5th Wheel Hitch Guide: Installation, Differences vs Gooseneck, and More

Are you expecting to tow a really big trailer and your typical trailer hitch isn’t up to the task? It’s a good idea to consider getting a 5th wheel hitch. It’s a type of heavy-duty hitch that can handle the largest and heaviest trailers.

While it shares a lot of similarities with standard ball hitch designs, it is not interchangeable with its smaller brethren. Read on to more about the 5th wheel hitch, its capabilities, and how to differentiate it from the similar gooseneck hitch.

What Is a 5th Wheel Hitch?

Have you seen a big rig without a trailer attached to it? The semi-truck hitch looks and works like a much bigger fifth wheel hitch.

The 5th wheel hitch is set on the floor of your truck’s bed. Its most visible part is a plate made of sturdy material that can support the trailer tongue. The hitch also has jaws that secure the trailer tongue’s kingpin to prevent it from moving.

You can install the 5th wheel hitch on either standard mounts or sliding mounts. The latter type lets you move the hitch across the truck bed to compensate for the length of the trailer tongue.

Installation is relatively easy for trucks that don’t come with a 5th wheel hitch as standard issue equipment. You will drill several small holes in your truck bed for the hitch’s fasteners.

Trailer tongues designed for 5th wheel hitches are usually found on the bigger RV campers and commercial trailers that resemble the ones attached to semi-trucks.

How Does a 5th Wheel Hitch Work?

To attach the trailer to the 5th wheel rig, the trailer must be set at the correct height. Then you back the truck until the trailer tongue’s kingpin moves into the hitch. The hitch’s jaws will clamp on the kingpin.

As a safety measure, it’s recommended to secure the hitched trailer with safety chains to help make sure it won’t come off. You should also invest in trailer wiring that hooks up to your truck and powers road safety features on the trailer like rear lights.

Most vehicles that come with factory-issue hitches mount the part under their rear bumper. The maximum load they can tow is limited by the strength of the rear bumper and the frame it’s attached to.

A 5th wheel hitch achieves much of its performance because it is in a different location. Instead of going under the bumper, it sits on the truck bed over the rear axle.

The truck bed can bear a lot more weight than the rear bumper because of its sturdier construction and position over the rear axle, which not only rotates the wheels but also supports the weight of the vehicle’s rear. This is important when you hitch a heavy trailer to your truck. The tongue weight presses down on the hitch’s location with more weight, putting more pressure. Thus, a truck with a 5th wheel hitch can tow bigger trailers.

Depending on your truck’s model and features, a 5th wheel hitch can add at least a couple of thousand pounds to the maximum towing capacity. Some trucks are designed for towing and have options like dual-rear wheels.

How Much Does Installing a 5th Wheel Hitch Cost?

A 5th wheel hitch will typically cost anywhere between $800 and $2000. If you bring it to an auto service center, the labor cost will generally range from $100 to $800. That’s without factoring in things like local taxes. You can save on costs by installing the 5th wheel yourself, but you should only do this if you have the right tools and experience for the DIY job.

What are the Differences Between a 5th Wheel Hitch and a Gooseneck Hitch?

The 5th wheel hitch is not the only option on the table for heavy-duty hitches. There’s also the gooseneck hitch.

The gooseneck hitch bears some resemblance to standard hitches. But it uses a ball hitch and the trailer tongue has a compatible receiver for it. However, the gooseneck hitch is bigger than a typical ball hitch.

The trailer tongue designed for a gooseneck hitch is also different. Pointing downward from the front end of the trailer, it resembles the long neck of a goose. This tongue goes on top of the ball. Once you have backed your truck up under the trailer tongue, you can secure the hitch.

Most gooseneck hitches are seen on agricultural and commercial trailers.

Gooseneck Hitch vs 5th Wheel Hitch

As with many things, there are advantages and disadvantages. This applies to both 5th wheel hitches and gooseneck hitches.

Most gooseneck hitches can tow heavier loads than the strongest 5th wheel hitches.

Goosenecks take up less space and don’t weigh as much. If you want to keep the truck bed clear of a bulky hitch, it’s a good idea to pick a gooseneck hitch over a 5th wheel hitch.

Gooseneck hitches are also simpler in design. This makes them more affordable on a budget. Installing them is also easier compared to the fairly involved process of drilling multiple holes and bolting required for 5th wheel hitches.

However, gooseneck hitches also tend to make more noise while on the move. They also have trouble with tall trailers–taking sharp turns will make them wobble. And if your vehicle didn’t come with a gooseneck hitch in the first place, you will have to punch a large hole through your truck bed during installation.

Should You Get A 5th Wheel Hitch?

In many cases, your trailer will determine what kind of heavy-duty hitch you should get for your truck. Always check the trailer tongue first before considering your options.

Generally, a 5th wheel hitch is the best for your truck if you:

• Plan to tow heavy but not extreme loads
• Expect to tow tall trailers for the most part
• Don’t want to hear loud noises while towing
• Want an easier time maintaining control of your truck and its hitched trailer on the road
• Don’t mind if the hitch takes up most of the truck bed floor
• Are willing to drill several innocuous holes in the truck bed floor but not one huge hole

You can also get the best of both worlds by installing an adapter that makes the 5th wheel hitch compatible with a gooseneck hitch trailer tongue. The reverse is also true–there are adapters that let gooseneck hitches accept trailer tongues designed for 5th wheel hitches.

Where to Get a New 5th Wheel Hitch for Your Vehicle

If the 5th wheel hitch shows signs of damage or wear, stop using your truck to tow loads until you replace the accessory. There’s a risk of damaging your vehicle or its trailer if you connect the latter to a faulty hitch. Instead, get a replacement 5th wheel hitch delivered to your doorstep by ordering from CarParts.com.

Why leave your home and join a long line for a new 5th wheel hitch when you can access CarParts.com on your mobile phone and have our product shipped to your door? All our on-hand parts are ready to ship once you complete our secure ordering process, which only takes several clicks. We operate well-equipped distribution centers in strategic locations, and the facility nearest you will handle order processing and shipment. Furthermore, we exclusively source our products from trusted veterans of the auto parts industry, which helps guarantee the fit and quality of our parts.

CarParts.com lets you choose from a wide selection of competitively priced, long-lasting parts. Don’t put off getting a new 5th wheel hitch. Shop for a 5th wheel hitch today!