Hitching and unhitching a 5th wheel

Perhaps you are talking about a Pullrite Superglide hitch? If so, the manual says the hookup and release angle must be no more than 16 degrees.

I've heard of people, in an emergency, pulling the pins on the hitch and driving out from under the kingpin, then removing the hitch (not leaving it dangling from the kingpin). As you can guess hooking back up would be a whole different kettle of fish, depending on the situation.

I don't know what he means until he clears it up...or maybe the angels will.

hermandutchman wrote:
If you mean at a 90 degree angel, then yes you can. The big problem is that when you pull away you will put extreme twist on the tires which could damage them, also could damage frame.

If damage happens in that situation then the tires and frame were not worth having. JMHO

hermandutchman wrote:
If you mean at a 90 degree angel, then yes you can. The big problem is that when you pull away you will put extreme twist on the tires which could damage them, also could damage frame.

WHY, WHY do so many think the suspension under your 5er is made of glass and will be damaged the first time you look at it side ways! Not something I want to do every day, but will not damage the frame or suspension, not the best for tread life as it will create a lot of tread scrub. The biggest issues would be the strain on the Landing gear, this is the one case where I would have the pin box and the hitch very close to the same level.

My SuperGlide would not allow this. I have to be within 20 degrees or so.

I think he is asking if the Tow Vehicle has to be in line with the trailer to hitch and unhitch. I have only ever had goosenecks and the answer with a gooseneck is no.

JohnnyT

If you mean connecting 5vr to hitch in truck bed---sideways?

YES (with caution)...you must back into 5vr king pin with it aligned up with hitch provided you have enough truck cab to 5vr front cab clearance, not only when hitching but when you straighten out



IF you mean operating the hitch?

YES...the latch handle is right next to drivers side of truck bed.
After hitching then you secure handle with clasp/pin and do a visual check that jaws are closed around king pin


otherwise.....och!

If you mean at a 90 degree angel, then yes you can. The big problem is that when you pull away you will put extreme twist on the tires which could damage them, also could damage frame.

Makes sense to me.....I think he's asking if a truck can back under & hitch up 5th wheel at an angle other than straight back inline with the trailer.......truck somewhere between 0 and 90 degrees to the trailer.....

It's not dumb it's just unclear.