How do I measure my fifth wheel hitch height?

Park your truck on level ground, measure from the ground to the top of your hitch plate. Then measure from the ground to the bottom of your trailer's kingpin plate. The hitch plate should be slightly lower than the trailer's kingpin plate so the trailer rides level or very slightly nose-down when connected.

What is the correct height for a fifth wheel hitch?

The correct height depends on your specific truck and trailer combination. The goal is a level trailer when connected. Most fifth wheel hitches sit between 15 and 19 inches from the truck bed floor. The trailer should be level or have a very slight nose-down angle (1-2 degrees) when properly adjusted.

How do I level my fifth wheel trailer?

Connect the trailer to the hitch, then measure from the ground to the bottom of the trailer frame at both the front and rear. If the front is higher, you need to raise the hitch. If the front is lower, lower the hitch. Most hitches have adjustable legs or shim systems to fine-tune the height.

What happens if my fifth wheel hitch is too high or too low?

If too high, the trailer will ride nose-down, putting extra weight on the rear axle and causing poor handling. If too low, the trailer rides nose-up, reducing tongue weight on the rear axle and potentially causing sway. Both scenarios cause uneven tire wear on the trailer and can affect braking.

Can I adjust the height of my fifth wheel hitch?

Yes, most fifth wheel hitches have some height adjustment built in. Rail-mount hitches typically use adjustable mounting brackets. Puck-mount hitches may use leg extensions or spacers. If your hitch doesn't have enough adjustment range, aftermarket height adjustment kits are available.

Measuring Fifth Wheel Hitch Height

Written by a towing industry expert

The short answer: Getting your hitch height right is critical for safe towing. Here's how to measure and adjust it.

Why Does Fifth Wheel Hitch Height Matter?

↗️

Too High (Nose Up)

Light front axle, squirrely steering, rear tire wear

✅

Level

Balanced weight, stable handling, even tire wear

↘️

Too Low (Nose Down)

Heavy tongue, overloaded rear, poor braking

How Do I Measure My Truck Bed Height?

Before hooking up

What to Measure:

Measure from the ground to the top of the bed rails (where a hitch would sit) at the point where your hitch will mount — usually just forward of the wheel wells.

• Park on level ground
• Truck should be loaded as it will be when towing (gear, passengers, fuel)
• Write down this number

Typical range: Most trucks measure 38" to 44" from ground to bed rail.

How Do I Find My Trailer's Kingpin Height?

Find the kingpin height

Your trailer's kingpin height is measured from the ground to the bottom of the kingpin (the part that drops into the hitch jaw).

How to Find It:

1. Park trailer on level ground
2. Use the front jacks to level the trailer side-to-side and front-to-back
3. Measure from ground to bottom of kingpin

Typical range: Most fifth wheel trailers have a kingpin height of 42" to 48" when level.

How Do I Calculate the Right Hitch Height?

Calculate your hitch height

Hitch Height = Kingpin Height - Bed Rail Height

This tells you how tall your hitch needs to be above your bed rails.

Example:

Trailer kingpin height: 45"
Truck bed rail height: 40"
Hitch height needed: 45" - 40" = 5" above bed rails

How Do I Adjust My Fifth Wheel Hitch Height?

Most hitches are adjustable

Most fifth wheel hitches have height adjustment built in. Look for:

Pin/Hole Adjustment

Multiple holes in the head assembly. Remove pins, move the head up or down, re-pin. Common 1" increments.

Leg Height

Some hitches have adjustable legs that change the overall height. Check your manual.

Important

After adjusting, always verify the locking mechanism still engages properly. The kingpin must fully seat in the jaw.

How Do I Fine-Tune My Hitch Height After Hookup?

After you're hooked up

Once connected, check that your trailer is level front-to-back. Use a long level on the trailer frame (not the floor, which may be sloped for drainage).