How to Operate a Fifth Wheel Hitch
A 5th wheel hitch is a whole lot like a tractor trailer hitch in the way that it functions. A 5th wheel hitch is a lot more flexible than a standard hitch in the way that it moves around. This fact is especially true when you are making turns that are extremely sharp and when you are backing up.
- Put some wheel chocks on both sides of all of the tires so you can block them from any type of movement.
- Put the tailgate of the pickup down. You can do this by taking the latch pin off of the hitch handle. Lock the latch handle by pulling it down.
- Take off the retaining pins that are located on the jacks on the fifth wheel. Raise the kingpin located on the trailer by cranking the handle. Crank the handle until the kingpin is the same height as the receiver.
- Put the truck in reverse. Put it back under the trailer. Check to make sure that the king pin is lining up with the receiver. Slide the kingpin in the hitch. It should be past the device that is used for latching.
- Close up the latching device. Be certain that you hear it snap before you start driving. If it does not snap then it is not going to stay in place and the kingpin is not going to be in the hitch like it is supposed to be. Maneuver the truck until the latching device snaps.
- Close the tailgate after you have put the latch pin in the handle.
- Lift up the les that are located on the jack of the trailer. They should be as far back as they can go. Put the retaining pins back into their proper place.