How to Hook Up a Fifth Wheel Hitch (Step-by-Step Guide for Safe Towing)

Have you recently bought a fifth-wheel trailer? And are you finally embarking on your first big trip?

Then you have just landed on the right page! This blog is everything that you need right now to learn how to hook up a fifth wheel hitch.

Trust me, learning about how to hook up a fifth wheel hitch is one of the most important skills that you can master for your trip. I know, this process might seem scary or intimidating at first sight, as you have a big truck, a heavy trailer and a lot of loads to move around. But once you learn how to do it, it becomes simple and easy. And I mean it!

That’s why I am here to help you learn how to hook up a fifth wheel hitch for your trailer. The goal is simple: to make sure that your trailer stays connected to your truck securely to help you drive safely and confidently. So, come on, let’s start learning your first 5th wheel hook up in this step-by-step guide.

What is a Fifth Wheel Hitch and How Does It Work?

First things first, do you really know what a fifth wheel hookup is all about and how it works?

Well, if not, then you really need to learn about it first. As you can’t cure a disease without diagnosing it first. But don’t worry, I will tell you exactly what it is.

The fifth wheel hitch is a special hitch that is used in towing massive trailers, such as RVs, horse trailers, or heavy equipment haulers. In contrast to a standard ball hitch, a fifth wheel hitch is installed in the truck bed with a horseshoe-shaped coupling component.

How does it work?

Now, let’s see how the fifth wheel coupling really works and operates:

The trailer contains a kingpin, or big vertical steel pin, which fits into the hole in the hitch. The hitch is fitted with jaws (or a locking bar) that clamp into the kingpin and hold it in place. This attachment gives the trailer a better distribution of its weight over the rear axle of the truck and thus makes it a much more stable object and smoother to ride.

Key Components of a Fifth Wheel Hitch:

• Kingpin – The large pin on the trailer that fits into your hitch.
• Hitch Head (Coupler) – This is the part of the gear that carries the kingpin and has the shape of a horseshoe.
• Jaws/ Locking Bar – These are attached around the kingpin and are used to hold it in place.
• Handle and Safety Pin – To open/close the jaws and fix them.
• Mounting Legs/Base Rails – The framework to connect the hitch to your truck bed.

You must be wondering why they are so damn popular.

Well, because five-wheel hitches can carry large loads (usually 16,000 to 30,000 lbs. or more), are extremely stable when compared to bumper-pull trailers, and are relatively easy to couple after a few tries.

Preparing for the Fifth Wheel Hookup (Pre-Hookup Checklist)

Now, let’s come back to our main topic, how to hook up a fifth wheel hitch?

So, before actually starting to work, you need to prepare for it first to make your whole process a lot easier and safer, too.

I have even prepared a checklist for you that you can follow every time before your 5th wheel hookup:

• Park on Level Ground

A flat surface is much easier to align, and it also puts less stress on your hitch and kingpin.

• Chock the Trailer Wheels

This will stop the rolling of the trailer when you are reversing it. A single roll will put you out of alignment.

• Adjust Hitch and Trailer Height

Position the landing gear of the trailer to pick up or put down the kingpin to about 1/2 to 1 inch from the top of the hitch plate. This allows the kingpin to creep into the hitch.

• Lower The Tailgate of Your Truck (If Required)

Most trucks have a tailgate that must be lowered in order to clear the front of the trailer during hook-up.

• Open the Hitch Jaws or Locking Bar

Finally, pull on the hitch handle to roll the jaws (or locking bar) out of the way so that the kingpin can slide in.

This basic setup will spare you the hassles of re-aligning your hitch several times or the chances of breaking it. So, next time when you are doing a fifth wheel coupling, make sure that you have your checklist with you.

Step-by-Step: How to Hook Up a Fifth Wheel Hitch

The next step is the big one, attaching the trailer. These steps must be followed at all times when hitching up your fifth wheel.

Don’t worry, it’s not as hard as it sounds. You just need to go through it once or more, but once you get hold of it, you can become a pro at fifth wheel hook up. Here is how to hook up a fifth wheel hitch:

1. Open and Inspect the Hitch
   The very first thing that you need to do is make sure that the jaws of your trailer are open, with the hitch plate properly cleaned and greased. Make sure the jaws are open and the hitch plate is clean and properly greased. A small amount of lubrication will allow the kingpin to slide easily.
2. Back Up the Truck Slowly
   Make sure your truck is straight with the trailer. Creep up towards the kingpin. You can use a spotter or a backup camera to guide you, in case possible.
3. Adjust Trailer Height if Needed
   When you are near, look to make sure that the kingpin has not slipped out of place. Open or close the landing gear, as needed.
4. Back Under the Kingpin
   Now you need to back under the Kingpin. Keep on supporting until the kingpin is completely inserted into the hitch jaws. When the jaws close, you will detect a very satisfying clunk into place around the pin, that’s your clue that it’s locked.
5. Lock the Hitch Handle and Insert Safety Pin
   To lock, add the handle either by pushing or pulling to the locked position and then add the safety pin or latch clip to keep your handle locked. This will ensure safety for your fifth wheel coupling process.
6. Connect the Breakaway Cable
   Connect the breakaway cable on the trailer to a hard spot in the frame of your truck. This cable triggers the trailer brakes in case the trailer is broken off.
7. Plug In the Electrical Connector
   Connect the plug on the trailer to the socket of the truck to enable brake lights, turn signals, and electric brakes.
8. Raise the Trailer Landing Gear
   Completely lift the landing gear in order to place the entire weight of the trailer on the truck
9. Close the Tailgate
   It is time to check on your Tailgate. In case you put it down earlier, shut the tailgate to avoid any damage on the road.
10. Perform a “Pull Test”
    When you have the landing gear still partially extended (only one inch off the ground), leave the truck in drive and pull forward very slightly to make the hitch connection secure. And if it holds perfectly without any glitch, then you are all set to go.

That is precisely how to hook up a fifth wheel hitch in 10 easy steps. All you need to do is follow them carefully, and you can do it like a professional.

If anything unexpected happens, then it’s better to leave it to professionals like Transport Experts Inc. to deal with such situations like a pro.

Safety Tips for a Secure Fifth Wheel Hitch Hookup

Safety is everything. Therefore, I always recommend everyone to ensure that they follow safety tips while securing the fifth wheel hitch hookup for a safe and successful process.

Even if you follow all the steps, these safety measures are important for your own safety. So, make sure that you don’t miss them:

• Inspect the jaws visually – There are numerous hitches with a visible indicator that shows when the jaws are locked up. Make sure that you double-check before driving.
• Listen for the lock – That “clunk” sound I told you about when the kingpin slides in is something you should not miss. In case you do not hear it, pause and inquire.
• Check that the trailer is level – Always ensure the right trailer level, as it prevents any damage to tires.
• Test your lights and trailer brakes – Before hitting the road, have a helper check that the brake lights, turn signals, and hazard lights are functioning.
• Double-check connections – Ensure that the breakaway cable is attached and that the electrical plug is firmly fixed.

They might look like small, tiny steps. But trust me, these are tiny steps that do not take more than five minutes and could save an accident or a very expensive damage in the future. So, evertakene them for grante?.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Hooking Up a Fifth Wheel Hitch

Not everyone is perfect! Even the most skilled and professional drivers can make mistakes sometimes. That’s why I have gathered some of the most common errors that are easily skipped to help you avoid them when processing your fifth wheel hook-up.

• High-Pinning

This happens when the kingpin is too high and rides on top of the hitch jaws instead of sliding inside. It can damage the hitch head and kingpin. Solution: always check that the trailer is slightly lower than the hitch plate before backing in.

• Forgetting to Chock Wheels

When the trailer rolls on a hookup, it may be hazardous. It is always worth chocking the wheels first. It is one of the most common mistakes that drivers can make.

• Not Lowering the Tailgate

The overhang of the trailer can be struck by a forgotten tailgate, resulting in costly damage.

• Skipping the Pull Test

This is the last line of defence. One good yank is a guarantee that it is all locked.

Avoiding these errors will save you time, money, and stress on towing.

Professional Help for Heavy or Oversized Fifth Wheel Loads

Although hooking up a typical fifth wheel trailer can be learned by doing, there are instances when more is involved than a typical RV. When dealing with exceptionally heavy trailers, oversize loads or commercial equipment, it is a much more complicated process.

These loads often require:

• Travel permits to use some roads.
• Super loads or extra-wide trailers.
• Planning of routes to avoid low bridges, sharp turns or weight-restricted roads.

But the good part is, you don’t have to do it alone.

Yeah, Transport Experts Inc. is are top professional in the USA when it comes to heavy equipment transportation, oversized shipments or complex logistics.

If this sounds overwhelming, you don’t have to do it alone. Transport Experts Inc. specialises in heavy equipment hauling, oversized load transport, and complex logistics. Their professional drivers and support staff can make sure that your fifth wheel or big trailer is safely attached, correctly permitted and delivered to its destination without any stress.

Whether you own a business that requires freight of heavy machinery or are a new user of fifth wheel towing, these professionals can save you time, minimise risk, and provide you with on-road peace of mind.

So, contact them now and make your fifth wheel hitch hassle-free.

Frequently Asked Questions