Kingpin Hitch
The coupling mechanism that connects a fifth wheel trailer to a pickup truck's bed-mounted hitch. Same mechanism semi-trucks use, scaled down.
Also called: king pin, kingpin, 5th wheel hitch, fifth wheel coupling
A kingpin hitch is the coupling mechanism that connects a fifth wheel trailer to a pickup truck’s bed-mounted hitch. It’s the same mechanism that semi-trucks use to connect to their trailers, scaled down for consumer pickups.
How it works
The trailer has a kingpin — a downward-pointing pin mounted on a flat plate at the front of the trailer. The truck has a hitch plate mounted in the bed of the pickup. The kingpin drops into the hitch plate’s locking jaws, securing the connection.
When properly engaged, the connection allows the trailer to pivot up to 90° left or right while the kingpin stays seated.
Why fifth wheels tow better
Three structural advantages over a travel trailer bumper-pull:
- Weight inside the wheelbase. The kingpin sits over the truck’s rear axle, not behind it. No lever effect on the suspension.
- No sway behavior. Fifth wheels don’t fishtail at highway speed.
- More cargo capacity for the same tow vehicle, because weight is properly distributed.
What truck bed is needed
A kingpin hitch requires:
- Pickup truck with open cargo bed (no SUVs, no covered beds)
- Bed length matching the hitch type — most fifth wheels need 6.5 ft or 8 ft beds
- Frame-mounted hitch plate installed — typically $1,200-$2,500 if not factory-equipped
Rental installation
Most peer-to-peer fifth wheel rentals include hitch installation as a one-time fee ($150-$300) at pickup if your truck doesn’t have a kingpin hitch. The hitch can be removed after the rental for an additional $50-$150.
For renters who own a pickup with a factory-installed B&W Companion or Curt hitch, the installation step is skipped.