Most diesel trucks were bought to tow something. A hitch that is installed wrong, worn out or mismatched to the load is how trailers come loose, so the job deserves the same care as engine work. RDI Power installs and services hitches at our Brooksville shop on diesel pickups, and services fifth wheels and pintle hooks on heavy trucks.
Hitches we install and service
Receiver hitches
Bolt-on receivers for bumper-pull trailers, rated by class. Heavy-duty pickups often come with a factory receiver; we inspect, replace or upgrade within the truck’s ratings. Weight-distribution hitches help level the truck and trailer on heavier bumper-pull loads.
Gooseneck and fifth wheel hitches
For heavy trailers, horse trailers, equipment trailers and fifth wheel campers, the hitch mounts in the bed over the rear axle. Ford, Ram and GM all offer factory prep packages with mounting points under the bed, and compatible hitches install into them. Trucks without prep get an under-bed rail or mounting kit bolted to the frame.
Heavy truck fifth wheels
Tractor fifth wheels need regular lubrication, lock adjustment and inspection for worn jaws, cracked plates and loose mounting. A lock that is out of adjustment lets the kingpin move, which shows up as slack and clunking. Sliding fifth wheels need their release mechanisms and locking pins checked.
Pintle hooks
Common on equipment trailers and dump trucks pulling pups. We inspect wear, mounting and the latch.
Wiring and brake controllers
A hitch is only half the job. Trailers need working lights and brakes:
- Trailer wiring: 7-way and 4-pin connectors, including repairs where corrosion has set in
- Brake controllers: many diesel pickups have a controller built in, and others need a controller installed and set up for the trailer
- Breakaway systems: trailers with electric brakes use a breakaway switch and battery to apply the brakes if the trailer separates
Wiring faults are covered by our electrical repair process, and trailer brakes by our trailer repair and brake work.
Ratings: the lowest number wins
Every part of a towing setup has a rating: the truck’s towing capacity and axle ratings, the hitch, the ball or coupler, the safety chains and the trailer itself. The lowest of those is your limit. Before installing a hitch, we look at what you plan to tow and confirm the setup is matched.
Signs your hitch needs attention
- Clunking or slack when starting and stopping
- Rust, cracked welds or loose mounting bolts
- A worn or pitted ball, or a coupler that does not latch firmly
- Trailer lights that work intermittently
- A fifth wheel that does not lock cleanly, or excessive kingpin movement
- Trailer brakes that feel weak or grab
Inspection with the truck
Hitches get inspected during our preventive maintenance and DOT inspections, since a fifth wheel’s mounting and locking are part of the inspection. Towing also loads the suspension; see shock and suspension repair if the truck sags or sways with a trailer on.
Tell us what you are towing and with what truck, and we will recommend and install a hitch setup that fits.