Like many fifth-wheel owners, I often had trouble gauging how high to position the front of my trailer for a smooth hitch-up process.
So, after unhitching I pull the tow vehicle forward a couple feet and measure the distance between the truck bed and the pin plate with a tape measure.
When preparing to hitch up, I set the tape to the same height, stand it on the truck bed and raise or lower the front of the trailer until the pin plate is even with the end of the tape. The distance remains the same each time, so there’s no guesswork.
James W. Baker, Chandler, Arizona
Anonymous
I painted horizontal lines in one-inch increments in the landing gear leg. I use a grease pencil or dry erase marker to record the mark each time I park. All that’s necessary is to set it back to that height before reconnecting.
Anonymous
That’s an excellent idea
Anonymous
I use another Idea. Someone suggested using a weighted rope, I use a piece of chain and some spring clips. Just after unhitching, I attach a chain to the pin box, so the bottom link is just above the ground. When it is time to hitch up, I adjust the front landing gear so the chain touches the ground. By having the pin height 1 to 2 inches lower than the un-hitched height, the hitch rides up on the plate and should prevent high hitching.
Anonymous
A better way to find the height for hooking up was shared with me by another camper. Using a (1/2 or 3/4 inch diameter ) piece of schedule 40 PVC irrigation tubing five feet long measure the distance from the ground to a side marker on the fifth wheel near the front of the trailer. Mark that spot on the tubing with a piece of electrical tape. Now pull the tow vehicle away. You now can raise or lower the trailer to a level height.
When it is time to hook up again, use the the PVC to bring your trailer back to the hitching height needed. Piece of cake.
Anonymous
Good tip! Will add it to my bag of tricks.
Anonymous
drop break away cable, measure after pulling off cut small piece of broom handle with small hook
on it . glue a strip magnet to it. after using it take it off an attach it in side king pin area for next
time. the height should be the same every time you hook up.
Anonymous
There is a much easier way that I saw in Trailer Life magazine. As you raise your trailer to unhook the fifth wheel , use a grease pencil and mark the height on your bubble level with the grease pencil, after unhooking and you level your trailer, that mark will be there when you hook up again. Wipes right off if you need to change it. Store the grease pencil in the compartment for your raise/ lower button. Very easy, very simple.
Anonymous
you could then measure the distance to the ground to have an ending point when you go to break down. Assuming that you will need to level the 5th wheel either up or down.
Anonymous
I just back up toward trailer & stop 6 inches or so from hitch, I raise front of trailer to height of my 5th wheel & then slide under trailer until pin hooks, then let trailer down putting weight on truck
Anonymous
I have a plump bob on a string that was set to distance from hitch to ground once after unhitching. Since the hitch is centered over the rear wheels it is accurate every time. Small “S” hook to hook on pin plate.
Anonymous
Great idea! Better than carrying a pole around to measure from ground to pin height.
Anonymous
Great idea, thank you.