Being a hotshot trucker is never an easy day’s work. Driving away on the road day in and day out, moving items from one location to another, and always in a hurry. And let’s face it; when it comes to pulling a load, you’ve got to have the right equipment, especially your fifth wheel hitch. There are so many on the market, but how do you know which one is best for hotshot trucking? Don’t worry; we’ve got all your bases covered. We’ll show you what to look for in the best fifth-wheel hitch for hotshot trucking and a few of my favorite picks.
Key Features to Consider
- Weight Capacity: While a fifth-wheel hitch can work magic, it is not able to help you tow weight that is above what your truck can handle, and the hitch itself also has a weight limit thus make sure you put this into consideration when purchasing your hitch.
- Durability and Material Composition: Hotshot trucking is tough work. So, you will want that fifth will to be there for you and not give out halfway through a job. You want to look for a material that can take the beatings not only from heavy cargo but also from the weather and won’t crack under pressure. Steel and aluminum are good starting points.
- Installation and Ease to Use: No one wants a headache trying to figure out how to install something. We suggest you find some reviews on a 5th-wheel hitch and see for yourself if it’s a product that’ll take some getting used to, or figuring out for installation.
Top Fifth-Wheel Hitch Recommendation
- Tulga’s T10 Fifth-Wheel Hitch
Probably the most famous model and brand in the hot shot trucking industry. Known for its reliability and quality, the Tulga T10 ranks number one on our list because it has the highest weight capacity ability. This means you can securely tow your heaviest of rigs.
- B&W Companion Fifth Wheel Hitch
This B&W Companion is a hotshot trucker favorite. With a 25k gross trailer weight and a 6,250 vertical load limit, you can’t go wrong with it. The thing we love most about the Companion is how user-friendly it is. The cam-actuated latching handle is easy to operate and disengage. A hitch release that doesn’t require a lot of strength is a nice option. Its 360-degree pivot is a very nice feature when dealing with uneven terrain.
- Curt Q25 Fifth Wheel Hitch
The Ford CURT Q25 Fifth Wheel Hitch has a 24k gross trailer weight and a 6k vertical load capacity. It was pretty close between this hitch and the Companion. This particular hitch’s dual jaws provide a 360-degree wrap around the kingpin, which means a secure connection and an easier towing experience. This model has an adjustable anchoring system and a three-point trailer kingpin connection indicator.
Looking After Your Fifth Wheel Hitch
Checking Up On It Often: While this is a pretty sturdy piece of equipment that can handle a lot, it still needs checking to ensure it is okay.
Cleaning and Proper Lubrication: Dust, rust, and a lack of lubrication can shorten the lifespan of your hitch and cause some avoidable problems. So you give your hitch some TLC by cleaning and oiling it.
Cover It Up: If you’re not hotshot trucking all year long, make sure you store your fifth-wheel hitch in a cover when it’s not in use.
The best fifth-wheel hitch for you will make your life better and assure your safety in the long run. So go out and use our guide to get your 5th-wheel hitch or get our suggestion: The Tulga T10 fifth-wheel.
