If you are the proud owner of a Dodge RAM 5500, then you know that this epic vehicle needs something equally powerful to carry the heavy loads you always have in tow. Typically, this beast of a machine pairs well with a 5th-wheel hitch. But like any piece of machinery, the fifth wheel hitch can break down, and that is the last thing you want when you are going about your merry way and working. Let’s talk about how to know when it’s time to replace your fifth wheel hitch and how to go about replacing it.
When to Replace Your 5th Wheel Hitch
Here are the four signs there’s a new hitch in your near future.
1. Visible Wear and Tear
If your 5th-wheel hitch is starting to look a little worse for wear, it’s time to get that fifth-wheel hitch out of there and get a new one. That means any sign of rust or a crack should send you over to a place like Tulga Fifth Wheel to get a new fifth-wheel hitch.
2. Performance Issues
A ride on your RAM with your load in tow must not feel like a death-defying ride at an amusement park. It should be smooth and breezy. So when you start feeling queasy and jostled around while driving, it’s time to find yourself at a fifth-wheel shop replacing a defunct 5th wheel hitch.
3. Noise During Towing
That constant rocking and rolling noise coming from your hitch isn’t trying to sing you a lullaby. Definitely take it as a warning sign. The piece can wear to the point where it may come loose, creating a symphony of sounds. It’s time to replace the hitch if the noise doesn’t go away after proper maintenance. That way, you can head off any bad happenings at the pass and drive peacefully.
4. Age of the Hitch
While we continue to use the term “signs,” we can also give it to you in years. When a hitch reaches the age of five, it’s time to think about replacing it. Even though yours may seem and look fine, deterioration could be taking place on the inside, so a replacement after five years is a pretty good rule of thumb to follow.
How to Choose a 5th-Wheel Hitch
Here’s what you should look for:
1. Weight Capacity
The Dodge Ram 5500 has a pretty beastly towing capacity, which means the fifth-wheel hitch has to match that and not fall apart due to a heavy load. So pick wisely!
2. Compatibility
There are bucketloads of hitches out there, and this might make you think any old hitch would do, especially if you are getting one for the first time. So make sure you really read through the specs for a fifth-wheel hitch and make sure it matches your Dodge Ram 5500.
3. Installation Process
You’ll also need to think about whether you value a hitch that’s easy and quick to install on your own or if you don’t mind taking the time to install something a little more involved if you need professional help. Not all hitches are as user-friendly as a Tulga Fifth Wheel.
4. Brand Reputation
Don’t forget the company behind the hitch. Go for a brand with a history of high quality, strength, and dependability, like Tulga Fifth Wheel. Trustworthy options are certainly going to end up saving you money in the long run over constantly needing to repair or replace a lackluster hitch
Replacing Your 5th-Wheel Hitch
Knowing when to replace your 5th wheel hitch, even if it still looks shiny and great, can mean the difference between chugging along – going about your work and bringing in the big bucks, and being stuck on the side of the road with a load that needs to get to its destination. Use the handy-dandy information in this guide to make sure your 5th-wheel hitch can handle whatever comes!
