Picture this: you are on your hotshot trucking gig, and suddenly, your load behind you is wobbling about. The culprit? A bad fifth-wheel hitch. This situation is dangerous and, quite frankly, inconvenient.
Hotshot trucking is a fast-paced, time-is-money kind of operation that cannot tolerate delay and anything less than smooth sailing. But you might not have a choice and have to replace it as quickly and efficiently as possible.
You are probably here looking for guidance to make sure you get the right fifth-wheel hitch for your truck. We are more than happy to help as we will take you through the things you must consider before buying your fifth-wheel hitch and where to get the real deal.
Understanding Fifth Wheel Hitches
A fifth wheel hitch is a piece of specialized trailer equipment that secures to the bed of a pickup truck. Rather than the typical ball hitch, a fifth wheel hitch divides the weight between the truck and trailer, making it a much safer and easier option for hauling heavy or overweight loads, especially over long distances.
Key Features to Consider
1. Weight Capacity
So here is the thing: There are some heavy-duty things going on on either end of the fifth-wheel hitch. Hotshotting trucks are pretty powerful, and the load being carried is very heavy! So naturally, the thing that connects those two things must be up to the task.
The all-important question you should always ask when selecting a fifth-wheel hitch is, “What is the weight capacity?” Whether you are going to a shop or buying online, look through the specs of both the truck and the hitch. You will want to know that your hitch is rated for at least the unloaded weight of your trailer. The great thing is this information is always front and center – easy to find!
2. Build Quality
Build quality and design are of absolute importance when it comes to a 5th-wheel hitch. These metrics will determine whether or not the hitch can withstand the test of time, which includes wear and tear, rough terrain, and the elements!
Here is the trick when it comes to purchasing a hitch: Unless you are an expert, you may not be able to spot quality just by looking at it. This is where buying from reputable places like Tulga Fifth Wheel will work in your favor.
3. Ease of Installation
You never want an IKEA furniture situation when it comes to putting together a fifth-wheel hitch. So make sure you purchase a fifth-wheel hitch that has plenty of reviews and read through them to see if there are any installation issues.
4. Maneuverability
Some hitches are equipped with the ability to slide or have an articulating head for maneuvering through every little thing. This kind of feature is super helpful going in and out of those tight-loading docks or around a construction site. This feature can also be beneficial when working with heavy or oversized loads, as it can help reduce the risk of damage to the load or surrounding infrastructure.
5. Reputable Suppliers
There are plenty of grifters out there claiming to have the best fifth wheel, with nothing to back them up. This is why it is important to buy your hitch from a supplier who has earned their stripes in the hitch game.
Go for a hot shot (pun intended) like Tulga Fifth Wheel. Their 5th wheel hitches are built to go several rounds before they retire, plus they are simple to get up and running, all the while delivering on what they are created to do!
Rounding Up
And just like that, you are armed to the teeth with fifth-wheel knowledge. Now you can go forth and purchase, say the Tulga T1O Model 5th wheel hitch from Tulga Fifth Wheel. If that model is not your cup of tea you can use the nifty tips in this guide to get you paired up with exactly what you want.
