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Last Updated on August 19, 2024 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 installation cost. This cost can vary widely depending on the complexity of the installation, the type of hitch, and the labor rates of the installer.
- Hitch type determines installation cost: Standard vs. specialized.
- Vehicle model affects required brackets and customization.
- Hitch capacity influences price due to construction materials.
- Professional installation adds significant labor expenses to the budget.
- Additional costs may include wiring, controllers, and modifications.
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 5th Wheel, you must fit a relevant 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.
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 a hitch plus $100 for an installation kit. The price will rise if you need to buy additional tools.
As you can see, you can save quite a bit of money if you choose to install a 5th-wheel hitch by yourself, and it is 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 you buy a fifth-wheel hitch online, it’s essential to understand the total weight of your trailer, including all the accessories you’ll need to transport it.
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 5th Wheel Hitch 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 it provides a smooth ride with little 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 hitch types.
Ease of Installation
Another contributing factor to your buying decision should be 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 kit you need 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 under the bed 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, so you know your journey will be relatively quiet and smooth.
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 bit of a premium for this hitch, but in our opinion, it’s worth the money, and we can all but 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 boasts a grease-free coupler and three height adjustment settings, making configuring the hitch for your particular setup much easier.
One possible drawback is that you’ll need to carry a torque wrench to use the latching mechanism, but it’s not a big 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 hinges on your mechanical skills and the type of kit you opt for. 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 their 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 cost-effective.
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 5th-wheel hitch, it is imperative that you thoroughly research and understand the compatibility between your tow vehicle and the potential hitches.
This will ensure you do not invest time and resources into a hitch 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 5th-wheel hitch installation cost 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.
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