Small Fifth Wheel Hitch
Perfect fifth wheel hitch for pickups and flatbed hot shot trucks. A 36,000 lb towing capacity is more than enough for hot shot trucks.
How Does a Fifth Wheel Hitch Work?
A fifth wheel hitch connects a trailer to a truck through a kingpin mounted underneath the front of the trailer.
When the truck backs underneath the trailer, the kingpin enters the opening in the fifth wheel hitch plate.
As the kingpin reaches the center of the hitch, the locking mechanism closes around the kingpin.
Once the locking system is fully engaged, the trailer and truck are mechanically connected.
The main components of a fifth wheel towing system typically include:
- Fifth wheel hitch head
- Hitch plate
- Locking jaws
- Kingpin
- Mounting base
- Truck mounting system
- Release handle and safety mechanism
Because these components transfer significant towing and braking forces between the truck and trailer, correct installation, proper adjustment, inspection, and maintenance are essential.
Why is it called a fifth wheel hitch?
A fifth wheel hitch gets its name from an early type of steering and coupling system that used a horizontal wheel-shaped plate to connect a trailer to a vehicle. The term “fifth wheel” remained in use as the design evolved into the heavy-duty hitch systems used today. Modern fifth wheel hitches use a large coupling plate and locking jaws that secure the trailer’s kingpin, creating a strong connection between the truck and trailer.
What kind of fifth wheel hitch do I need?
The correct fifth wheel hitch depends on your:
- Truck
- Trailer weight
- Vertical trailer load
- Truck towing capacity
- Kingpin type
- Hitch height
- Mounting system
- Intended use
Your hitch should be rated appropriately for the fully loaded trailer, not simply its empty weight.
What is a fifth wheel puck system?
An OEM puck system is a factory-installed set of mounting points in the bed of certain heavy-duty pickup trucks, typically consisting of five factory-drilled holes in the floor of the truck bed or on the frame of the truck chassis.
The system allows compatible fifth wheel hitch bases or adapters to attach directly into these factory mounting points without permanently installing traditional fifth wheel rails across the truck bed.
Can I install a fifth wheel hitch on a Ram 3500?
Yes. Many Ram 3500 trucks can be equipped with a fifth wheel hitch.
The correct mounting system depends on the truck's model year, bed configuration, and whether it has the factory towing preparation package / OEM puck system.
For Ram 3500 models equipped with the factory puck system, we offer a dedicated fifth wheel hitch kit for Ram 3500 with OEM puck mounts. For trucks without a puck system, we also provide a cab and chassis mounting kit that allows for proper fifth wheel hitch installation on compatible configurations.
TULGA offers fifth wheel hitch mounting solutions for compatible Ram 3500 applications.
Can I install a fifth wheel hitch on a Ford F-350 or F-450?
Yes. Ford F-350 and F-450 trucks are commonly used for car hauling. Trucks equipped with the factory Ford puck system can use compatible OEM-style fifth wheel hitch mounting solutions, and we also offer fifth wheel hitch kits specifically designed for F-350 and F-450 models with the puck system. In addition, we carry fifth wheel hitch kits for F-350 and F-450 cab-and-chassis trucks, which require a different mounting configuration.
Can a fifth wheel hitch be installed on any cab-and-chassis truck?
Yes, but cab-and-chassis trucks require mounting equipment specifically designed for their frame and body configuration.
TULGA manufactures fifth wheel hitch mounting systems for all Ford, Ram, Chevrolet, and GMC cab-and-chassis applications.
What is the best fifth wheel hitch for hotshot trucking?
The best fifth wheel hitch for hotshot trucking is the T10 fifth wheel hitch, available in 36,000 lb and 45,000 lb capacity options. It is designed for heavy-duty commercial towing and is a strong choice for operators who need maximum strength, stability, and reliability under frequent load conditions.
Key considerations still include:
- Towing capacity matched to your trailer weight
- Vertical load (pin weight) rating
- Proper hitch height adjustment
- Kingpin compatibility
- Secure mounting system
- Durability for daily commercial use
- Reliable locking mechanism
- Availability of replacement parts
- Ease of maintenance for long-term use
How often should a fifth wheel hitch be inspected?
A fifth wheel hitch should be inspected regularly and before towing.
Drivers should pay particular attention to the:
- Locking mechanism
- Jaw engagement
- Mounting hardware
- Hitch plate
- Kingpin
- Lubrication points
- Safety components
Inspection and maintenance intervals should always follow the manufacturer's instructions.
