How to Tighten a 5th Wheel Hitch

This article addresses how to tighten a 5th wheel hitch for both a full-sized semi-hitch and a smaller, light commercial hitch. First, let's see a definition of a fifth wheel.

What Is a Fifth Wheel?

A fifth wheel hitch is an important component of any effective towing or hauling setup. Don’t confuse it with an RV trailer. The fifth wheel is a plate on the back of a semi truck’s tractor where the kingpin of a trailer hooks in. The nature of the hitch allows the tractor to turn while the trailer is still attached.

Full-Sized Semi Truck Hitch

The fifth wheel should be positioned in front of the rear axle or bogie centerline of the rear tandem. You can also have an experienced mechanic with the right tools to make the adjustment with minimal downtime.

You will find the main nut and the counter nut (also called a “jam nut” or a “half nut”) on the passenger side. Some trucks may have a counter nut which is a low-profile type of hex nut, but this nut is not on all trucks. It is typically half as tall as a standard nut. A counter nut is commonly used as a type of locknut, where it is jammed up against a standard nut to lock the two in place, preventing vibration from loosening a bolted joint.  It is also used in situations where a standard nut would not fit.   

To tighten a fifth-wheel hitch on a semi-truck, perform the following steps:

  1. If there is a counter nut, loosen it so that it spins freely. 
  2. Turn the adjustment screw counterclockwise in one full rotation.
  3. Repeat until the desired tightness is achieved.
  4. If there is a counter nut, retighten it. 

Note: Be sure to turn the adjustment screw counterclockwise because turning the wrong way can damage the release arm.

Smaller, Light Commercial Hitches

Smaller hitches are used by professional car haulers, LTL towing contractors, and light commercial haulers. The smaller form factor allows for more range of motion without sacrificing load security. Usually, these are not adjustable. The internal mechanics of the hitch receiver wear down over time (specifically the jaws that clamp down around the hitch) and most are not designed to be tightened. Instead, they must be removed and replaced. However, HitchCrafter has created a hitch that is adjustable for light commercial use.

EZ Elite 5th wheel hitch towing equipment for Ram towing vehicles

Adjustable 5th Wheel Hitch

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Announcing the first of it’s kind – a light commercial 5th wheel hitch that can be adjusted and tightened like a traditional full-size 5th wheel hitch.

HitchCrafter Offers an Adjustment Hitch for Light Commercial Use

HitchCrafters now offers an adjustable hitch, which takes the adjustable nature of the full-sized commercial hitches and applies it to the smaller form factor preferred by smaller commercial haulers. This prevents long delays and time lost when purchasing a new hitch. See HitchCrafters for all of your fifth hitch needs.