You can’t tow your fifth-wheel if you don’t have a hitch on your vehicle. As Albertans, we love to camp in the warmer months. A fifth-wheel hitch is required to attach your camper to your vehicle. A quality fifth-wheel trailer hitch will keep you safe during your travels. Hitches aren’t created equal, and some specifications are needed depending on your fifth wheel, tow vehicle, budget and lifestyle.
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. By understanding these factors, you can choose the best fifth-wheel hitch for your needs.
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.
