How much does it cost to add a fifth wheel to a truck?
Typically, adding a fifth-wheel hitch to a pickup costs about $600 to $1,600 for a standard under-bed rail kit and professional installation; premium setups can push the total toward $2,000 or more.
This article breaks down what drives the price, outlines common price ranges, and explains how to choose the right setup for your truck. It reflects typical costs and practices in 2025 across common configurations and reputable brands.
What drives the cost
Several factors determine the overall price tag when adding a fifth-wheel hitch, from the mounting method to labor and vehicle specifics. Here is a look at the main cost drivers.
- Mounting system type: under-bed rail kits, above-bed rails, or factory puck systems all have different installation processes and bed-space implications.
- Hitch brand and weight rating: entry-level brands (Curt, Reese, Draw-Tite) are cheaper; premium brands (B&W, Trucks-Plus-grade hitches) offer higher ratings and feature sets that raise the price.
- Labor versus DIY: doing the install yourself saves labor costs but requires time and mechanical aptitude; hiring a shop adds labor fees that vary by region.
- Bed size and truck model: short-bed versus long-bed configurations can affect both installation complexity and required components.
- Additional components and hardware: rails or puck sets, hitch head, locking pins, wiring harnesses, and any required brake controller compatibility.
- Bed protection and corrosion prevention: some setups include protective coatings or bed liners as part of the install.
Concluding: The combination of these factors leads to a broad price range, so budgeting for contingencies and confirming what’s included in a quote is important.
Typical price ranges
Prices can vary by region and shop, but the ranges below reflect common values for 2025. They assume a standard full-size pickup and typical towing needs.
- DIY or installer-ready entry-level: parts typically $150–$500; if you hire help, total often $400–$700 depending on local labor rates.
- Professional installation of a mid-range rail kit with a standard hitch head: parts $250–$800; labor $150–$500; total usually $400–$1,300.
- Premium under-bed rail systems with top-tier hitch heads (higher capacity, sliders, or added features): parts $500–$1,100; labor $200–$600; total commonly $700–$1,900.
- Factory puck-system setups (when your truck has a prep package): parts and hitch head plus installation typically $450–$1,200 for parts; labor $100–$400; total often $550–$1,600.
Concluding: A typical installation falls in the $600–$1,600 band, with premium configurations and complex jobs potentially exceeding $2,000 depending on the vehicle and chosen components.
Choosing the right setup for your truck
Selecting a mounting method depends on bed length, usage, budget, and whether the truck has factory prep. The main options are:
Common mounting options
Understanding the strengths and trade-offs of each mounting style helps you decide what best fits your truck and towing plans.
- Under-bed rail kits: Rails installed in the bed with the hitch head mounted to the rails; preserves bed space and can be fairly discreet.
- Above-bed rail systems: Rails mounted above the bed floor; typically easier to install or remove but occupy more bed space.
- Factory puck systems: Pre-installed pucks in the bed align with a compatible hitch head; often the simplest installation if your truck supports it.
Concluding: The choice affects cost, bed usability, and towing performance. Verify compatibility with your truck model and year, and consider any needed bed modifications or coatings.
What to expect during installation
Whether you DIY or hire a shop, installation generally follows a similar sequence, with timeframes varying by kit and vehicle. Typical steps include:
- Preparing the bed and mounting points (removing liners or obstacles as needed).
- Installing rails or puck hardware according to manufacturer instructions, then bolting them to the chassis or bed frame.
- Mounting the hitch head to the rails or pucks and ensuring proper alignment with the kingpin position.
- Reassembling bed components and testing fit with the trailer connection, plus wiring and brake controller checks if required.
Concluding: Installation times commonly range from about 2 to 4 hours for a straightforward job, with more complex setups taking longer.
Maintenance, safety and resale considerations
Once installed, regular checks help maintain safety and performance and can influence resale value.
- Inspect mounting points for looseness or wear; re-torque to spec as needed.
- Keep rails and moving parts clean and lubricated where appropriate to prevent rust and binding.
- Periodically test the kingpin connection and ensure the locking mechanism operates smoothly.
- Consider storing or removing the hitch when not in use to protect bed space and equipment.
Concluding: Ongoing maintenance is key to safety and long-term reliability, and maintaining documentation can support resale value.
Summary
Adding a fifth-wheel hitch is a mid-range investment that depends on mounting method, brand, and installation approach. As of 2025, plan for roughly $600–$1,600 for typical setups, with higher-end or more complex configurations pushing past $2,000. If your truck has factory prep pucks, costs can shift lower or higher based on the specific kit and labor involved. Always compare quotes, confirm compatibility with your model, and weigh long-term towing needs against bed usability and resale considerations.
