{"id":70110,"date":"2022-06-22T01:29:06","date_gmt":"2022-06-22T08:29:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogv2prod.wpenginepowered.com\/blog\/?p=70110"},"modified":"2025-02-20T17:06:26","modified_gmt":"2025-02-21T01:06:26","slug":"5th-wheel-hitch-guide-installation-differences-vs-gooseneck-and-more","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/5th-wheel-hitch-guide-installation-differences-vs-gooseneck-and-more\/","title":{"rendered":"5th Wheel Hitch Guide: Installation, Differences vs Gooseneck, and More"},"content":{"rendered":"<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<html><body><span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 6<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span><style>.kadence-column70110_c1df24-99 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column70110_c1df24-99 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column70110_c1df24-99 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column70110_c1df24-99 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column70110_c1df24-99 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column70110_c1df24-99 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column70110_c1df24-99{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column70110_c1df24-99 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column70110_c1df24-99 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column70110_c1df24-99 inner-column-1 qk-look-widget\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ultimate-post-row ultp-block-acc335  qk-main-wrap\"><div class=\"ultp-row-wrapper\"><div class=\"ultp-row-content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ultimate-post-column ultp-block-c71b65\"><div class=\"ultp-column-wrapper\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading70110_2eaa03-52, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading70110_2eaa03-52[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading70110_2eaa03-52\"]{text-align:center;font-size:20px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading70110_2eaa03-52 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading70110_2eaa03-52[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading70110_2eaa03-52\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-family:Inter;font-weight:500;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading70110_2eaa03-52 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading70110_2eaa03-52[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading70110_2eaa03-52\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"kt-adv-heading70110_2eaa03-52 summary-title wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading70110_2eaa03-52\"><span>Summary<\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The 5th wheel hitch is set on the floor of your truck&rsquo;s bed. Its most visible part is a plate made of sturdy material that can support the trailer tongue.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A 5th wheel hitch will typically cost anywhere between $800 and $2000. If you bring it to an auto service center, the labor cost will generally range from $100 to $800.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In many cases, your trailer will determine what kind of heavy-duty hitch you should get for your truck. Always check the trailer tongue first before considering your options.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>Are you expecting to tow a really big trailer and your typical trailer hitch isn&rsquo;t up to the task? It&rsquo;s a good idea to consider getting a 5th wheel hitch. It&rsquo;s a type of heavy-duty <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/hitch\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"hitch\">hitch<\/a> that can handle the largest and heaviest trailers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While it shares a lot of similarities with standard ball hitch designs, it is not interchangeable with its smaller brethren. Read on to more about the 5th wheel hitch, its capabilities, and how to differentiate it from the similar gooseneck hitch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Is a 5th Wheel Hitch?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Have you seen a big rig without a trailer attached to it? The semi-truck hitch looks and works like a much bigger fifth wheel hitch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The 5th wheel hitch is set on the floor of your truck&rsquo;s bed. Its most visible part is a plate made of sturdy material that can support the trailer tongue. The hitch also has jaws that secure the trailer tongue&rsquo;s kingpin to prevent it from moving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/5th-Wheel-Hitch-designs-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"5th Wheel Hitch designs\" class=\"wp-image-70152\" style=\"width:1024px;height:682px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/5th-Wheel-Hitch-designs-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/5th-Wheel-Hitch-designs-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/5th-Wheel-Hitch-designs-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/5th-Wheel-Hitch-designs-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/5th-Wheel-Hitch-designs-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/5th-Wheel-Hitch-designs-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/5th-Wheel-Hitch-designs.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">You can install the 5th wheel hitch on either standard mounts or sliding mounts.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>You can install the 5th wheel hitch on either standard mounts or sliding mounts. The latter type lets you move the hitch across the truck bed to compensate for the length of the trailer tongue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Installation is relatively easy for trucks that don&rsquo;t come with a 5th wheel hitch as standard issue equipment. You will drill several small holes in your truck bed for the hitch&rsquo;s fasteners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Trailer tongues designed for 5th wheel hitches are usually found on the bigger RV campers and commercial trailers that resemble the ones attached to semi-trucks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Does a 5th Wheel Hitch Work?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To attach the trailer to the 5th wheel rig, the trailer must be set at the correct height. Then you back the truck until the trailer tongue&rsquo;s kingpin moves into the hitch. The hitch&rsquo;s jaws will clamp on the kingpin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a safety measure, it&rsquo;s recommended to secure the hitched trailer with safety chains to help make sure it won&rsquo;t come off. You should also invest in trailer wiring that hooks up to your truck and powers road safety features on the trailer like rear lights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most vehicles that come with factory-issue hitches mount the part under their rear bumper. The maximum load they can tow is limited by the strength of the rear bumper and the frame it&rsquo;s attached to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A 5th wheel hitch achieves much of its performance because it is in a different location. Instead of going under the bumper, it sits on the truck bed over the rear axle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The truck bed can bear a lot more weight than the rear bumper because of its sturdier construction and position over the rear axle, which not only rotates the wheels but also supports the weight of the vehicle&rsquo;s rear. This is important when you hitch a heavy trailer to your truck. The tongue weight presses down on the hitch&rsquo;s location with more weight, putting more pressure. Thus, a truck with a 5th wheel hitch can tow bigger trailers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Depending on your truck&rsquo;s model and features, a 5th wheel hitch can add at least a couple of thousand pounds to the maximum towing capacity. Some trucks are designed for towing and have options like dual-rear wheels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Much Does Installing a 5th Wheel Hitch Cost?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/5th-wheel-hitch\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"5th wheel hitch\">5th wheel hitch<\/a> will typically cost anywhere between $800 and $2000. If you bring it to an auto service center, the labor cost will generally range from $100 to $800. That&rsquo;s without factoring in things like local taxes. You can save on costs by installing the 5th wheel yourself, but you should only do this if you have the right tools and experience for the DIY job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are the Differences Between a 5th Wheel Hitch and a Gooseneck Hitch?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The 5th wheel hitch is not the only option on the table for heavy-duty hitches. There&rsquo;s also the gooseneck hitch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/gooseneck-hitch\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"gooseneck hitch\">gooseneck hitch<\/a> bears some resemblance to standard hitches. But it uses a ball hitch and the trailer tongue has a compatible receiver for it. However, the gooseneck hitch is bigger than a typical ball hitch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"602\" src=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/5th-Wheel-Hitch-and-a-Gooseneck-Hitch-1024x602.jpg\" alt=\"5th Wheel Hitch and a Gooseneck Hitch\" class=\"wp-image-70151\" style=\"width:1024px;height:602px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/5th-Wheel-Hitch-and-a-Gooseneck-Hitch-1024x602.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/5th-Wheel-Hitch-and-a-Gooseneck-Hitch-300x176.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/5th-Wheel-Hitch-and-a-Gooseneck-Hitch-768x452.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/5th-Wheel-Hitch-and-a-Gooseneck-Hitch-1536x904.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/5th-Wheel-Hitch-and-a-Gooseneck-Hitch-150x88.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/5th-Wheel-Hitch-and-a-Gooseneck-Hitch.jpg 1700w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The 5th wheel hitch is not the only option on the table for heavy-duty hitches. There&rsquo;s also the gooseneck hitch.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The trailer tongue designed for a gooseneck hitch is also different. Pointing downward from the front end of the trailer, it resembles the long neck of a goose. This tongue goes on top of the ball. Once you have backed your truck up under the trailer tongue, you can secure the hitch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most gooseneck hitches are seen on agricultural and commercial trailers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Gooseneck Hitch vs 5th Wheel Hitch<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As with many things, there are advantages and disadvantages. This applies to both 5th wheel hitches and gooseneck hitches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most gooseneck hitches can tow heavier loads than the strongest 5th wheel hitches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Goosenecks take up less space and don&rsquo;t weigh as much. If you want to keep the truck bed clear of a bulky hitch, it&rsquo;s a good idea to pick a gooseneck hitch over a 5th wheel hitch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Gooseneck hitches are also simpler in design. This makes them more affordable on a budget. Installing them is also easier compared to the fairly involved process of drilling multiple holes and bolting required for 5th wheel hitches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, gooseneck hitches also tend to make more noise while on the move. They also have trouble with tall trailers&ndash;taking sharp turns will make them wobble. And if your vehicle didn&rsquo;t come with a gooseneck hitch in the first place, you will have to punch a large hole through your truck bed during installation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Should I Get a 5th Wheel or Gooseneck Hitch?\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/dVGKnkc6juI?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Should You Get A 5th Wheel Hitch?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In many cases, your trailer will determine what kind of heavy-duty hitch you should get for your truck. Always check the trailer tongue first before considering your options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Generally, a 5th wheel hitch is the best for your truck if you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Plan to tow heavy but not extreme loads<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Expect to tow tall trailers for the most part<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Don&rsquo;t want to hear loud noises while towing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Want an easier time maintaining control of your truck and its hitched trailer on the road<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Don&rsquo;t mind if the hitch takes up most of the truck bed floor<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Are willing to drill several innocuous holes in the truck bed floor but not one huge hole<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>You can also get the best of both worlds by installing an adapter that makes the 5th wheel hitch compatible with a gooseneck hitch trailer tongue. The reverse is also true&ndash;there are adapters that let gooseneck hitches accept trailer tongues designed for 5th wheel hitches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Accessories to Go with Your 5th Wheel Hitch<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A 5th wheel hitch is already capable of doing the job on its own, but there are some accessories you can install to maximize its potential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bed Mat<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Most <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/bed-mat\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"bed mats\">bed mats<\/a> have an ant-slip design, which prevents the hitch from shifting around and scratching your truck bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Lube Plate<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A 5th wheel hitch lube plate creates a protective layer between the hitch and bottom of the pin box. The lube plate prevents friction and vibration from affecting overall ride quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Universal King Pin Lock<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>5th wheel hitches don&rsquo;t come cheap, so don&rsquo;t be surprised when you see signs of forced entry on your truck. Crooks will definitely want to get their hands on a high-quality 5th wheel hitch, so a universal king pin lock will come in handy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"article-search-widget\">\n<div class=\"cp-search\">\n<div align=\"center\">\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/w_auto,dpr_auto\/carparts\/logos\/badge_wordmark\/full_color\/CP_LOGO_COLOUR_RGB\" alt=\"CarParts.com\" width=\"300\" height=\"56\">\n<\/div>\n<form id=\"cpsearchform\" name=\"cpsearchform\" action=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/search\" method=\"get\" target=\"_blank\" accept-charset=\"character_set\" aria-label=\"search CarParts.com\">\n    <input type=\"text\" class=\"keyword\" name=\"q\" placeholder=\"Search for parts on CarParts.com\" value=\"\" aria-label=\"Search CarParts.com\"><input type=\"submit\" class=\"btn-search\" value=\"Search\" aria-label=\"Search\">\n<\/form>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cons of Installing a 5th Wheel Hitch<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As convenient as it is to have a 5th wheel hitch, it&rsquo;s important to manage your expectations when it comes to its overall dependability and longevity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The first con of having a 5th wheel hitch is that it&rsquo;s semi-permanent. Removing the hitch base won&rsquo;t get rid of the rails, making it difficult to slide cargo, toolboxes, and other items into and out of your truck bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The second disadvantage of having a 5th wheel hitch is that it takes up too much storage space in the truck bed since it&rsquo;s hooked to the bed itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Storage space for small items is still guaranteed even with a 5th wheel hitch installed, but storing bigger items might pose a bit of a challenge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where to Get a New 5th Wheel Hitch for Your Vehicle<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If the 5th wheel hitch shows signs of damage or wear, stop using your truck to tow loads until you replace the accessory. There&rsquo;s a risk of damaging your vehicle or its trailer if you connect the latter to a faulty hitch. Instead, get a replacement 5th wheel hitch delivered to your doorstep by ordering from CarParts.com.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Why leave your home and join a long line for a new 5th wheel hitch when you can access <a href=\"http:\/\/carparts.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" aria-label=\"CarParts.com\">CarParts.com<\/a> on your mobile phone and have our product shipped to your door? All our on-hand parts are ready to ship once you complete our secure ordering process, which only takes several clicks. We operate well-equipped distribution centers in strategic locations, and the facility nearest you will handle order processing and shipment. Furthermore, we exclusively source our products from trusted veterans of the auto parts industry, which helps guarantee the fit and quality of our parts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>CarParts.com lets you choose from a wide selection of competitively priced, long-lasting parts. Don&rsquo;t put off getting a new 5th wheel hitch. Shop for a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/5th-wheel-hitch\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"5th wheel hitch\">5th wheel hitch<\/a> today!<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 6<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span>Are you expecting to tow a really big trailer and your typical trailer hitch isn&rsquo;t up to the task? It&rsquo;s&#8230; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/5th-wheel-hitch-guide-installation-differences-vs-gooseneck-and-more\/\" rel=\"nofollow\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":70150,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[3756,52],"tags":[3442,3443,1582],"ppma_author":[2607,2855],"class_list":{"0":"post-70110","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-accessories","8":"category-diy","9":"tag-5th-wheel-hitch","10":"tag-gooseneck-hitch","11":"tag-hitch","12":"entry"},"acf":{"adrotate_specific_mobile_ad":"","adrotate_specific_desktop_ad":""},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>5th Wheel Hitch Guide: Installation, Differences vs Gooseneck, and More - In The Garage with CarParts.com<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"What is the 5th wheel hitch and should you get one for your truck? To learn more about it and its counterpart gooseneck hitch, read on.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/5th-wheel-hitch-guide-installation-differences-vs-gooseneck-and-more\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"5th Wheel Hitch Guide: Installation, Differences vs Gooseneck, and More - In The Garage with CarParts.com\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"What is the 5th wheel hitch and should you get one for your truck? 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