Fifth Wheel Trailer Hitch Information and Installation Tips
The installation instructions give the exact location of where to install the fifth wheel trailer hitch for optimal towing. With an eight foot wide fifth wheel trailer, Reese and Draw-Tite recommend a distance of 52" from the cab of the truck to the center of the fifth wheel hitch. Because the hitch must remain in front of the rear axle, long bed full size trucks are recommended. Any truck with a bed less than 8 feet long is considered a short bed.
If a short bed truck is going to be used, a Slider Fifth Wheel Hitch, along with an extended pin box, is recommended to help compensate for the reduced turning clearance. Without the slider or pin box extension the trailer can strike the cab on sharp turns. The Slider allows the vehicle to make normal turns during low speed maneuvering. The extended pin box (minimum 13") creates even more space between the truck cab and the trailer.
Slider Fifth Wheel Hitch
When towing a fifth wheel trailer on the highway, the trailer king pin must be between the cab of the truck and the rear axle. This makes maneuvering a trailer around a narrow camp site with a short bed truck very difficult. The slider locks in place between the cab and the rear axle for highway towing. However, when maneuvering around narrow spaces, the slider can be released, moving the hitch and therefore the king pin 10" closer to the tailgate. The greater space between the cab and the trailer allows for greater turning clearance.
This diagram shows how turning is restricted when the hitch is located in its proper position for highway use.
This diagram shows how sliding the hitch closer to the end of the truck provides a greater distance between the cab and the trailer, optimizing turning clearance.
Fifth Wheel Hitch Installation
When bracket installation is done properly, there is no benefit to welding the installation brackets to the frame compared to bolting the brackets. If welding is preferred, make sure it is done by a certified welder.
The universal rail kit, 6005 mounts to any full size pickup and often requires drilling. If the vehicle is a late model Ford (1997 +), Chevrolet (1999 +), Dodge (2002 +) or GMC (1999 +), drilling can be avoided with the Custom Installation Kits. The custom rail kits mount to existing holes in the frame, reducing installation time by up to 50%. The custom rail kits will also work with both long bed and short bed trucks. Not included with the custom installation kits are the rails that the fifth wheel hitch sits on. The custom installation kits are designed to be used with fifth wheel hitch rails part #6008 but work with most fifth wheel rails.
Installing a Fifth Wheel Hitch with a Bed Liner
Fifth wheel installation rails cannot be installed over plastic bed liners. The liner will eventually disintegrate resulting in a loose hitch. However, the installation rails can be installed over a spray in liner.
Fifth Wheel Hitch Maintenance
Lubrication is extremely important. Before lubricating, remove the old dirty lubricant.
1. Use either a plastic lube plate or an automotive type chassis grease to lubricate the skid plate surface. The plastic lube plates must have a diameter of at least 10 inches and be no thicker than 3/16 of an inch. To keep moving parts in good working order, use engine oil or white lithium spray lube. For the joints inside the hitch head use a white lithium spray, for the other moving points use a high pressure lube (i.e. 80/90 gear lube). Also, lubricating the interior handle and the spring coils eases hitch operation.
2. Prior to each use, engage the jaws to make sure they operate easily.
3. Make sure the pull pins are in the proper position, including the spring retaining pins.
4. Periodically make sure all the hardware is securely fastened.
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Related Information Pages
Tips on how to tow a trailer
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Recent Fifth Wheel Questions and Answers
View all Fifth Wheel Questions
Question:
i have a reese fith wheel hitch i bought all the hardware to install it but there was no instructions i have a 2007 gmc seirra new body style can you give me the instructions or tell me where to go
asked by: Chad last update: July 2, 2008
Reply:
Are you looking for the instructions on how to use your hitch, or how to install it? The installation instructions will depend on whether you use a 'custom' or 'universal' install kit. If you'll reply with more information as well as the part # of the hitch, I'll get you the information you need.
reply by: Mike
Question:
Is it possible to use a camper in a truck bed that has 5th wheel rails? I will use the 5th wheel for moving a tractor, but would also like to set up for a camper and bumper pull horse trailer. Is this possible?
asked by: Troy last update: July 2, 2008
Reply:
The mounting rails sit about 1 inch above the surface of a truck bed. If the slide in type camper will still rest on the top of the bed, it should work.
reply by: Mike
Question:
I have a 2008 F-150, 5.7 engine, short bed, super crew. I pull trailer now. Can I successfully use a slider fifth wheel hitch? air bags important or heavier springs for the extra weight of fifth wheel? Any trailer dimensions to look for?
asked by: Arlene last update: July 1, 2008
Reply:
I'm going to refer you to your owner's manual or your Ford dealer for the fifth wheel towing capacity of your vehicle. Many times, the installation brackets for a fifth wheel will occupy the same space needed to install the air bags, so finding the capacity of the truck is where you want to start. If your bed is no shorter than 6 feet, you can use a slider. The dimensions of the trailer aren't as important as what it weighs and your trucks ability to tow it.
reply by: Mike
Question:
i have a huskey slider hitch but am unsure how to operate the slider - after i release the slider do i have to back up to relock the slider back into its original position?
asked by: John last update: June 30, 2008
Reply:
Backing to lock the slider back in place is generally how it's done, but as we do not carry the Huskey brand, I'm not that familiar with how they work. You might want to contact the manufacturer or the dealer where your purchased the hitch for specific instructions.
reply by: Mike
Question:
I drive a toyota tundra with a 64 box and i was wondering if it would be possible to install a fifth wheel hitch.
asked by: Shane last update: June 28, 2008
Reply:
I'm sorry, but on your particular truck, the box isn't long enough to safely tow a 5th wheel trailer. It would need to be at least 6 feet. Even when using an extedned pin box and slider, the front of the trailer could come into contact with the rear of the truck cab, damaging both.
reply by: Mike
Question:
Is there an adjustment to hold open the jaw to unhook from trailer.
asked by: Trygve last update: June 28, 2008
Reply:
There is no adjustment possible to hold the jaws open. When pulling the handle out, there is a detent on the handle itself that will hold the jaws open. Pull the handle to the side (away from the trailer) and when the jaws are in the open position, push the handle towards the front of the vehicle, and it will lock in place.
reply by: Mike
Question:
I have a Dodge 2500 4 wheel drive, short bed,Quad, with the Cummings Engine. We are thinking about going to a fifth wheel. Is this enough truck for a fifth wheel, and how much tongue weight will the truck accept. And of course which hitches do you recommend I order. I assume that the tongue weight is distributed between the front and rear axles
asked by: Al last update: June 28, 2008
Reply:
For information about the weight capacity for a fifth wheel, you'd want to consult your owner's manual or dealer. A fifth wheel hitch does distribute the weight of the trailer between the axles, with the majority on the rear axle. If your bed is shorter than 6 feet, a fifth wheel hitch is not recommended, due to the lack of clearance between the front of the trailer and the rear of the truck cab. If you have the 6 foot bed, the use of a hitch with a slider is recommended, to provide clearance for low speed maneuvering. The hitch I'd recommend will depend on the weight of the trailer. If you'd care to provide me with this information, I can make a recommendation for you.
reply by: Mike
Question:
I own a 5th wheel rv but no longer have the hitch. Is the king pin size the same for all equipment? Can I use a truck and hitch that is used to haul heavy equipment?
asked by: Dan last update: June 28, 2008
Reply:
The size of the kingpin is standard. You don't mention any specifics about the truck or hitch you are planning to use, so I cannot be very specific in my response. Generally speaking, it the fifth wheel hitch has the needed capacity to tow the RV, and the hitch is properly installed in the truck, you should be OK. One thing confuses me, though. You mention a fifth wheel hitch used to haul heavy equipment. Usually, fifth wheel hitches are meant for RV applications, while a gooseneck hitch is used for heavy equipment. Is this what you were speaking of?
reply by: Mike
Question:
I have a 2008 Chevy 2500HD. I also have a DUALINER installed. Can I mount bed rails for my fifthwheel hitch on top of the rubber bed-mat. DUALINER has hard plastic sides of box and a thick rubber mat for the truck bed.
asked by: Mike last update: June 28, 2008
Reply:
According to the information I currently have, Fifth wheel installation rails cannot be installed over plastic bed liners. The liner will eventually disintegrate resulting in a loose hitch. However, the installation rails can be installed over a spray in liner. In other words, if the mat you describe is removable, you cannot mount the rails over it. You could cut away the mat around the rails, so the rails would mount directly to the bed, if you wish.
reply by: Mike
Question:
You say in several responces that you can not use a fifth wheel hitch on a truck bed that is less than 5 1/2 feet long, case in point 2000 Dodge Dakota 4x4 crew cab, but you do not explain why. SO,,Why not?? Even if you have a smaller camper like a 20 foot, 1982 Wildeness Light camper. Again, what is the reason for not being able to use a hitch on a truck bed that short?
asked by: Scott last update: June 25, 2008
Reply:
With a super short bed (typically less than 6 feet), even with a slider and an extended pin box, the front corners of the fifth wheel trailer can impact the rear of the cab during sharp turns. This can damage both the truck and the trailer. There is just not enough clearance for the trailer to make a complete turn to each side without striking the cab.
reply by: Mike
Question:
i have a hitch that came out of 85 ford but i want to install in a 2000 ford can i mount this directly to the bed or is there brackets that i need for under the bed.
asked by: Jeff last update: June 25, 2008
Reply:
You will need brackets or an installation kit to install that fifth wheel hitch. You don't mention the model of Ford that the hitch came from, or the one you'd like to install your hitch into. If the fifth wheel hitch is a Reese, Draw-Tite, or Hidden Hitch, we would have an installation kit for it. The model or part # of the hitch would be helpful as well. If you could email me this information, I can come up with a more specific answer for you.
reply by: Mike
Question:
I have a 2006 toyota tacoma ext cab 4x4 short bed 6ft box...towing capacity 6000 lbs...my fifth wheel is a 21 ft terry light weight eight feet wide...GVW 5000 LBS WITH A PIN BOX EXTENTION. I have a fifth wheel hitch made by RBW INDUSTRIES,INC...MODEL #LR-1001 CROSSBAR HITCH&LR-1010 MOUNT BRACKET ASSEMBLY...I would like to know how and where this hitch should be mounted on my truck...if it could be mounted.
asked by: Mike last update: June 24, 2008
Reply:
Fifth wheel hitches are typically installed on full sized trucks. I really cannot recommend installing one on a smaller truck like your Tacoma.
reply by: Mike
Question:
I HAVE A REESE FIFTHWHEEL HITCH #30026NOT A SLIDER AND A SILVERADO 1999 6 FOOT BOX FLEET SIDE I WANT TO INSTALL IT BUT I NEED TO KNOW WHERE TO PUT THE RAILS IN THE BED.
asked by: Rodney last update: June 24, 2008
Reply:
Here's some installation instructions for the universal installation kit for that hitch. Just click on the "instructions" link about a third of the way down the page. Since your truck has the short bed on it, I would strongly recommend a slider. A slider will prevent the front of your trailer from coming into contact with the rear of your cab during sharp turns.
reply by: Mike
Question:
iam installing a 5th wheel hitch in a 2007 chev short box the hitch came out of a 1992 chev long box the hitch mounts go over the wheel wells and were bolted to the box can this be put in the new truck is the hitch not to be bolted to the frame by law now
asked by: Paul last update: June 23, 2008
Reply:
You can swap the hitch from one truck to the other, but to use it in the short bed, you'll need a slider to prevent the front of the trailer from impacting the back of the cab during sharp turns. The hitch will need to be secured to the frame of the vehicle using an install kit. You don't mention whether the 2007 Chevy is a New Body or a Classic model, or what brand of hitch it is. We offer sliders for Hidden Hitch, Reese , Draw Tite, Valley and Curt. We also offer install kits as well. If you would care to send me more information on the vehicle and hitch model, I can recommend a slider and an install kit.
reply by: Mike
Question:
i have a 36 jayco fifth wheel .i have a 2002 1/2 ton silverado shortbed 4x4 .can i boost the suspension and tow with this truck.i also have a 1999 c3500 duall wheel 1 ton with a steel 9flat bed.iwould prefer to tow with this but i am not sure if the distance between the back edge of the truck is far enough away from the front edge of trailer,do you know the reguired space.
asked by: Dave last update: June 23, 2008
Reply:
We do offer 5th wheel hitches that will work with your 2002 Chevy. You don't mention the weight of the trailer, but you'll need to make sure you aren't exceeding the manufacturer's recommended towing capacities. Also, because you have a short bed truck, you will also need a slider and probably an extended pin box, so the front of the trailer will not contact the rear of the cab during sharp turns. For your dually, We offer a 30K Fifth Wheel Hitch by Reese that is recommended for converted trucks like yours. As far as the clearances go, you'll need to do some measuring. The hitch will need to be mounted so that the king pin falls a few inches forward of the rear axle. I'd measure from that point back to the rear of the bed, then to both corners. On the trailer that you want to use, measure from the king pin back to the front of the trailer (and the corners). This will tell you wether the trailer will clear the corners of your bed.
reply by: Mike
Question:
we are looking at buying a 24 ft 5th wheel. WE have a chevy silverado ext cab short bed. What hitch do we need. Can we get an extended pin box rather than a slider?
asked by: David last update: June 19, 2008
Reply:
The hitch that you need is going to depend on a few factors. First, you'll need to know the weight of the trailer that you are wanting to tow. Secondly, which features are important to you? If you are going to want the full use of the bed of your truck when the hitch is installed, something like the Signature Series 18K Fifth Wheel Trailer Hitch with Slider might be for you. The mounting system for this hitch is completly contained under the bed, with no rails left in your truck bed when you remove the hitch. The other models will work just as well, such as the 18K Select Plus Fifth Wheel Hitch with Round Tube Slider which would mount on rails. There are other available hitches, depending on the capacity needed. Because of the short bed on your truck, an extended pin box AND a slider is necessary to prevent the trailer from impacting the rear of your cab during sharp turns.
reply by: Mike
Question:
i have an atwood 5th wheel hitch, i have a 2000 Powerstroke7.3L F250 Crewcab 4x4 shortbed, where should i mount the hitch in refernce to the axle location?
asked by: Rich last update: June 17, 2008
Reply:
We do not carry Atwood 5th wheel hitches, so unfortunately I do not have any specific installation instructions. If they offer a vehicle specific installation kit, the kit itself (where the brackets install) will dictate where in the bed the hitch installs. I'd recommend you contact the manufacturer for more information.
reply by: Mike
Question:
HAVE A 2008 FORD SUPER CREW WITH A 6.5 BED.I JUST BOUGHT ACROSSROAD CRIUSER CF29RK 5TH WHEEL TRAILER MY ? IS DO I NEED A SLIDER HITCH AND WILL I HAVE TO MOVE THE TRAILER SLIDE BACK AND FORTH ALL THE TIME.
asked by: Robert last update: June 16, 2008
Reply:
You definitely will need a slider for your hitch. In a short box truck, the front of the trailer can come into contact with the rear of the cab during sharp turns. During parking or low speed maneuvering, the hitch is slid to its rearmost position to maximize clearance. During normal towing, the hitch is slid forward to place the king pin at or slightly in front of the rear axle.
reply by: Mike
Question:
I have a F-350 with an 8 ft. flat bed with 2 ft. high tool boxes down both sides. Would it be possible to install a 5th wheel hitch in this bed or is the height of the boxes too tall to provide the necessary clearance while maintaining a level ride height.
asked by: Marcus last update: June 16, 2008
Reply:
I can reply with a definite maybe. IF the height of your bed is about the height of the bed in a F350 with a typical bed on it AND IF the height of your tool boxes isn't higher than the bed rails on a typical F350, you'd probably be OK. What you are looking for is at least 6-8 inches of clearance between the bottom of the trailer front and any bed rails/ tool boxes, etc.
reply by: Mike
Question:
I just bought a used ~2 yrs old 16K Reese Quick Slide 5th wheel hitch. I have new rails for 15K hitch, Base Railing Mounting Kidt part #30035. Are the rails compatible with the hitch I just bought. Im going to install all this on 2007 GMC 2500HD new style truck.
asked by: Don last update: June 14, 2008
Reply:
That universal install kit will work just fine with your hitch and your vehicle. We also offer a custom installation kit that could save you a few hours of installation time.
reply by: Mike
Question:
I have a 2007 GMC new style, not classic that is a little high in the box, about 55 inches from ground to top of truck box rail. The box is also a short box 6.5 ft, not 6.0 ft in length. I am looking to by a used 16k, under the bed slider, which pivots both ways. The hitch is a Valley 7054. Is this hitch reputable? Will it be compatible to my truck?
asked by: Don last update: June 12, 2008
Reply:
Valley makes a great 5th wheel hitch, the model you have should work just fine for you, as long as you use the slider
reply by: Mike
Question:
How does the Reese 5th wheel 20K hitch work? What holds the clamping jaws tight around the king pin since the locking bar is behind the jaws?
asked by: Randal last update: June 10, 2008
Reply:
The clamping jaws are acutated by a spring loaded linkage. The springs are quite stiff, and are designed to hold the jaws in the closed position.
reply by: Mike
Question:
I have purchased a used 5th wheel hitch that fits my truck all bolts and brackets but no instalation papers. How do I line up the rails to fame under bed.
asked by: Dan last update: June 7, 2008
Reply:
What is the make and model or part # of your hitch?
reply by: Mike
Reply:
the hitch is a Reese Kwik-Slide Pt # 30049.
reply by: Dan
Reply:
If you are using the custom installation kit use these instructions. If you are using the universal installation kit use these instructions. On either page, click on the 'Instructions' link.
reply by: Mike
Question:
I own a 2006 Toyota Tacoma 4door TRD Off Road pkg PreRunner 2wd short bed. Mfg rates towing capacity at 6500lbs. Can my truck accept a 5th wheel hitch? Puma has a new model 5th wheel with a dry weight of 6200 lbs. Hitch weight is about 1100 lbs. Am I asking for problems with my current truck?
asked by: Ramon last update: June 7, 2008
Reply:
Fifth wheel hitches are typically installed on full sized trucks. I really cannot recommend installing one on a smaller truck, especially in your case, where the unloaded trailer weight is so close to the towing capacity of your Tacoma.
reply by: Mike
Question:
I recently bought a 2003 Jayco 5th ~10,000 lbs wheel trailer complete with Reese hitch non-slider typy hitch. I want to have this installed to my 2007 GMC new style, 2500 3/4 ton, Duramax, 6 1/2 ft box. Should I still have this hitch installed with the king pin centered 2 ahead of the axle, or will I get better control with the king pin centered directly over the axle. The reason Im asking, is that someone mentioned he has better control with more of the weight on the back of his truck than forward of the axle. Comments pls.
asked by: Don last update: June 5, 2008
Reply:
Typically, the location of the installation is dictated by the custom install kit (if you use one.) If you use the universal kit, it is recommended that the hitch be installed directly over, or no more than an inch or so forward of the rear axle. By the way, you mention that you do not have a slider on your hitch. I'd STRONGLY recommend that you obtain one or your trailer can impact the rear of your cab during tight maneuvering.
reply by: Mike
Reply:
Thanks for the reply. Another question. If I install my conventional 15K hitch (non slider) on now and later I purchase another 15K slider hitch, are the rails compatible? Also, will I have to get the rails re-installed to accommodate the slide hitch, or can I leave the rails as is and just install the slide hitch where the conventional non-slide hitch was?
reply by: Don
Reply:
As long as the 5th wheel is a Reese, the rails are compatable. We do sell the slider unit by itself. The rail installation is the same whether or not you use a slider (a slider is needed if your truck has the short bed.) Note: If your Hidden Hitch 5th wheel hitch was manufactured before 2004, the spacing where the slider/legs attach to the head unit must measure 3" wide. If the spacing measures 4", the slider will not fit.
reply by: Mike
Question:
have a left kit on my 1997 250 ford can I install a 5th wheel hitch to pull the 5th wheel. ps 6 inch left if that helps
asked by: Rick last update: June 5, 2008
Reply:
The problem involved in using a fifth wheel hitch on a vehicle that's been lifted 6" is that I don't know who manufactured your lift kit, and don't know if using their kit has compromised your vehicle's towing capacity. I'd recommend contacting that manufacturer and seeing what they have to say about the issue. Another possible (although unlikely) issue is the overhang on the trailer clearing the rear of your bed.
reply by: Mike
