Picture this: you’re driving along leisurely, smiling to yourself, ready for great adventures as you tow your fifth wheel toward the horizon. This dream can quickly turn into a nightmare if you don’t pick the right fifth wheel hitch. These hitches connect your fifth wheel to your tow vehicle. If you don’t think about them today, you’ll be sore about it later and you can hang your hat on that.
Here are some pointers to help you choose the best fifth-wheel hitch! For more information or to shop fifth wheels for sale, visit Pete’s RV Center. Our dealership has locations in South Windsor, Connecticut, South Burlington, Vermont, and Plainville, Massachusetts.
Basic Info
There are a number of hitches, like gooseneck and ball hitches, that are used to connect a camper to a tow vehicle. However, fifth wheel hitches were specially designed to connect your 5th wheel to your tow vehicle in a safe and effective way. Other kinds can’t really handle the weight of a fifth wheel or give you maximum control over it.
Most hitches place the tongue weight of a trailer on the bumper, but the 5th wheel hitch places it over the top of the rear axle. This ends up giving you improved towability, easier reversing, and greater control over tight turns.
Different Kinds
All hitches are meant to let your tow vehicle have secure control over your camper. The differences lie in how they can be used, how much weight they can support, and the features they offer. Here are some of the different types you have to choose from:
Universal Rail Hitch
Made to be used with any trailer, its main advantage is that you won’t have to drill holes in your truck.
Custom Rail Hitch
This is pretty much the same as the one above but its rails are customized.
2-way Pivot Head
This standard hitch pivots forward and back. This lets your vehicles move about without putting too much stress on the hitch.
4-way Pivot Head
This version can not only go forward and back but also side to side. This gives you greater control over your fifth wheel on uneven surfaces.
Single Jaw
This hitch has one grab jaw for easy connection. It is considered one of the safest options.
Double Jaw
This option has two grab jaws and provides a much smoother ride.
Weight
Each 5th wheel hitch can handle different amounts of weight. So before you make your choice, make sure that you know the exact weight of your fifth wheel. If the weight of your camper is greater than what your hitch can handle, it is not only going to damage both your vehicle and camper, it’s extremely dangerous.
Installation
If you can’t or don’t want to hire a professional to fix your hitch to your truck, you can select a DIY option. There are some easy-to-install hitch kits on the market that you can use to get the job done. This, however, will limit the number of types available to you.
Price
Some fifth wheel hitches are more expensive than others. When choosing one, keep your needs in mind first, and don’t be afraid to spend a little extra so you can get the safest and most easy-to-handle hitch for your vehicle. If you don’t need a fancy one, then don’t waste money on it. However, if you do need a more expensive hitch, don’t think of it as an extra, avoidable cost but an absolutely necessary one for the safety of yourself, the safety of others, and the longevity of your 5th wheel and tow vehicle.
Easy To Use
How easy it is to use a 5th wheel hitch depends on your experience with one. If you’re a beginner, it is best to get one that you can use without driving yourself mad. If you have tons of experience, you can get a more sturdy and complicated version.
We hope you found this guide helpful! If you are looking to buy a fifth wheel, check out the selection at Pete’s RV Center. We have dealerships in South Windsor, Connecticut, South Burlington, Vermont, and Plainville, Massachusetts.
