How to Hitch Your Fifth Wheel

If you’ve just purchased a fifth wheel for the first time, then you are standing at the cusp of a series of great adventures. However, there are likely quite a few things you are still unsure of, like the best way to hitch up your fifth wheel. That is why Broadmoor RV has put together this guide to help new fifth wheel owners learn how to hitch their fifth wheels correctly, as well as provide a refresher for more experienced camper owners.

1. Choose a Level Surface 

While this obviously isn’t always going to be something you can control, you should try to hook up your trailer on a level surface whenever one is available. This not only makes backing up your truck much easier, but it is also the best way to ensure a safe and solid connection. Remember to add wheel chocks for extra support and double-check that your hitch is at the correct height for coupling. 

2. Open the Wheel Jaws

Once you are certain that the trailer is on a smooth surface and is secure enough to be coupled, you will open the jaws or retract the locking bar, depending upon the model. You do this by pulling the side handle and setting it securely in the open position. If you have any concerns about ensuring a smooth coupling, apply high-pressure grease or install a lube plate. As a bonus, this can also help protect the hitch head.

3. Back Up Slowly

Once the jaws and hitch are in the correct position, lower your tailgate and get ready to line up the hitch. It may be helpful to have a friend or family member to help guide you as you back up, though they should keep well clear of the kingpin. Also, remember that your truck will shift slightly after you put it in the park, so be sure to stop slightly early to account for that. 

4. Adjust the Jacks

Once the hitch has been properly aligned with the kingpin, it is time to adjust the trailer jacks. The fifth wheel hitch plate should be a little higher than the kingpin box so that it can ramp up onto the hitch plate. The kingpin box itself will generally be ½” below the top of the fifth wheel head. 

5. Engage the Coupler

Now it is time to slowly back up your truck until the kingpin is fully connected with the fifth wheel head. Once the connection has been established, you should place your truck in park and engage the emergency brake. Closely inspect the connection to ensure that the fifth wheel jaws are locked and completely engaged. Depending upon your model, you may be required to manually engage the lock bar or wheel jaws, though in some cases this process will be automatic. Once all this is done, insert the safety pin to keep the coupling secure.

6. Test the Coupling and Complete Your Checklist

Now it is time to finalize the coupling. Disengage your truck’s emergency brake, activate the trailer’s brakes, and place the truck in drive. Slowly move forward, allowing the truck to tug at the trailer. Do not worry if you feel some resistance, as this indicates that the connection is secure. 

Once you have confirmed that the coupling is secure, run through your final checklist. Close your truck’s tailgate, ensure that the safety pin and chains are in place, check the wiring to make sure it is still connected, remove the wheel chocks, lift the jacks, and inspect the trailer lights to make sure they function as intended. 

If you are ready to view new and pre-owned fifth wheel models, visit Broadmoor RV in Pasco, Washington. We also have parts, servicing, and consignment departments, allowing us to meet all your RV needs. We are proud to serve the Tri-Cities area, as well as guests from communities a bit further out like Spokane, Washington, and Seattle, Washington.