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Chevrolet Silverado 2007-Present: How to Hitch a Fifth Wheel

The Chevrolet Silverado is made for hauling. Here's how to hitch a fifth wheel.

By Brett Foote - June 2, 2015

This article applies to the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (2007-present).

A fifth wheel trailer setup provides a few benefits over ball hitch based towing, including improved towing stability. Fifth wheel hitches can also tow a lot more weight than a traditional ball hitch by moving the attachment point forward and moving the weight of the trailer towards the center of the truck. If you have decided to take the plunge and install a fifth wheel hitch for your towing needs, we're going to show you how to properly hitch up to one in your Chevrolet Silverado 1500. Keep reading and we'll show you everything you need to know.

Step 1 – Prepare truck and trailer

Hitching a fifth wheel is much easier if you have a friend to help guide you while you back up your truck, but once you get the hang of it, you can easily do it yourself. First, make sure the truck's tailgate is down and any cargo door at the front of the trailer is closed. Chock the wheels on your trailer to keep it from rolling around. Back the truck up close enough to the hitch so that you can make some eyeball measurements. Make sure you have enough clearance to get under the king pin.

Figure 1. Be sure to chock the wheels of your trailer before getting started.

Step 2 – Connect fifth wheel hitch

Once the tailgate gets close to the trailer, lift it up and close it. Use the landing gear to adust the height of the trailer so that the bottom blade of the pin box 1/2 to 1" lower than the skid plate and make sure the handle to the jaw is in the open position. Ease the hitch back on to the king pin until it automatically connects itself or it is ready for you to close the connection, depending on what type of hitch you have. Make sure and let the skid plate push the trailer up a little as it slides into place. Do not try to finesse the hitch into place, as this can lead to damage on the hitch jaws.

Figure 2. Make sure the bottom plate of the pin box is 1/2-1" lower than the skid plate.

Step 3 – Finish connection and test

Once the king pin is locked into place and the jaws are closed, close and pin the safety latch to secure the connection. Connect the pull out break away cable from the pin box to a permanent part of the truck. This will ensure the brakes from the trailer will engage if it's disconnected from your truck. Connect the trailer cord from the fifth wheel to your truck.

Complete a hitch pull test by activating the trailer brakes, releasing the brakes on the truck, and pressing the gas. The trailer should hold the truck in place. If it doesn't, stop immediately and rehitch. Raise the landing gear completely and remove the wheel chocks.

Figure 3. Perform a hitch pull test before you drive off to ensure a proper connection.

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