How to a Hitch a Fifth Wheel to a Truck

Fifth wheel trailers connect to the tow vehicle via a coupling that is located in the cargo bed of the tow vehicle, as opposed to a travel trailer with a bumper hitch. An advantage of a fifth wheel setup is the tongue weight of the trailer is placed over the rear axle of the tow vehicle, which offers better weight distribution, control and handling. Be safe before getting underway and ensure your fifth wheel trailer is attached correctly to the tow vehicle.

Things You'll Need

• 2 wheel chocks
• Measuring tape

Instructions

1. Chock the fifth wheel trailer tires front and rear to prevent movement during the hitching-up process. Leave the chocks in position during the entire procedure.

2. Measure the height of the top surface of the hitch skid plate -- or hitch head, mounted on the back of the tow vehicle -- to the ground with a measuring tape.

3. Adjust the front trailer jacks to raise or lower the front of the trailer so that the bottom horizontal surface of the pin box on the trailer is ½ inch to one inch less than the measurement taken an the hitch skid plate on the tow vehicle.

4. Locate the handle on the side on the driver's side of the hitch mounted on the tow vehicle. Pull the handle straight out from the hitch, then push it forward until its locks into the groove on the side of the hitch head.

5. Back the tow vehicle up slowly so that the hitch pin on the underside of the trailer hitch glides into the hitch skid plate on the tow vehicle. Continue backing slowly until the pin is fully seated and the handle on the side of the hitch snaps back into its original position.

6. Place the tow vehicle's transmission in park and apply the parking brake. Check to see that the horizontal surface on the underside of the trailer's pin box is resting on the hitch skid plate on the tow vehicle, with no space in between. If there is a gap between the trailer hitch and the skid plate, unlock the hitch handle, pull the tow vehicle forward and then back up and attempt the hitching process again. Push the trailer's electrical cord into the receptacle near the hitch on the tow vehicle until it is fully seated.

7. Ensure all bystanders are clear of the tow vehicle and trailer. Return to the tow vehicle and release the parking brake. Apply the trailer brakes using the electronic brake controller in the tow vehicle cab. Attempt to drive the tow vehicle forward to test the hitch connection. Repeat the hitching process if the tow vehicle separates from the trailer.

8. Place a padlock into the hole at the base of the hitch handle to lock the handle in place and keep the trailer from becoming accidentally unhitched.

9. Test the trailer turn signals and brake lights. Retract the front trailer jacks fully so they will not drag on the ground during towing. Remove the tire chocks when ready to get underway.

Tips & Warnings

• Failure to ensure there is not gap between the trailer pin box and the hitch skid plate could cause the trailer to separate from the tow vehicle. This could cause serious injury or property damage.

• Do not lower the fifth wheel onto the hitch using the trailer jacks, or the pin could slip off of the hitch causing the trailer to fall.

• Failure to follow all steps of the hitching process could result in death, serious injury or property damage.

References

• Hitch Pro: Fifth Wheel Hitch Instruction Manual