Fifth Wheel Hitching Guide
Many inexperienced fifth wheel owners have trouble hooking up their camper for the first time. The process is so complicated that even more experienced owners sometimes forget a step! Luckily, the experts at Pink Flamingo RV have created this fifth wheel hitching guide.
1. Choose a Level Surface
It’s far easier to hitch up a fifth wheel on a level surface compared to hitching on a slope or uneven ground. Add some heel chocks to provide extra support and adjust your hitch until it’s at the correct height for coupling.
2. Open the Wheel Jaws
Your next step will be to open your hitch’s jaws or retract the locking bar by pulling the side handle and setting it in the open position. It’s not uncommon for the jaws or locking bar to start to lock up, so have some high-pressure grease on hand. If this keeps happening to you, you may even need to install a lube plate.
3. Back-Up Slowly
Next, lower your tailgate and start lining up the hitch. We highly recommend having a spotter on hand to help you with this step. As you back up, be sure to stop slightly early to account for the truck shifting after you park.
4. Adjust the Jacks and Engage the Coupler
Once your truck is in place, adjust the fifth wheel’s jacks so that the fifth wheel hitch plate is about ½” above the kingpin box. Back your truck up a bit more so that the kingpin becomes fully connected with the fifth wheel head. Once the connection has been made, park your truck and engage the emergency brake. Check that everything is fully locked and engaged before you insert the safety pin.
5. Test the Coupling and Complete Your Checklist
One the safety pin is in place, disengage the emergency brake, active your trailer brake, and put your truck in drive. Inch forwards until you feel the truck tug at the trailer. That bit of resistance means that the trailer is secure.
Before you leave, you’ll need to run through your safety checklist one last time. Make sure that your tailgate is closed, the safety pin and chains are in place, the wiring is properly connected, the wheel chocks have been removed, and that the jacks have been completely lifted. Once all that is done, you can finally hit the road!
Shop fifth wheels at Pink Flamingo RV in Indio, California. We’re proud to serve communities like Hemet and Palm Desert, California. We hope you’ll come visit us online or in-person!