With your fifth wheel hitch, it’s easy to move a trailer, but what happens if you don’t have one?
We look at how to move a fifth wheel trailer without a hitch, offering you some suggestions you might not have thought about. Our guide also touches on how to level a fifth wheel without a truck.
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What Exactly Is A Fifth Wheel Trailer?
The fifth wheel trailer has its origins back in the 1800s with horse-drawn carriages. These fifth wheels allowed the front axle to pivot. Today, the fifth wheel hitch is a heavy-duty design that will enable you to connect a trailer and pull heavy loads. Most often, it is used to haul a camper or cargo trailer.
The hitch looks like a U, and it sits in the pickup bed. It is connected to the trailer with a king pin. Most applications can carry heavier loads with the fifth wheel hitch than with conventional towing methods, which is why it is so popular.
Is It Possible To Move A Fifth Wheel Trailer Without A Hitch?
You can learn how to move a fifth wheel trailer without a truck. However, the fifth wheel is meant to work with the hitch for optimal safety. The fifth wheel hitch itself looks like a large flat plate that sits in the pickup truck bed.
It’s shaped like a horseshoe and has metal rails running below it that attach to the frame. The trailer is then connected to the fifth wheel hitch with the downward-facing pin, otherwise known as a king pin. This pin locks into position to secure the trailer in place, yet it still pivots to make turning easy.
How To Move A Fifth Wheel Trailer Without A Hitch: A Complete Guide
You have two basic options if you want to move your trailer, but you don’t have the right fifth wheel hitch. Use both of these methods with caution.
With a Conventional Tow Hitch
We do not recommend using this method despite what other websites and people may say. It is too dangerous for yourself and other road users.
Absolutely do not ever tow the trailer for long distances this way, and always use your own judgment. If it doesn't seem safe (which it isn’t), it's best to choose a different method below.
See regular hitches here and what they are good for.
With a Borrowed Truck
Ideally, the best solution would be to rent a truck with a fifth wheel hitch installed or ask a buddy to help out. Here are the steps to this option, which are clearly much easier.
- 1Call a trunk rental company and secure a model with a fifth wheel hitch installed.
- 2Or, contact your friends until you find someone willing to share their truck with you. It might require a little bribery, so be sure to offer something in return.
- 3Hook up the fifth wheel trailer the same way you would with your hitch.
- 4Once you make it to your location, don’t forget to return the truck to its original owner.
Moving A Fifth Wheel Trailer Without A Truck: Is It Possible?
It’s not difficult to figure out how to move a fifth wheel trailer without a truck. If you have a trailer dolly, you could follow these simple steps.
- 1Check the hardware you have and ensure you are ready to move the trailer.
- 2Secure the dolly on level ground.
- 3Attach the trailer.
- 4Move it where you need it to go.
This handy solution only works if you are moving the trailer on your property. You won’t want to take it on the road with these steps.
If you don’t have a truck and you need it moved to another location, you will need to hire a transport service or borrow a friend that owns a truck instead.
If all else fails, you could hire a tow truck flatbed to transport your trailer. However, this option can become costly and is only beneficial if you are moving it a minimal distance.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
How much does it cost to move a fifth wheel trailer?
If you need the RV transported for you, you will likely pay around $3 per mile, as long as it is only moving 100 miles or less. However, the final cost depends on how big the trailer is and the company you choose to work with.
How big of a fifth wheel can an F150 tow?
Most people chose to use a heavy-duty truck for fifth wheel towing, but newer F-150 models can be configured for a fifth wheel as well. When properly equipped, the 2021 Ford F-150 can tow up to 14,000 pounds with the fifth wheel hitch.
How big of a camper can a 1/2 ton truck pull?
Half ton trucks are capable of pulling more than 10,000 pounds when properly equipped. Even the newer midsize trucks can tow around 7,000 with the right equipment. However, this capability will cost you more.
Can you hire someone to move your fifth wheel?
Yes, you might be able to find someone on a local Facebook page or Craigslist. You could also contact your local RV dealership to see who the company uses for transport, although this option will probably cost you more.
Conclusion
While you can move a fifth wheel trailer without a hitch, you might not want to. A fifth wheel hitch is the safest and most effective way to move these trailers, so opt for the conventional way first if you can. However, if you are stuck, you can follow one of our other guidelines for fifth wheel transport.