Mastering The Art Of Fifth-Wheel Camper Setup

Hooking up a fifth-wheel camper can seem daunting, but it's not too difficult once you know what you're doing. The process involves several steps, from choosing the right location to preparing the fifth wheel and aligning your truck. It's important to get familiar with the parts of a fifth-wheel hitch, such as the kingpin, the body, the head, and the jaws, and to ensure your hitch is properly installed and adjusted for height. With a little practice, you'll be able to hook up your fifth-wheel camper with ease and enjoy your camping adventures.

Preparing your fifth-wheel camper

Before you begin the process of hooking up your fifth-wheel camper, there are several preparatory steps to take to ensure a smooth and safe experience. Firstly, find a spotter to assist you in the process. This person will help guide you while backing up your truck towards the trailer and ensuring a proper connection. It is also important to park your truck and trailer on a level and sturdy surface. This step is crucial for achieving a solid kingpin connection and making the backing-up process easier. Chock the trailer wheels for added stability and ensure that the hitch is set at the correct height, with a minimum of 5-1/2" between your truck bed walls and the trailer.

Additionally, prior to initiating the hook-up, ensure that all awnings, slide-outs, and steps are retracted. This is an important safety measure to avoid any damage during the connection process. It is also recommended to consult your hitch and fifth-wheel manuals for specific installation instructions or seek assistance from a professional service centre if needed. By taking these preparatory steps, you will be well on your way to a successful and secure connection of your fifth-wheel camper.

Now, you can proceed with the following steps:

• Lower your truck tailgate and ensure your landing gear is extended so that the kingpin will clear the height of your hitch.
• Back up your truck to align the kingpin on the trailer slightly behind the hitch jaws, being cautious not to bump your truck's bumper or tailgate.
• Adjust the height of the kingpin using the trailer's landing gear until it is about 1" lower than the fifth-wheel hitch's skid plate.
• Open the jaws of the fifth-wheel hitch.
• Continue backing up your truck to allow the kingpin to slide into the hitch jaws.
• Apply your truck's emergency brake and exit the vehicle.
• Secure the jaws around the kingpin if they are not self-locking, and insert the safety pin.

Adjusting trailer jacks

Adjusting the trailer jacks is a crucial step in hooking up a fifth-wheel camper. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:

Before you begin, ensure your trailer is parked on a level and sturdy surface. This is important for a solid kingpin connection and will make backing up your truck easier. Chock the trailer wheels for added stability.

Now, let's get into the steps for adjusting the trailer jacks:

• Adjust the trailer jacks up or down so that the fifth-wheel hitch plate is slightly higher than the kingpin box. A good rule of thumb is to position the bottom of the kingpin box or lube plate about 1/2" below the top of the fifth-wheel head. This will allow the kingpin box to smoothly ramp up onto the hitch plate.
• Continue to back up your truck until the kingpin is fully seated within the fifth-wheel head.
• Once the kingpin is in place, stop backing up and put your vehicle in park. Engage the emergency brake to keep it securely in position.
• Visually inspect the connection to ensure that the fifth-wheel jaws are fully locked and engaged. Depending on your hitch model, you might need to manually engage the jaws or locking bar.
• If your hitch has a handle, use it to secure the jaws or locking bar. Insert the safety pin into the handle to ensure that the connection remains secure.
• Now, it's time to test the connection. Remove the emergency brake, put your foot on the brake pedal, and place the truck in drive. Gently press the manual activation on your trailer brake controller to activate the trailer brakes.
• Slowly release the brake pedal and let the truck gently tug at the trailer. If you feel resistance, the hitch connection is secure. If not, you'll need to repeat the process, starting from backing up your truck.
• After a successful test, it's time to retract the trailer jacks fully. Ensure they are fully retracted before you start towing to avoid any issues.

Remember, adjusting the trailer jacks is just one part of the process of hooking up a fifth-wheel camper. There are several other steps, including preparing the hitch, backing up the truck, and conducting safety checks. Always refer to the manuals for your truck, trailer, and hitch for specific instructions and guidelines.

Testing the connection

Once you have made all the necessary connections and adjustments, it is time to test the strength and security of the connection. This step is crucial to ensure your safety and prevent any potential damage to your truck or trailer. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Foot on the brake pedal: Place your foot on the brake pedal of your truck. This will give you control over the vehicle's movement during the test.
• Release the emergency brake: Slowly release the emergency brake while keeping your foot on the brake pedal. This will allow your truck to start moving slowly forward.
• Feel the resistance: As your truck inches forward, pay close attention to how it feels. You should feel resistance as you begin to tug the camper behind you. This resistance indicates a secure connection.
• Check for movement: If you do not feel any resistance and the camper moves freely, it means the connection is not secure. In this case, put your truck back in park and re-adjust the connections, starting from step 2 of the hook-up process.
• Final checks: If you feel resistance and the connection seems secure, proceed with the final checks. Ensure that the handle safety pin is installed correctly, and the trailer wiring harness is plugged into your truck. Also, make sure to attach the electric trailer breakaway switch.
• Test the lights: Before you start your journey, test the trailer lights to ensure they are functioning properly. This includes the running lights, brake signals, and turn signals.
• Pull test: Conduct a pull test to further ensure the security of the connection. With the trailer brakes manually activated, release the emergency brake and gently press the gas pedal to move the trailer forward a few inches. Re-apply the emergency brake after the test.
• Final adjustments: After a successful pull test, make the final adjustments. Raise the landing gear and remove any wheel chocks that were used for stability during the hook-up process.

By following these steps, you can be confident that your fifth-wheel camper is securely connected and you are ready to embark on your camping trip. Remember to always prioritize safety and double-check all connections before hitting the road.

Choosing the right location

Firstly, always opt for a level and open location. This provides ample space to manoeuvre your vehicle and ensures a strong and easy connection. Avoid confined or uneven areas, as they can hinder the hitching process and affect the stability of your setup.

When selecting a spot, consider the surrounding environment. Choose a location that is free from obstacles, such as trees, branches, or low-hanging wires. These obstacles can not only make it difficult to position your camper but also pose a safety hazard while towing.

The ideal location should offer a flat surface. Parking on a level surface is essential for achieving a solid kingpin connection. It also makes backing up your truck and aligning it with the trailer much easier. Remember to chock the trailer wheels for added stability.

Additionally, consider the weight of your trailer and the towing capacity of both your hitch and truck. Knowing these weight limits is crucial for choosing a suitable location and ensuring the safety of your setup. Always refer to the manufacturer's guidelines for weight limits and recommendations.

By following these guidelines, you can choose the right location for hooking up your fifth-wheel camper. Remember to take your time, assess the surroundings, and ensure a level and open space for a safe and successful connection.

Checking hitch height

First, ensure your truck bed is lowered. Forgetting this step could result in a large dent in the back of your truck when you back up towards the trailer.

Next, adjust your trailer jacks so that the fifth wheel hitch plate is slightly higher than the king pin box. Ideally, the bottom of the king pin box should be 1/2" below the top of the fifth wheel head. This allows the pin box to smoothly ramp up onto the hitch plate when you back up your truck.

If this is your first time hooking up a fifth-wheel trailer, make sure your hitch is set at the correct height. The minimum height between your truck bed walls and the trailer should be 5-1/2".

Once you have adjusted your trailer jacks, slowly back up your truck towards the king pin box. Stop when the hitch head is about 4" from the box and put your truck in park.

Now, you can fine-tune the height of your trailer by adjusting the trailer jacks again. Adjust them until the king pin box is about 1" lower than the fifth wheel hitch's skid plate. This step is crucial: if the king pin is at the same level as the skid plate, it could result in "high pinning", where the king pin is too high above the jaws and scratches the hitch.

After adjusting the height, continue to back up your truck until the king pin slides into the jaws of the fifth wheel hitch.

Finally, with the king pin in place, engage the jaws or locking bar to secure the connection. Some hitches have self-locking jaws, but if yours doesn't, use the handle to close and secure the jaws. Insert the safety pin to ensure the lock stays in place.

Now that you have checked and adjusted your hitch height, you can be confident that your fifth-wheel camper is securely attached and you can continue with your journey.

Frequently asked questions