Fifth wheel hitches offer a lot of utility. From a smoother and stable towing experience to easy installation and greater maneuverability, a fifth wheel hitch can make things effortless. When you’re in the market for a fifth wheel hitch, there are a few variables to consider when choosing the right hitch for your pickup truck and trailer.
At Calgary Hitch Shop, we are your expert fifth wheel hitch supplier. We have a wide selection of fifth wheel hitches for any-sized trailer and pickup. If you need assistance selecting the right fifth wheel hitch, keep reading to learn about them and our five helpful steps to choose the proper hitch.
Understanding Fifth Wheel Hitches
A fifth wheel hitch is a crucial accessory for towing your camper. It links your camper to your tow vehicle, ensuring safe travel. However, selecting the right hitch involves considering your vehicle, trailer, lifestyle, and budget.
Weight Capacities and Towing
Before hitching your trailer, know your vehicle’s gross trailer weight and towing capacity. Towing capacity is the maximum weight your truck can tow, while gross trailer weight is the weight of your trailer when hitched. The lowest-rated component limits your towing capacity, so your hitch must meet or exceed your truck’s capacity.
Vehicle and Trailer Specifications
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): The maximum weight of your towing vehicle, including occupants and cargo.
- Gross Trailer Weight (GTW): Found in your trailer’s manual or on a sticker, it’s the weight of the licensed trailer.
- Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR): For trucks and SUVs, it’s the combined maximum weight of both vehicles, including passengers and cargo.
- Trailer Tongue Weight (TTW): The downward pressure on your hitch ball, typically 10% of the GTW.
Balance is critical; an imbalanced trailer can affect steering or stability and increase the risk of trailer sway.
Sliding Fifth Wheel Hitches
A sliding fifth wheel hitch is beneficial for tight turns and maneuvering in campsites, especially with standard or short truck beds. It provides more space between the trailer and the truck, reducing the risk of damage.
Top Brands and Features
Fifth wheels are ideal for various campers, offering luxury amenities and space. Consider truck compatibility, installation ease, price, weight capacity, pivoting system, and adjustability when choosing a hitch. Fixed hitches are more affordable but have a smaller turning radius, while sliding hitches offer greater maneuverability.
Installation and Mounting
Professional installation is recommended for peace of mind. Different mounting systems are available, including base or bracket mounting systems and rail kits.
Fifth Wheel Hitches From the Calgary Hitch Shop
As Calgary’s leading hitch specialists, we carry all the top fifth-wheel hitch brands on the market. We have hitches suitable for any size fifth wheel and solutions for all your towing needs. Whether you’re looking for a new fifth-wheel hitch or want your existing hitch installed on a new towing vehicle, our team can help guide you.
What Size Fifth Wheel Hitch Do I need?
Before anything else, identify your truck’s towing capacity and your trailer’s gross trailer weight (GTW). Your truck’s towing capacity is the maximum amount it can tow, while the GTW is the total loaded weight of your trailer. Always match your hitch to the lowest-rated component in your setup. Exceeding towing limits can cause safety issues and mechanical failure.
Next, measure your truck bed. A long-bed truck offers ample clearance for fixed hitches, while short-bed trucks typically require sliding hitches to avoid trailer-to-cab contact during sharp turns.
Does Your Truck Have a Puck System?
Many new trucks come with a factory-installed puck system, streamlining hitch installation with built-in mounting points. This system eliminates the need for drilling and makes attaching or removing your hitch quicker and cleaner. Calgary Hitch Shop carries puck-compatible hitches for all major truck brands.
If your truck doesn’t have a puck system, you’ll need to install base rails.
Choose Permanent or Removable Fifth Wheel Rails
- Permanent Base Rails: provide strong, industry-standard mounting points for fifth wheel hitches. They require an under-bed bracket kit for installation and are ideal for frequent towing. However, they remain in the bed even when not in use.
- Removable Base Rails: This setup typically uses a gooseneck hitch and an adapter plate that mimics fifth wheel rails. It allows you to fully remove the hitch and rails when not towing, giving you full use of your truck bed.
Pick Your Preferred Fifth Wheel Hitch Style
When you feel confident about the type of mounting platform required for your truck, you can search our inventory of fifth wheel hitches by weight capacity and other attributes. That’s where Calgary Hitch Shop can be of service.
Custom Hitch Solutions from Calgary Hitch Shop
When you don’t know which size fifth wheel hitch you need, a professional touch is the answer. With Alberta’s largest selection of trailer hitches, expert technicians, and custom fabrication services, Calgary Hitch Shop is your go-to destination for fifth wheel hitches. Whether you’re outfitting a new truck, upgrading your current setup, or starting your first RV adventure, we’ll help you find the right hitch solution.
Visit us today or contact our team to learn more about the best fifth wheel hitch for your truck and trailer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size fifth wheel hitch do I need?
It depends on your truck’s towing capacity and your trailer’s gross weight. Always choose a hitch rated for the heaviest load you expect to tow.
Can I install a fifth wheel hitch on a short-bed truck?
Yes. Short-bed trucks typically require a sliding hitch for extra turning clearance to prevent cab contact.
Is the puck system better than traditional rails?
The puck system offers easier, cleaner installation and removal, but requires a compatible hitch. Traditional base rails are versatile and work with a wide range of hitches.
Do I need a professional to install my fifth wheel hitch?
While DIY kits exist, professional installation is recommended for accuracy, safety, and peace of mind.
