How to Install a Fifth Wheel Hitch: Part 1

If you have a lot to tow, you have a need for a fifth-wheel trailer hitch. A fifth-wheel trailer hitch is a heavy-duty trailer attachment system that is able to be added to your own pickup truck for exceptional hauling power. These hitches are designed for handling much heavier loads than the typical ball hitch can carry. If you have a serious load, you need a 5th wheel hitch in order to allow your truck to carry a significantly greater amount of weight.

Of course, not all towing needs are the same, and not all 5th wheel hitches for sale are either. They differ in their size and what they can do for your towing needs.

Your 5 Fifth Wheel Hitch Choices:

AirBox. An airbag protects you in the cab, and it can protect your truck as well! The AIRBOX “Next Generation” works by placing four commercial-grade airbags directly below the hitch head to allow it to become a compact air hitch. By using air, the hitch absorbs nearly all trailer damage, tugging, and pulling.

Omni-20. These four airbag hitch is designed to allow the hitch head to move on the airbags in any direction, based on articulation from the trailer itself.

Omni-25. Some towing needs are seriously heavy and require some serious strength. If this is you, an Omni-25 may be the right choice for you.

32K. Towing doesn’t have to mean doing damage to your truck. The 32K hitch is a must-have for medium-duty toters who want to keep their truck running in great condition for many years and many miles to come.

Air Pin Box. Air makes for a smoother ride than you ever thought possible. The Air Pin Box has four airbags tied together for no bounce and no rigid points. Be careful…you may forget you’re even towing anything at all!

Before you can get on the road and enjoy having your 5th wheel hitch tow your precious cargo with ease, you need to learn all you can about having fifth wheel hitches installed. How do you install a 5th wheel hitch? To put it plainly, the 5th wheel hitch installation involves removing the spare tire, measuring where bolt holes need to be drilled, drilling into the truck bed, assembling the 5th wheel hitch, measuring the trailer height, installing bolts and torquing hardware. It’s not too hard, but it’s not a three-step process either. You can do it!

In the following guide, we will go step-by-step through the process of fifth wheel hitches installation. Remember to follow the specific instructions for assembly when mounting your own 5th wheel hitch.

Step #1 Remove the spare tire

Step #2 Position the front base rail

Step #3 Mark the first drill location and drill a pilot hole

Step #4 Check the pilot hole under the truck bed and drill the remaining holes

Step #5 Enlarge the bolt holes

Come back next month for the next five steps!

If you haven’t yet ordered your 5th wheel setup from AirSafe Hitches, now is the time to do so. By the time the next article is released and you can learn more about the installation process, your 5th wheel hitch will have arrived at your doorstep and you’ll be ready to learn in a hands-on manner with your own hitch!