I have not dialed in my hitch or kingpin to level the rig and I want to run the process past this group here. I’ve searched with a few different tools and used AI and came up with the following. I’ll figure it out either way, but always had good luck with the crew here for the short time I’ve been here (appreciated!).
The question was with airbags on the tow vehicle, what is the process for adjusting either the kingpin or fifth wheel hitch to level the rig? This is the process AI, and other sources too, returned. Do you all agree with inflating the air bags to the PSI I use when towing? Any other support or critiques of the proposed process?
"Adjusting the fifth-wheel hitch head and/or trailer kingpin height becomes a little more nuanced when your truck has aftermarket air bags, because the ride height is adjustable — and affects how level your trailer tows and how weight is distributed across axles.
Here’s a structured process to help you get your fifth wheel riding level and balanced, while also accounting for air bag behavior:
🔧 Step-by-Step Process to Adjust Hitch Head or Kingpin Height (with Air Bags)
1. Baseline Setup (No Trailer Attached)
2. Measure Trailer Coupler (Kingpin) Height
3. Hitch and Kingpin Adjustment Options
Here’s how to match heights:
Note: Never use air bags to “force level” the truck if it means drastically increasing ride height or reducing rear axle load — it will upset weight distribution.
4. Hook Up & Reinflate Air Bags
5. Check Final Ride Geometry
6. Test Drive & Recheck
The question was with airbags on the tow vehicle, what is the process for adjusting either the kingpin or fifth wheel hitch to level the rig? This is the process AI, and other sources too, returned. Do you all agree with inflating the air bags to the PSI I use when towing? Any other support or critiques of the proposed process?
"Adjusting the fifth-wheel hitch head and/or trailer kingpin height becomes a little more nuanced when your truck has aftermarket air bags, because the ride height is adjustable — and affects how level your trailer tows and how weight is distributed across axles.
Here’s a structured process to help you get your fifth wheel riding level and balanced, while also accounting for air bag behavior:
- Park your truck on level ground.
- Inflate the rear air bags to your preferred baseline pressure for towing (often around 40–70 psi depending on load and brand).
- Measure from the ground to the top of the truck bed at the rear axle — this is your ride height reference.
- Ensure your hitch is mounted securely and torqued to spec.
- With the trailer level (use a bubble level on the main frame or pin box), measure from the ground to the bottom of the kingpin.
- Compare that to your truck’s hitch height (from ground to top of hitch plate).
- Ideal difference: The hitch plate should be 1–1.5 inches below the kingpin plate for proper engagement.
Here’s how to match heights:
| If... | Then... |
| Truck rides too high | Lower hitch head (if adjustable) or raise kingpin |
| Truck rides too low | Raise hitch head or lower kingpin |
| Not enough clearance between bed rails & trailer (min 6”) | Raise kingpin or lower hitch head |
| Trailer nose-high or nose-low when hitched | Adjust hitch height or pinbox (and re-level with air bags as needed) |
- Hitch the trailer and inflate air bags just enough to bring the rear of the truck back to the baseline ride height you recorded in Step 1.
- Do not overinflate to “eliminate squat” — the rear axle needs to carry its fair share of weight.
- Measure again to confirm truck bed height is close to baseline (within ~½").
- Step back and visually inspect:
- Is the trailer riding level (front to rear)?
- Do you have 6–8" bed rail clearance?
- Measure:
- Front and rear trailer frame heights to verify level
- Truck fender heights before and after hookup to monitor squat and weight transfer
- Drive a short loop and then re-inspect:
- Clearance over bumps and turns
- Ride comfort and stability
- Air bag pressure — make fine adjustments if ride feels bouncy (too much pressure) or saggy (too little)"