Despite their reputation for superior stability and maneuverability, ensuring a smooth and safe towing experience with a fifth wheel camper still heavily depends upon choosing the right hitch. In fact, it can really make or break your vacation. From frustrating setup to poor handling, the wrong fifth wheel hitch not only stands to waste your time but could actually put you in danger when traveling. However, with so many options available on the market, finding the best match can be overwhelming.
Whether you prioritize towing capacity, ease of installation, or advanced features, Parts Via is here to walk you through the key factors to consider when selecting the best fifth wheel hitch for your needs. Start your journey off right by picking the ideal setup, ensuring safety and enjoyment on every trip.
To Slide or Not to Slide?
While you might assume all hitches are alike, the reality is quite different. Beyond varying tongue weight and towing capacities, hitches come in different constructions, coupling mechanisms, user conveniences, and additional features. As a result, there are several things you need to consider before clicking that “Buy Now” button.
First, before you even start browsing the web, you need to know your vehicle’s towing capacity along with your gross trailer weight. Why? Because you cannot tow more weight than your vehicle is rated for!
Acquiring this information is not a difficult process, though you’ll need to do a little homework (and some math). Check out this article over on The Engine Block for a step-by-step guide on how to obtain and calculate these very important numbers: Can I Tow That? Calculating Your Vehicle’s Towing Capacity.
Once you know what your vehicle is capable of pulling and just how hefty your fifth wheel camper is, take a good look at that truck bed. Is it long or short? This simple feature will determine whether you’re shopping for a “fixed” or “sliding” fifth wheel hitch.
A fixed fifth wheel hitch is essentially stationary, mounted directly into the bed of the pickup truck without offering any adjustment in its position. A sliding fifth wheel hitch, by comparison, includes a mechanism that allows the hitch to move back and forth along a track to create more space between the fifth wheel camper and the cab of the truck when needed, such as during tight turns.
For long-bed trucks (typically around 8 feet), a fixed fifth wheel hitch will get the job done. However, for standard (6.5 feet) or short bed trucks (5.5 feet), a slider is necessary to ensure the trailer doesn’t bang up your cab during sharp turns. It's worth noting that having a sliding hitch doesn't necessarily mean you'll use it all the time. It primarily comes into play in tight situations—but it's better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it, right?
Pick Your Base
Once you know whether your fifth wheel hitch will be fixed or sliding, it’s time to determine how to actually mount to the truck bed. While examining that bed for length, did you happen to notice an OEM-installed “puck system” on board? These circular hockey-puck-shaped holes are strategically placed in the bed, providing secure attachment points for compatible towing accessories.
If your truck has a puck system, good news! Installing a fifth wheel hitch will be greatly simplified. If your truck lacks a puck system, then you’ll need to find a way to attach the fifth wheel hitch to the truck bed—namely, base rails.
Base rails are metal rails or tracks that install in the bed of a pickup truck, serving as a secure attachment point for the mounting brackets of a fifth wheel assembly. They generally come in two flavors: bed-mount and under-bed mount.
Bed-mount base rails install directly inside the truck bed to create a stable platform for your fifth wheel hitch. Installation involves drilling through the truck bed to attach the rails to the frame, making this a permanent setup. While bed-mount base rails are always ready for towing, they may obstruct the truck bed for other activities, like hauling cargo.
Under-bed mount base rails utilize mounting brackets installed beneath the truck bed, with attachment points accessible through the bed. These systems allow for the fifth wheel hitch and base rails to be easily installed or removed. That means, when you’re not towing, you can enjoy a clean truck bed. This flexibility makes it an excellent choice for those who need to switch between towing and using their truck bed for other purposes.
Some truck owners opt for an even more versatile solution: installing a gooseneck hitch in the truck bed and then attaching an adapter plate to convert it for fifth wheel towing when needed. This type of system, like the B&W Turnoverball, provides the best of both worlds for truck owners who require unobstructed truck beds but frequently tow multiple types of trailers.
Hold On Tight
With the mounting configuration in place, it's time to look at the head and yoke assembly. This part of the fifth wheel hitch is essential for ensuring a strong, stable connection and a hassle-free towing experience.
Generally, fifth wheel hitches use either a single or dual jaw system. A single jaw system uses a robust, singular jaw to latch around the kingpin—the metal shaft that protrudes from the fifth wheel camper—while a dual jaw system uses two jaws that close around the kingpin. Both options provide a secure connection with minimal movement, yet the dual jaw system offers a slightly more uniform grip, reducing kingpin movement and enhancing ride comfort, albeit at a typically higher price point.
For those on tight budgets, a slide bar jaw is an affordable option. It features a straight bar of metal that slides behind the king pin and traps it in place. While this is effective, it may result in a less comfortable ride due to increased negative space for camper movement.
If you’re operating a short-bed truck, you’ll need to think beyond jaw style and also consider the locking slider mechanism. Some hitches feature manual locking sliders, which require the driver to exit the vehicle and manually engage the sliding mechanism. Automatic locking sliders, by comparison, offer the convenience of automatically sliding back when turning, without requiring any driver intervention.
Learn How to Pivot
The pivoting head design of the hitch is another crucial factor. A 2-pivot head pivots forward and backward, helping with smooth coupling and uncoupling, as well as absorbing front-to-back motion—though it offers limited side-to-side flexibility. In contrast, a 4-pivot head – like the CURT Crosswing – pivots in four directions (forward, backward, and side-to-side) providing maximum articulation. This additional movement improves stability on uneven terrain and eases the coupling process.
Other important features of the head and yoke assembly that you may want to consider when determining what the best fifth wheel hitch is for your setup include conveniences like cushioned heads, which absorb shock and reduce vibration, and kingpin indicators, which confirm proper kingpin engagement.
Additional Considerations
Speaking of extra features and additional conveniences… Obviously, the best fifth wheel hitch for your camper is the one that best (and most safely) connects your truck and trailer—but it’s also the one that best fits you. Below are some additional features to consider when narrowing down your search, either as an integrated feature or aftermarket add-on.
- Ergonomic handles, which offer a more comfortable grip during hitching and unhitching.
- Quick-install bases, which simplify setup and removal, allowing for faster installation and greater convenience.
- Kingpin locks, which prevent thieves from driving away with your beloved fifth wheel camper.
- Height adjustment, which ensures the trailer is level when towing, improving stability and handling.
- Powder coat finishes, which ward off corrosion and promote long-lasting use.
- Anti-rattle skid plates, which help to stabilize the hitch and prevent rattling, creating a smoother, quieter towing experience.
Ready to enhance your towing experience with a top-quality fifth wheel hitch and accessories? Shop a wide selection of products from leading suppliers like B&W, CURT, Reese, PullRite, Demco, Husky Towing and more at Parts Via today, and hit the road with confidence and convenience!