5th Wheel Hitch Installation
Learn how to install a 5th wheel hitch to improve your rides. At Air Safe Hitches, we manufacture high quality fifth-wheel trailer hitches for more comfortable and gas efficient towing trips. Additionally, they ensure a decrease in strain on the suspension systems of the tow vehicle and trailer. Dive into our 5th wheel hitch installation instructions.
How to Install a 5th Wheel Hitch
Follow these easy steps to install Air Safe Hitches’ 5th wheel trailer hitches:
- If you do not have a factory Underbed system you need to install a standard rail system in the truck. The standard rails systems come with install instructions for installing based on your make and model truck. Our hitch will mount on these standard rails systems.
- If you have the Factory Underbed system you will need the adapter that works with your make and model truck. Dodge, GMC, and Ford have different adapters. Our hitch will mount on these adapters.
For more specific and detailed 5th wheel hitch installation instructions, refer to each model’s instruction manual.
Mounting Systems
Standard Rails
Our 20K and 25K mount on standard rails by Valley, Reese, Draw-tite, and more. Another option is using an adapter for the Reese Underbed System, Valley Stow-A-Ball System, or B&W Turnover ball System.
Other Standard Rails for 5th Wheel Hitch Installation:
Our hitch will mount on standard Reese, Valley, Curt or compatible rails. Rail Brackets are available in Universal and No-Drill Kit that match the holes in your current truck frame. If you need further details or assistance, get in touch with us. You can contact us via telephone at (407) 759-4212 or (866) 448-2475.
Underbed System
Our Underbed Adapter System will work with Ford, Chevrolet/GMC, and Dodge Ram trucks or the aftermarket Reese Underbed system. Call us now if you need further details on how to install a 5th wheel trailer hitch using this system. Contact us at (407) 759-4212 or (866) 448-2475.
Ford and Chevrolet/GMC Adapter
Dodge Adapter
B&W Turnover Ball
We offer an adapter for 5th wheel hitch installation if you own a B&W Turnover Ball. The adapter plate attaches to your Stow-A-Ball gooseneck hitch. This creates a set of sturdy, secure base rails for installing your fifth-wheel trailer hitch.
Features:
- Adapts gooseneck hitch to 5th-wheel base rails
- Works with variety of 5th-wheel trailer hitches
- Valley: 15,000-lb, 16,000-lb and 20,000-lb capacities
- Draw-Tite, Hidden Hitch and Reese: 15,000-lb, 16,000-lb and 18,000-lb capacities
- Curt: 16,000-lb capacity
Learn Everything You Need to Install, Operate, and Maintain Your Connection Hitch
Visit our blog to learn more about Air Safe Hitches’ fifth-wheel trailer hitches, gooseneck hitches, and receivers. At our blog, you can get more tips on how to install a 5th wheel hitch. Other topics include how to calculate Gross Trailer Weight, and more.
FAQs
Can I install a fifth-wheel trailer hitch myself?
Yes, a 5th wheel hitch installation can certainly be done on your own. Depending on whether you have or don’t have rails, the entire installation process can take between 30 minutes to even 4 hours.
If you don’t have rails, you will need to install a set of rails in your truck. We recommend Curt, Reese or Valley Rails. Reese Rails come with a standard bracket and may require drilling in your truck frame. The Valley rails usually don’t require any drilling in your truck frame. Valley rails are ordered with the brackets for your truck. Installation time is around 2-3 hours, sometimes up to 4 hours.
If you have existing rails that are Reese or valley compatible the hitch will mount on those rails. After you install the rails or if you have existing rails, mount the hitch following the manufacturer’s instructions and then pin the hitch to the rails. This will take about 30 -45 minutes to install.
What is the lifespan of a fifth wheel?
At Air Safe Hitches we manufacture high-quality, durable, and robust fifth-wheel hitches that can last between 10 and 15 years. Our hitches are long-lasting and can withstand heavy towing, no matter how often you use them.
Are 5th wheels easier to tow?
There is no doubt that fifth-wheel trailer hitches provide some of the smoothest rides on the market. At Air Safe Hitches, we pride ourselves on manufacturing 5th wheel hitches that provide less jarring, less grating, and an overall smoother ride than other hitches.