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Reading Time: 7 minutesLast Updated on July 18, 2025 by Paul Clayton
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How Much Does A 5th Wheel Hitch Installation Cost?
When installing a fifth-wheel hitch on your vehicle, one critical factor to consider is the cost of installation. This cost can vary widely depending on the complexity of the installation, the type of hitch, and the labor rates of the installer.
Key Takeaways:
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- Installation Cost Varies: Professional 5th-wheel hitch installation (including the hitch price) typically ranges from $800 to $ 1,600. DIY installation can save significant money, costing $200-$500 for the hitch plus about $100 for an installation kit, assuming you have the necessary tools or account for tool purchases.
- DIY is Feasible but Requires Skill: While installing a 5th wheel hitch yourself is possible and cost-effective, it requires mechanical skills, precision, and specific tools (ratchet, socket set, drill, torque wrench). Drilling into the truck frame and bed is often required, making it the most challenging part.
- Hitch Types and Features Impact Ride:
- Slide Bar (Most Affordable): Noisier, but excellent safety record.
- Double Jaw (Mid-Range): Smoother ride with minimal noise/movement due to tighter kingpin hold.
- Single Jaw (Most Expensive): Smoothest ride, virtually no kingpin movement.
- Ease of Installation Influences Choice: Some hitch designs are specifically engineered for easier DIY installation, particularly those that match specific truck brands/models or feature user-friendly features (e.g., lightweight aluminum construction, such as Andersen, or cam-action release handles).
- Mounting Styles: The rail system is the most common and generally recommended for DIYers due to its standardized and reliable design. Under-bed and custom mounting systems are more complex and often better left to professionals.
- Compatibility is Not Universal: It’s a common misconception that all 5th-wheel hitches are universally compatible. Thorough research into the specific truck model’s compatibility with the chosen hitch’s design and specifications is crucial before making a purchase.
- Hitch Weight Capacity is Paramount: Always determine your trailer’s Gross Vehicle Weight (including all accessories) and choose a hitch rated to handle or exceed that weight for safe and stable towing.
5th Wheels are a fantastic option if you have a truck capable of pulling one. They offer much more room than a standard travel trailer.
Before pulling a fifth wheel, you must fit a suitable hitch on your truck.
There are a couple of ways to go about this: you can either have a shop fit a hitch for you or if you’re confident in your abilities, you can do it yourself.
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Average 5th Wheel Hitch Installation Cost
The cost to install a 5th Wheel in a shop, including the hitch price, will be between $800 and $1600.
If you choose to install the hitch yourself, you’ll pay between $200 and $500 for the hitch, plus an additional $100 for the installation kit. The price will increase if you need to purchase extra tools.
As you can see, you can save a significant amount of money if you choose to install a 5th-wheel hitch yourself, and it’s not necessarily a difficult task.
Having the right tools and understanding the steps will make your life much easier. If you’d rather have someone else do it, it’ll cost a bit more, but you’ll be assured of a job well done.
What is a Fifth Wheel Hitch?
Fifth-wheel hitches support the trailer’s weight and allow it to be securely stowed.
One advantage of a fifth-wheel hitch is that the weight is more evenly distributed across the truck’s frame, producing a safer and more stable towing scenario.
Before purchasing a fifth-wheel hitch online, it’s essential to determine the total weight of your trailer, including all necessary accessories for transportation.
Not all hitches are created equally, so it’s essential to research and purchase a fifth-wheel hitch that’s up to the task.
Types of 5th-Wheel Hitch
There are essentially three types of fifth-wheel hitches available.
Each uses a slightly different jaw mechanism to secure the trailer in place:
Slide Bar
This is one of the most affordable models available, but also one of the noisiest types.
You won’t forget you’re towing a trailer. It boasts an excellent safety record, and you can be confident in its abilities.
Double Jaw
A double-jaw model is mid-range in price and provides a smooth ride with minimal noise and movement.
This is because the kingpin is held more tightly than the sidebar, but some movement of the kingpin will be present.
Single Jaw
The double jaw will give you one of the smoothest driving experiences, with next to no movement of the kingpin as the hitch jaw ultimately holds it.
This is one of the most expensive types of hitches.
Ease of Installation
Another factor that should influence your buying decision is the ease of installation.
You can often find hitches that match the brand and model of the truck you’re driving, which makes installation that much easier. This is especially relevant if you’re going for a DIY approach; you’ll want to make your life as easy as possible.
If you get a kit, ensure you have all the necessary tools. You’ll likely require a torque wrench and possibly a drill.
Ensuring you have the necessary kit before starting a project saves time and frustration, especially when you must spend more than anticipated.
Mounting Style
We should also consider the mounting style of our 5th-wheel hitch.
Most modern hitches use a rail system for mounting. You can still find models installed under the truck bed, but installation requires significantly more work and is not recommended for DIY projects.
You can also get custom mounting systems that utilize specialized brackets. The setup is generally clean, but is probably best left to the professionals.
The rail system is probably the best choice for most users. Its design is pretty standardized across models and brands, and it is increasingly popular due to its simple yet reliable design.
Our Favourite 5th Wheel Hitches
We have a couple of recommendations for hitches based on our experiences and the experiences of our readers:
B&W RVK3300 Companion 5th Wheel Hitch
If you need an outstanding, reliable, and functional fifth-wheel hitch, the RVK3300 Companion is the choice.
It’ll work seamlessly with every fifth-wheel trailer—or at least everyone we know about. The hitch features a double-jaw design, ensuring a relatively quiet and smooth journey.
The design also boasts a cam-action release handle, making releasing the hitch dead easy—a must-have if you want to use your flatbed.
Expect to pay a premium for this hitch, but in our opinion, it’s worth the investment. We can almost guarantee you’ll be happy with your purchase.
Anderson Hitches 3220 Aluminum 5th Wheel Connection
One of the Anderson hitches’ most significant selling points is their lightweight aluminum construction, which makes installation significantly more accessible.
Coming in at a measly 35lbs, it’s one of the lightest hitches available on the market.
The design features a grease-free coupler and three height adjustment settings, making it easier to configure the hitch for your specific setup.
One possible drawback is that you’ll need to carry a torque wrench to use the latching mechanism, but it’s not a significant inconvenience in the grand scheme of things.
How Hard is it to Install a Fifth-wheel Hitch?
The difficulty level of installing a fifth-wheel hitch largely depends on your mechanical skills and the type of kit you choose. The task involves intricate steps, including drilling, which is the most challenging part.
If you choose a custom or universal kit, be prepared to drill into your truck’s frame. Regardless of the kit selection, drilling holes into your truck bed to secure the installation rails would help.
Hence, while it might not be an overly complex procedure, it does require precision and a certain level of technical knowledge.
Can You Install a Fifth-Wheel Hitch Yourself?
Yes, you can install a fifth-wheel hitch if you have the necessary tools and a basic understanding of its usage. The process involves assembling the hitch, positioning it in the truck bed, drilling holes, and securing it with bolts.
A typical tool set required for this task includes a ratchet, socket set, crescent wrench, drill with drill bits, and a torque wrench. While professional installation guarantees precision and safety, self-installation can be a cost-effective option.
However, following the manufacturer’s instructions meticulously is essential to ensure proper installation.
Are all 5th-wheel Hitches Compatible?
It is a common misconception that all 5th-wheel hitches are universally compatible with any tow vehicle. However, this is not the case.
The compatibility of a fifth-wheel hitch largely depends on the specific model of the tow vehicle and the hitch’s design and specifications.
Therefore, before purchasing a fifth-wheel hitch, it is essential to thoroughly research and understand the compatibility between your tow vehicle and the potential hitch.
This will ensure that you do not invest time and resources into a hitch that is incompatible with your vehicle.
Final Thoughts
Several factors influence the cost of installing a fifth-wheel hitch. The type of hitch installed is crucial in determining the price.
Standard hitches are generally less expensive than specialized ones due to their common usage and availability. However, while pricier, specialized hitches may provide additional features that enhance towing performance and safety.
Secondly, the vehicle’s model affects the cost as it determines the required brackets and the extent of customization needed for the hitch installation.
Vehicles with unique designs or specifications may require more complex bracket systems or additional customization, which can increase the installation cost.
Thirdly, the hitch’s capacity significantly influences the price. Hitches with higher capacities are constructed from more robust materials to handle greater loads, contributing to higher costs.
Additionally, professional installation introduces significant labor expenses to the budget.
While it may be tempting to attempt a DIY installation to save costs, professional installation ensures the hitch is installed correctly and safely, preventing potential damage or accidents down the line.
Furthermore, additional costs may include wiring, controllers, and modifications necessary for particular towing setups. These expenses can add up quickly, so factoring them into your overall cost of the 5th-wheel hitch installation is essential.
Therefore, when planning a fifth-wheel hitch installation, it’s crucial to consider all these factors to ensure accurate budgeting and prevent unexpected costs.
