Picture yourself zipping down an open highway with your house attached to the back of your truck, fully equipped and ready to head to your favorite destination — that’s the allure of a fifth wheel hitch. The towing system is a special type of hitch designed to provide class-leading towing capacity and safety for those trailering an RV or other heavy load. A fifth wheel hitch offers weekenders and full-time explorers the luxury of taking their load on their travels.
But before getting into more detail; let’s start with the basics. What’s a fifth wheel hitch and why do road enthusiasts continue to choose this method of towing?
The Basics: What Is a Fifth Wheel Hitch?
In short, a fifth wheel hitch is a towing system built for heavy-duty trailering, including large RV campers and even horse trailers. While most hitches attach to the bumper on the back of a towing vehicle, the fifth wheel hitch configuration bolts directly to a pickup truck bed, providing drivers with a sturdy foundation that reduces the potential for swaying and increases overall control of the towing package.
Plus, with your load attached to the truck bed instead of the rear of a vehicle — think of traditional trailers and how far they jut out in comparison to the fifth wheel — the system allows for a smoother driving experience.
How It Works
In more technical terms, the configuration is as follows: with a fifth wheel, a large plate secures onto the trailer’s kingpin, the connecting device that links the trailer and the tow vehicle together.
Once the kingpin slides into the hitch plate, your trailer will lock into place, complete with a pivot point between the pickup and the trailer for tighter, easier turns. Your next trip to the gas station or grocery store will feel like a walk in the park, thanks to the fifth wheel hitch.
Why Choose a Fifth Wheel Hitch?
Exceptional Stability
With the fifth wheel hitch placed well over your truck’s rear axle, you’ll benefit from better weight distribution and decreased sway. As a result, you’ll notice a much improved, stable ride as you navigate rough terrain or battle high winds. It’s the perfect solution for long-haul towing for those who demand both safety and comfort from their set-up.
Impressive Towing Capacity
If you need to pull a heavy load of any variety, a fifth wheel hitch has you covered. Supported by a higher towing capacity than traditional hitches, you can comfortably tow any number of recreational vehicles, boats, and even agricultural equipment in comfort and security.
Easy Maneuverability
A fifth wheel hitch trumps a regular hitch in terms of maneuvering. Because of its pivot point, the hitch gives you more range of motion and even better control, so you can move around in reverse and get out of tight spots with ease and confidence. You’ll look professional doing it, too, even in the tightest jams.
Variety of Options
Bottom line is, not all fifth wheel hitches are created equal. With various configurations, including those that are fixed for a mounted experience that stays in place, those that slide, for a short bed experience, and even options for removal, there’s a fifth wheel that is right for your towing experience.
Considerations Before Choosing a Fifth Wheel Hitch
Before rushing off to order a brand-new 5th wheel hitch, there are a few factors to keep in mind:
- Truck Compatibility: Not all trucks can support a fifth wheel hitch. You have to look into your truck’s towing capacity and bed length to ensure it can accommodate the hitch.
- Trailer Weight: Make sure the hitch can hold the weight of your trailer. You don’t want to put too much pressure on the hitch because it could wear out your truck, cause a serious accident, or even destabilize your trailer.
- Installation: Just like a higher tow rating means increased trailer capacity, a fifth wheel hitch implies you’ll have to put in a bit more elbow grease. This means you may have to (in most cases) drill holes in the bed of your truck for installation. If you’re not so handy, think about having a professional do the dirty work.
Ready to Hit the Road?
If upgrading your tow vehicle is the plan, then nothing should stop you from choosing a fifth wheel hitch. It offers unmatched stability and impressive towing power and makes maneuvering large trailers a breeze.
So what are you waiting for? Get your truck, get your fifth wheel hitch, and let your next adventure begin. The road awaits and having your hitch in place can take you wherever you need. Safe towing and happy travel!
