Whether you bought a new truck or not, the 5th wheel hitch may be a name you’ve heard before. However, understanding how heavy duty hitches works and how it’s attached to your short bed trucks isn’t something you are not familiar with.
And that’s fine since it’s not a big part of our day-to-day routine.
Now, if you are a regular traveler or a professional transporter who is in search of how to install and use 5th Wheel Hitches, this article will be of assistance to you.
Things to make sure before installing a fifth wheel hitch
Before you begin installing fifth wheel hitches on your short bed trucks, please stop! Stop & make sure the following.
Ensure support from the manufacturer
First and foremost, you should obtain support from your truck’s manufacturer before starting your hitch installation, regardless of how much weight your short bed trucks are qualified to carry as total trailer weight and large loads such as a fifth wheel trailer. The diesel trucks on the market are equipped with the necessary power for such tasks.
Once you’ve determined that your short bed trucks are capable of towing a massive mechanical bombshell like 5th wheels, congrats! Also, make sure it matches your tongue weight.
Note: You might be able to discover the information in the customer’s manual, but if not, contact the manufacturer’s information center to double-check the details about hitching.
Make sure it’s not plastic surface
The second factor you must keep in mind while installing a 5th wheel hitch is that the back frame of your short bed trucks should be lined with a spray-on liner. On plastic surfaces, 5th wheel hitches may not hold firmly.
After confirming that, you may now purchase the 5th wheel hitches kit as well as the rails kit that will link to your short bed trucks’ body.
Purchasing the right hitch kit
Purchase a 5th wheel hitch system that is precisely made for your tow vehicle and your preferred towing capacity if at all possible. We never had any issues with CURT 16520 A16 5th Wheel Hitch.
A tailored 5th wheel hitch system will save you a lot of stress when it comes to joining two massive automobiles. If you opt for a universal hitch kit, you should expect to undertake some drilling and welding on your short bed trucks.
Because the frame of the short bed trucks may not include the holes or fastening crevices needed for your 5th wheel hitch kit, the screws will have to be welded to the truck frame to ensure a secure fit.
With a tailored 5th wheel hitch kit, you can secure the equipment to the short bed trucks with all holes in the proper locations and covers to keep dust out.
Remove any components from your way
Access to the under-belly of your short bed trucks is required to install a 5th wheel hitch with base rails and under bed brackets. To make extra space, take out the spare tire. During the process, you may need to remove a heat shield or other components.
Note: Carefully follow the directions that came with your 5th wheel hitch kit.
Gather required tools
Lastly, take note that you have all the necessary tools to install the 5th wheel hitch on your short bed trucks.
Tools you need to install a fifth wheel hitch on a short bed truck
Typical tools required to install fifth wheel hitches include-
- Measuring Tape
- Ratchet
- Socket set
- Crescent wrench
- Drill bits
- Torque wrench
- Jack(s)/Lift
Instead of buying new tools for your hitch installation, contact your local automobile retailer to see if they rent out equipment and tools.
Install a fifth wheel hitch on a short bed truck (Step by Step)
In short, these are the steps: removing the spare tire, determining the place where drilling needs for boltholes, drilling the truck bed, constructing the 5th wheel hitch, determining the fifth wheel trailer height, putting pin box and bolt them, and torquing hardware is all steps in installing a 5th wheel hitch.
Let’s get started with the steps in detail for installing a 5th wheel hitch on your truck in the following guide.
1. Place the front base rail in the correct position
Place the base rail nearest to the truck cab in place, ensuring that the distance from the front of the truck bed is right. Whether the pickup truck is a long bed or short bed will determine less or more space in between.
Note: For specific measurements, refer to the hitch instructions. The base rail kit of the 5th wheel must also be centered in between wheel wells.
2. Drilling locations should be marked
After connecting the fifth wheel hitch plates, mark the central place in the truck’s rear frame where the side rails will be connected, and the king pin center will lie.
The center-punch will assist avoid the drill bit from wandering by indicating exactly where to drill. Drill a pilot hole through the drill locations at the end.
3. Underneath the bed, inspect the pilot hole
Position the proper under-bed 5th wheel hitch bracket in the pilot hole you just drilled for the time being. You can then drill locations where the remaining bolt holes are, if the hitch bracket lines up appropriately with the hole, or mark them for now.
Then remove the base rail out from the way, center points the drill locations, and drill them down from above the truck bed.
4. Increase the size of the bolt holes
Drill the pilot holes through drill locations until they become wide enough to receive the 5th wheel rail bolts. Remember to drill gently and thoroughly.
Note: We used touch-up paint to prevent any metal parts edges after we drilled the 5th wheel rail bolts holes to the right size. This will aid in the prevention of rust.
5. Bolt in the under bed brackets
On either side of the truck bed, place the under bed brackets. Typically, these are fitted from the opening in the wheel well. Use the nuts and bolts (comes with the pack) to secure the proper under bed brackets to the truck’s frame. Then, on the other side of the truck, secure the second bracket.
6. Bolt down the 5th wheel rail
On the truck beds, place the base rail over the correct location of the bolt hole. Spacers should be included if the truck has bed rails in the bottom.
To provide constant metal-to-metal connection, place these under the fifth wheel rails and between truck bed rails. Once the rail is in the proper position, insert the bolts into the holes in the rails and lock them with nuts below the truck bed.
Make absolutely sure that the top and bottom 5th wheel rails are exactly positioned over each other, and the rails on each side are well attached to each other with screws through the frame’s base.
7. Measure the height of the fifth wheel hitch
To accommodate your truck bed, your 5th wheel hitch must be mounted at the proper height. The height difference between your truck bed walls and the trailer must be at least 5-1/2″.
How do you determine the hitch height? First, make sure that your fifth wheel trailer is positioned on a flat surface. Then take a measurement from the floor to the king pin plate’s underside (A). Next, take a measurement from the base to the top of your truck’s open tailgate (B).
The needed height for your 5th wheel hitch is equal to A minus B.
8. Attach the 5th wheel legs
Find the suitable mounting holes on the 5th wheel hitch head to meet the appropriate height after measuring the hitch height. Most fifth wheel hitches have a vertical fit. Use the provided bolts to secure the legs to the head.
Note: To get to the leg bolt holes on some 5th wheels, you may have to detach the head plate. It may even be beneficial to insert the legs by turning the head upside-down. We needed a 5th wheel slider hitch for our short bed tow vehicles.
9. Connect the fifth wheel’s legs
After you’ve installed the 5th wheel hitch, you can readily locate the location for the second base rail or rear rail. Allow a helping hand to assist you in placing the legs of the 5th wheel hitch into the base rail you have previously installed. Then, place the rear rail in the proper spot.
10. Drill holes and bolts down the rear base rail
Keep in mind that the second foundation rail of the fifth wheel hitch should be aligned in the truck bed, between both the wheel wells, prior to marking the drill positions.
Then, using a paint pen, trace the drill sites. Then take the rail out of the way, center-punch, drill pilot holes, and follow the first rail installation instructions we’ve mentioned earlier.
Finally, under the truck bed, install the additional bolts and secure them with nuts.
11. All hardware should be torqued
It’s time to thoroughly torque the bolts after the base rails have been installed with all essential hardware.
Note: The torque values for each bolt size are listed in the installation guide that came with your hitch.
12. Install the fifth wheel hitch again
Restore the 5th wheel hitch assembly to its place, tucked between the completely installed base rails. If you’ve not already retightened the components on the hitch, now is the time to do so. Before hooking up the hitch to the tow vehicle, double-check that all required pins or other pieces are in place.
Depending on the installer’s skill and expertise, the entire process of fifth wheel hitch installation could take 4 to 6 hours. After you have finished all of the preceding stages, you’re ready to start the journey.
Also read: Towing a 5th wheel with an SUV
FAQs of 5th wheel hitch installation
Can you tow a fifth wheel with a 6.5 foot bed?
Yes, sliding hitches can be used to tow a fifth wheel with a 6.5-feet long size bed. These sorts of sliding hitches are quite the same hitches as the standard 5th wheel trailer hitches.
Can you pull a fifth wheel camper with a 5.5 foot bed?
Yes, 5.5-foot long bed trucks or short box trucks can tow a fifth wheels camper or travel trailers, but equipped with sliding hitches.
Do you need a slider hitch for a 6.5 ft bed?
No, sliding hitches aren’t required for a 6.5-foot long bed, although it is required for most short bed pickup trucks.
Also read: How to mount the 5th wheel on a flatbed truck? (step by step)
What are the potential clearance issues with using slightly behind axle solutions?
Slightly behind the axle hitch solutions, such as automatic sliders, can provide additional weight distribution for your trailer. However, they are not without their potential clearance issues. One significant concern is the hitching angle. These hitches require the truck and trailer to be almost in line with each other for successful hitching and unhitching. Attempting to back into your trailer at a steep angle, such as 30 degrees, may not be possible as the hitch is designed to detect the truck-trailer angle, expecting it to be no more than 10 degrees to one side.
To mitigate this problem, you can employ a workaround. If you find yourself in a situation where you can’t unhitch due to the truck-trailer angle, you can remove two pins holding the hitch head onto the hitch and use the trailer itself to lift the head off. This will allow you to re-position the truck. Nonetheless, it’s worth noting that this maneuver requires two people to safely handle the relatively heavy hitch head, which weighs around 40 pounds.
However, there may be certain campsites where clearance becomes a significant challenge. In instances where an angled approach is necessary for accessing the campsite, it may be impossible to unhitch or hitch the trailer using these slightly behind the axle hitch solutions. In such cases, you may be left with no option but to leave the trailer hitched up, preventing you from fully disembarking from your trailer. Although using the “remove hitch head” method could potentially allow for unhitching, hitching back up again would remain unfeasible.
What are the pros and cons of Manual sliders?
Manual sliders provide several advantages and disadvantages when it comes to towing trailers. On the positive side, one major advantage of manual sliders is their ability to anticipate and accommodate the need for more space before it becomes necessary. By releasing the slider mechanism, the trailer can shift rearward, creating more room between the cab and trailer. This is particularly useful for situations where additional clearance is required during sharp turns.
Furthermore, manual sliders offer the benefit of flexibility when traveling over slow, uneven terrain. By engaging the slider, the risk of the trailer hitting the truck rails can be greatly reduced or eliminated altogether. Additionally, manual sliders tend to be lighter in weight compared to their automatic counterparts, presenting a further advantage in terms of overall vehicle maneuverability and fuel efficiency.
However, these advantages should be balanced against the disadvantages associated with manual sliders. One significant disadvantage is the possibility of forgetting to engage the sliding mechanism when needed. This poses a potential risk when making sharp turns without the opportunity to release or anticipate the need for more space. The forgetfulness or oversight can lead to damage to the truck or trailer, and even jeopardize the safety of the driver and other road users.
Overall, while manual sliders offer certain advantages such as the ability to proactively create additional space and lighter weight, the potential risk of forgetting to engage the sliding mechanism should be carefully considered by drivers. It is crucial to evaluate one’s comfort level, experience, and ability to consistently remember and utilize this manual feature before deciding whether it is the most suitable option for towing needs.
What are manual sliders and how do they work?
Manual sliders are a type of trailer accessory that provide a solution for increasing the space between the truck cab and the trailer when needed. They are designed to be engaged manually, allowing the trailer to shift rearward and create more room between the cab and the trailer. This can be particularly useful when there is a need to make sharp turns or when encountering slow, undulating terrain.
To engage a manual slider, the driver simply stops the truck and releases the sliding mechanism, which allows the trailer to move away from the cab. This repositioning of the trailer’s king pin over the rear axle provides the desired extra space. Unlike their automatic-sliding counterparts, manual sliders offer the advantage of being considerably lighter in weight.
These manual sliders are particularly beneficial when the need to increase space between the truck and the trailer can be anticipated before it actually becomes necessary. They provide drivers with the flexibility to adjust the positioning of their trailer based on specific driving conditions or requirements. This can help prevent potential issues such as hitting the truck rails while traveling over challenging terrain.
However, it is important to note that using a manual slider requires the driver to remember and have the opportunity to release the sliding mechanism before making sharp turns. Forgetting to engage the manual slider in such situations can pose risks and potentially lead to difficulties maneuvering the vehicle.
In summary, manual sliders are trailer accessories that allow drivers to manually adjust the positioning of their trailer to increase the space between the truck cab and the trailer. They are lighter in weight compared to automatic-sliding alternatives and are particularly useful when drivers can anticipate the need for more room before it is required. However, caution should be exercised to ensure that the sliding mechanism is released before making sharp turns to avoid complications.
What are advantages of using Reese Sidewinders?
The Reese Sidewinder, also referred to as the Revolution when installed as original equipment, offers several advantages for towing. One major advantage is the ability to move the hitch pivot point to the opposite end of the pin box. This innovative solution involves rigidly attaching the pin box to the hitch, preventing rotation within the hitch itself, and relocating the towing pivot point to the trailer end of the pin box.
By implementing the Reese Sidewinder, a significant amount of space is freed up in the truck bed. This is particularly beneficial for truck owners who desire extra cargo space or those who want to utilize their truck bed for other purposes while towing. The improved bed space allows for additional storage options, making it easier to transport larger items or carry necessary equipment.
In addition to the increased space, the Reese Sidewinder provides enhanced maneuverability during towing. By relocating the pivot point to the trailer end of the pin box, the device allows for sharper turns and easier navigation in tight spaces. This can be especially advantageous when maneuvering through crowded areas, parking lots, or when backing up the trailer.
Moreover, this solution eliminates the need for a sliding fifth wheel hitch. Traditional hitches may require additional adjustments or sliding mechanisms to prevent the trailer from hitting the back of the truck cab during sharp turns. With the Reese Sidewinder, such adjustments are no longer necessary, simplifying the towing process and reducing the risk of potential damage to either the trailer or the truck.
The Reese Sidewinder offers a practical and space-saving solution for towing, allowing truck owners to reclaim valuable bed space and enjoy increased maneuverability while on the road. By eliminating the need for a sliding fifth wheel hitch, it provides a convenient and efficient towing experience, making it an appealing option for those seeking improved functionality during their travels.
What is Reese Sidewinder and how is this works?
The Reese Sidewinder, also known as the “Revolution” when installed as original equipment, is a technological solution designed to improve the towing experience for fifth wheel trailers. It operates by relocating the hitch pivot point to the opposite end of the pin box. This relocation enables the pin box to be rigidly attached to the hitch, preventing any rotation within the hitch itself. Consequently, the towing pivot point is established at the trailer end of the pin box.
One major advantage of using the Reese Sidewinder is that it frees up a significant amount of space in the truck bed. By moving the “dead” or static weight of the pin over the rear axle, this solution ensures optimal weight distribution. However, it’s crucial to note that there is a notable consequence resulting from this configuration.
Due to the rigid lever created by the pin box being attached to the fifth wheel hitch, the trailer gains a leverage of 22 inches over the truck at the pivot point. This leverage is more than double that of the Andersen hitch or similar alternatives. It’s worth mentioning that the common belief of placing the pin weight directly over the axle for stability is not fully applicable in this case. The difference lies in the fact that lateral forces applied at the pivot point can cause the truck to twist into the wind, similar to the effects experienced with the Andersen hitch but with an even larger lever.
Overall, the Reese Sidewinder provides a solution for towing fifth wheel trailers that not only reclaims valuable space in the truck bed but also offers improved leverage over traditional hitches. However, it’s essential to consider the potential impact of sideways forces on the truck’s stability when utilizing this setup.
How can be PullRite siders be installed?
The PullRite slider can be easily installed and removed using the factory puck system on the Turbo Diesel. The recommended option is the 24K ‘Superglide’ model from Pullrite, which provides a generous 18′ of travel. To install, simply locate the pin and pivot point directly over the rear axle. The slider drops into the factory puck system that is already present on the Turbo Diesel, ensuring a hassle-free installation process.
To remove the PullRite slider, a simple 90-degree twist is all it takes for each of the four posts. By twisting the posts, the entire hitch can be easily disengaged and removed from the puck system. This feature allows for convenient removal when not in use or when needing to free up space in the truck bed.
It’s worth noting that the PullRite slider is slightly heavy, weighing in at 250 pounds. To manage this weight during installation and removal, the use of a ceiling hoist is advised. This ensures a safe and effortless process, especially considering the weight of the hitch.
Why do short bed Solutions often place the pin behind the Axle?
Short bed solutions often place the pin behind the axle in order to avoid striking the cab of the tow vehicle. This is done because the primary motivation for choosing a short bed hitch is to ensure that the pin of the fifth wheel trailer is located over the rear axle of the tow vehicle, or slightly forward. By moving the trailer away from the cab, the risk of the cab and trailer colliding is minimized.
However, it is important to note that there are certain implications of placing the pin behind the axle. No matter the configuration or design, the laws of physics dictate that if the king pin appears to be behind the axle, it indeed is behind the axle. This has a couple of consequences. Firstly, the front axle of the tow vehicle is slightly lifted, causing a transfer of weight to the rear axle. Secondly, this configuration introduces some degree of sway leverage to the trailer.
While the pin placement behind the axle may seem like an effective solution to avoid cab contact, it is essential to recognize that it is not without drawbacks. The weight distribution and sway characteristics of the trailer are affected, which may impact the overall stability and handling of the towing setup.
What are weight distribution and sway leverage consequences of using Anderson Hitch?
The use of the Anderson hitch has weight distribution and sway leverage consequences that need to be considered. To bring across the point effectively, let me simplify these consequences using a first-order approximation.
When a trailer equipped with an Anderson hitch is struck by a 60 mph wind gust from the side, it exerts what is known as a “wind load.” Typically, a 60 mph gust exerts about 30 pounds of force per square foot. To put this in perspective, if you were holding a 12-inch by 12-inch piece of wood perpendicular to the wind, that gust would push back with a force of around 30 pounds.
In the case of my trailer with a full profile, the surface area forward of the axles encompasses roughly 190 square feet. Therefore, that same 60 mph wind gust creates a sideways force of approximately 5,700 pounds acting upon the front of my trailer. This force attempts to rotate the trailer around its axles, with the majority of the force being applied to the kingpin.
Traditionally, the kingpin would transfer this force to the truck above the axle, essentially pushing the tires over and adjusting the position of the truck. However, with the Anderson hitch, this force is applied at a point behind the axle, about three-fourths of a foot away. Consequently, the trailer gains a mechanical advantage in the form of a lever arm which attempts to rotate the truck itself, rather than just shifting its position.
This leverage creates a substantial twisting force, or torque, measuring around 4,500 foot-pounds. To grasp the magnitude of this force, consider an example: imagine lifting a 5-gallon bucket of water weighing roughly 40 pounds. Now, instead of pulling up on the bucket handle to counterbalance gravity, put that same effort into tugging on the end of a 100-foot pole. Finally, pretend that the other end of this pole is securely welded to your truck’s rear axle. Can you envision the potential of moving your truck by simply tugging on this 100-foot pole? Undoubtedly, it would have a noticeable effect.
How does Anderson Hitch address the issue of placing the pin behind the axle?
The Anderson hitch effectively addresses the challenge of placing the pin behind the axle by incorporating innovative geometry and design elements. It utilizes a pyramid style hitch that directly mounts onto the gooseneck mount point in the truck bed, particularly advantageous for short bed trucks where exceeding payload ratings is a concern.
The Anderson hitch stands out due to its lightweight construction, offering substantial benefits for short bed trucks that are prone to exceeding their weight capacities. However, it is the hitch’s unique geometry that truly solves the issue of placing the pin behind the axle. By strategically relocating the pin an impressive distance of over 9 inches behind the axle, the Anderson hitch ensures improved weight distribution and enhanced stability.
This relocation is achieved through a combination of design features. Firstly, the Anderson hitch’s own coupler mount point, the ball that faces upward, is positioned approximately 5.4375 inches behind the hitch mount point, which aligns with the rear axle. Additionally, the Anderson coupler itself, which attaches to the trailer’s pin box, introduces an additional 4-inch offset. Consequently, the total distance behind the axle is effectively extended to 9.4375 inches. It is worth noting that the Anderson hitch provides the flexibility to reverse the coupler, thereby reducing the offset to only 1.4375 inches, essentially eliminating the ‘behind the axle’ concern. However, this option may not deliver the same benefits for short bed trucks and diminishes the hitch’s suitability for these vehicles.
The Anderson hitch’s ability to place the pin 4 inches behind the Anderson ball, which is already positioned 5.4375 inches behind the axle, ultimately resolves the challenge of placing the pin behind the axle for short bed trucks. This configuration significantly improves weight distribution, reduces strain on the truck’s payload ratings, and enhances overall towing performance. As a result, it is no wonder that the Anderson hitch has gained popularity among owners of short bed trucks. Nonetheless, it is essential to consider potential consequences that may arise from the use of this hitch.
Fifth Wheel Hitch Maintenance
The importance of lubricating the fifth wheel hitch cannot be overstated when it comes to quiet rides with sharp turns. Remove the old, unclean lubricant before lubricating. Use white lithium spray lubricant or engine oil to keep parts in perfect working order.
Use white lithium spray on the links inside of the fifth wheel hitch head and high-pressure lubrication (80/90 gear lube) on the other moving joints. Lubricating the inner handle and spring coils also makes hitching easier and will give you smooth rides with tight turns.
To lube, the skid plate area of the fifth wheels, use a plastic or silicon plate or automotive-type hydraulic grease. The lubricant plates must be 10 inches long and no more than 3/16 inches thick.
Engage the jaws before each use to ensure that hitches are functioning easily. Make all of the pull pins, along with the spring holding pins, are in the right place as well as all of the hardware is securely fastened on a regular basis. And don’t forget to drive with knowledge of turning clearance & safety margin.
What are potential drawbacks and risks of using Reese Side winders?
The Reese Sidewinder offers a unique solution for towing fifth-wheel trailers, but it is important to consider the potential drawbacks and risks associated with its use.
One drawback of using the Reese Sidewinder is that it creates a rigid lever, the pin box, that is attached to the fifth-wheel hitch. This lever provides the trailer with a significant amount of leverage over the truck at the pivot point. While this may seem advantageous in terms of stability, it also means that any side-ways forces applied at the pivot point can potentially twist the truck into the wind. In fact, the lever arm of the Sidewinder is larger than that of other hitches, such as the Andersen hitch. This heightened leverage can lead to increased sway issues, especially in windy conditions.
To illustrate this point, imagine a scenario where a gust of wind pushes on the front of the trailer with a force of 5,700 pounds at a speed of 60 mph. As the trailer attempts to rotate around its own axles, it will exert a force on the truck, trying to push it to the side so that it can rotate around its own pivot point. With the Sidewinder, this force is applied at a point 22 feet behind the truck’s rear axle. Consequently, a significant twisting force of 6,219 ft. Pounds is applied at the rear axle, attempting to steer the truck into the wind. It is important to note that the Sidewinder can introduce sway issues at lower wind speeds compared to other hitches.
Additionally, the use of the Sidewinder introduces new side-to-side stresses on the trailer’s frame and supporting members around the pin box. During tight turns, for instance, the forces exerted by the pin box onto the trailer frame are now applied at 90 degrees compared to the original design intentions. If the trailer’s frame is not certified by the manufacturer to accommodate these new forces, the Sidewinder has the potential to cause the frame to fail, which can be a significant safety concern.
While there may be an insufficient amount of real engineering data to fully characterize the benefits and drawbacks of the Sidewinder, it is important to consider these potential drawbacks and risks before opting for this solution. By evaluating factors such as increased sway, potential frame failure, and the effects of leverage on the truck-trailer system, one can make an informed decision regarding the use of the Reese Sidewinder.
Conclusion
The fifth wheel hitch installation is complete, and you are now ready to hit the road. You can use this hitch for various purposes, so whichever one you need to use it for, make sure to take good care of it. The fifth wheel hitch installation is not difficult, if you want to install this for your truck, you’ve come to the right place.
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