The Fifth Wheel Hitch: How to Know When It's Needed
The warmer weather is upon us, and the kids are nearly out of school, so it's time to plan that family camping trip! Hauling campers or trailers can be cumbersome and risky if not properly secured to your vehicle. This is when a fifth wheel hitch can come in handy. This blog will discuss the basics of how fifth wheel hitches work, their benefits, and how to choose the right fifth wheel hitch to suit your needs.
What is a Fifth Wheel Hitch? When Do I Need One?
The term "fifth wheel hitch" dates back to the 1800s, when it served as a pivot point for front axles on carriages. Today, these durable hitches are used for extra stability when hauling heavy loads, particularly ones heavier than the tow vehicle.
The rule of thumb when determining whether or not you should consider a fifth wheel hitch is if the hauled weight exceeds the weight of the truck. If so, a fifth wheel hitch can provide extreme stability during your trip, making the drive much safer and easier to maneuver.
The major difference between a fifth wheel hitch and a standard trailer hitch is that the high point is located above the tow vehicle's rear axle versus on the bumper. The hitch looks similar to a large horseshoe and is secured directly onto the pickup truck's frame. This not only allows the driver to have better control but also makes it possible for smaller trucks to haul longer trailers. Fifth wheel hitches also help control sway.
The trailer is then attached to the U-shaped hitch with a king pin. This heavy-duty component slides into the middle of the hitch plate. The sides of the hitch plate secure the king pin in place, providing a strong pivot point for hauling larger trailers and more weight.
Choosing the Right Fifth Wheel Hitch for Your Truck
There are various factors to consider when choosing to install a fifth-wheel hitch:
Know the Towing Capacity
It's critical to check the towing capacity and gross trailer weight of what you will be hauling. Gross trailer weight is the total weight of the trailer once it's fully loaded and secured to your truck's fifth-wheel hitch.
Length of Truck Bed
Longer truck beds have more clearance. Therefore, fixed hitches are better suited for longer truck beds, whereas sliding hitches are better for shorter truck beds.
Consider a Puck System
Mounting platforms, otherwise known as puck systems, are built into many modern pickup trucks. This puck system allows for easy fifth wheel hitch installation with no drilling or extra hardware necessary. If your vehicle lacks a puck system, you may want to consider installing fifth wheelbase rails.
Choose a Reliable Brand
Southside Hitch carries fifth wheel hitches designed by B&W, which are some of the most reliable hitches on the market. B&W designs fifth wheel hitches for both short and long-bed trucks.
Not Sure How to Install a Fifth Wheel Hitch onto Your Truck?
Whether you have a long or short truck bed, with or without a puck system, Southside Hitch can help you choose the right fifth wheel hitch for your needs. Our experienced technicians will consider the towing capacity, trailer size, truck bed length, and whether or not there is a puck system in place.
Our team of professionals will install a custom-fit hitch for your vehicle to ensure that your next trip will be stress-free. The safety of our customers has always been a top priority for Southside Hitch. Don't hesitate to give us a call at 804-378-1992, and one of our knowledgeable team members will be happy to assist.