing. In this case, the 5th wheel is installed on the bed and then attached to the mount below. When you’re making an order for a new truck, request to know if you can have this option.
- Traditional Rail System: With this system, rails are installed in your truck bed, and the fifth wheel hitch is installed on the rails.
The Installation Process
Not all fifth wheel hitches are easy to install. Some are more challenging to install compared to others. If you’re planning to follow the do-it-yourself path, you should be sure to have the right tools and experience required for at-home installation. And if you’re planning to work closely with a professional, include the installation expenses in your budget.
Aside from installation, some 5th wheel hitches are also challenging to use compared to others. Those who’re towing a fifth wheel for the first time will want to purchase easy-to-use and simple hitches. If you consider these key things when purchasing your fifth wheel hitch, you’ll be able to take your towing experience to the next level.
