Fifth Wheel Hitching Guide

Fifth wheels provide an amazingly smooth towing experience, but hitching one up for the first time usually isn’t as smooth. Even fifth wheel owners with years of experience can make a mistake from time to time. That’s why the experts at Hava Style Recreation have created this useful fifth wheel hitching guide. 

1. Choose a Level Surface

Start by finding the right hitching location. A flat, level surface is the ideal place to hitch up a fifth wheel. If your fifth wheel needs a bit of extra support, use wheel chocks. Once you’re ready, put your hitch in the coupling position and move on to the next step. 

2. Open the Wheel Jaws

Pull the side handle and place it securely in the open position so that the locking bar retracts of the hitch’s jaws open. If these parts are stuck, apply a high-pressure grease to get them moving again. A lube plate can be installed if these parts are consistently getting stuck. 

3. Back-Up Slowly

Now that the wheel jaws are open, it’s time to open the tailgate, line up the hitch, and slowly back up your tow vehicle. We recommend having a spotter on hand to render assistance. Remember that your tow vehicle will shift slightly after you park, so stop your truck slightly early. 

4. Adjust the Jacks and Engage the Coupler

When the tow vehicle is aligned and in place, adjust the jacks until the hitch plate is about ½” above the kingpin box. Back up your truck until the kingpin fully connects with the fifth wheel head and then park your vehicle. Engage the emergency brake, insert the safety pin, and then double check that everything is fully secure before moving on to the final step. 

5. Test the Coupling and Complete Your Checklist

Disengage the emergency brake, hit the trailer brakes, and put the tow vehicle in drive. Slowly move forward. If you feel a bit of resistance, that means that your connection is secure. Now’s the time to do one last check that the tailgate has been closed, the safety pin/chains are fully in place, all the wiring is connected, the jacks have been lifted, and wheel chocks have been removed. Now you can hit the road!

Shop fifth wheels at Hava Style Recreation in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. We’re proud to serve communities like Parker, Arizona. We also offer parts, servicing, consignments, and financing. We hope you’ll come visit us soon!