5th Wheel Hitch for Flatbed Diesel Pickup with Wood Deck
Question:
We dont want to cut our flatbed down to 8. We have wood bed, and want to install a fifth wheel hitch flush mounted as much as possible. What type of equipment do we need to buy to help make this happen? I know that we will need to have serious welding done, but need to know where to start. We have a welded tow hitch on the truck. Can we convert the fifth wheel camper to something that would hook to the tow hitch on back? Thank you!
asked by: Dsmith
Expert Reply:
Reese does offer a specialized 5th wheel hitch, their dual-jaw Low-Profile # RP30054, that can be used in flatbed applications on a wooden deck.
As you noted, you will have to have a qualified welder install a 1/2-inch thick steel plate under the wood deck to serve as an attachment point. You also need to use tubular steel spacers around the mounting hardware to prevent the pressure from that hardware from crushing the wood (as this would cause the hitch to become loose if the wood were to be compressed from its original size).
Naturally you will want to exactly follow the instructions, which are linked for you along with a video.
There are no adapters to allow a 5th wheel trailer to be pulled by a standard hitch.
Products Referenced in This Question
Reese Low-Profile 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Dual Jaw - 30,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Fixed Fifth Wheel
- Cab-and-Chassis
- 7500 lbs Vertical Load
- 30000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Standard - Double Jaw
- 9-1/2 - 12-1/2 Inch Tall
- Reese
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Q20 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Fixed Fifth Wheel
- Above Bed Rails
- 5000 lbs Vertical Load
- 20000 lbs GTW
- Cushioned 360-Degree
- Standard - Double Jaw
- 13 - 17 Inch Tall
- CURT
more information >
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