Whether you decide to install your own 5th wheel hitch or you get it professionally installed there are 5 critical things that absolutely need checking before the job begins. These 5 things may seem obvious but you will be amazed just how many people turn a simple 5th wheel hitch installation into a nightmare.
Let's take a look!
Buy a frame kit purpose built for your vehicle
You're going to be towing a lot of weight. Transferring this weight correctly through your vehicle to the ground is critical. A purpose made frame kit will have all of the fixing points, bracing attachments and brackets designed and made to fit perfectly to your vehicles frame. Not to mention avoiding a lot of frustration, time and money trying to make a generic frame kit fit.
Can your vehicle take the weight?
Just because your vehicle looks like a beast doesn't mean it can perform like one. Be sure to read your owner's manual regarding the maximum tow load capacity for your vehicle model.
The maximum tow load capacity is the maximum weight your vehicles frame or chassis can handle combined with your vehicles engines torque. If it's not clear, call the manufacturer. It could save you thousands of dollars in repair costs.
Centre the weight between the rear axle and the cabin
Your particular vehicle will include a 'sweet spot', a point between the cabin and the rear axle that will keep your vehicle evenly weighted on all tyres while towing a heavy load. Your owner's manual should have a diagram indicating exactly where this 'sweet spot' is located. A badly balanced 5th wheel hitch will place uneven pressure on your tyres causing premature wearing and poor handling.
Securely fix to the vehicles frame
Your 5th wheel hitch will come with a rail kit. This kit has been designed to attach to the frame or chassis of your vehicle. The rail kit will transfer the weight of the 5th wheel trailer evenly and safely to the ground directly through your vehicles frame. Your vehicles body panels or associated parts have not been designed for this so don't be tempted to use anything other than the vehicles frame to save time.
No plastic liners!
Be sure to remove any plastic liners that may sit between any fixing points of the rail kit and your vehicle. It might be quicker in the short term just to leave the liner in place however, over time the plastic liner will wear and cause the fixing point to shift. This will cause the distribution of weight through the vehicle to the ground to be inefficient putting unnecessary strain on your vehicle and future structural problems for your vehicle.
Owning a 5th wheel trailer will open up a world of discovery. Travelling around the country and seeing the sites in the comfort of your very own 5th wheel is an amazing experience. Avoid potentially dangerous accidents. Make sure your 5th wheel hitch is installed correctly and enjoy the view.
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