The Pintle Hitch vs. 5th Wheel Hitch: The Pros and Cons of Different Hitch Systems in Heavy-Duty Towing

Summary: While the pintle hitch is a great option for heavy-hauling specialists who move specialty goods in and out of difficult terrain, the 5th wheel hitch is usually best for most carriers.

If you’re in heavy-duty freight or connecting multiple trailers, you’ve probably got a 5-wheel connection or been told that’s the way to go. But, you might have also heard whispers about the pintle hitch and what its hook-and-ring system can do. Sure, figuring out the most efficient way to move heavy freight might include trying newer options. But, when it comes to High Stakes Freight™, you have absolutely no room for expensive mistakes — your project and reputation are on the line. So, is the pintle hitch worth the risk?

In our many years of experience in construction logistics project management, we’ve learned there’s no yes-or-no answer — that the question is more nuanced. Here, we’re going to break down the basics of the different hitch systems as well as the pros and the cons of each before you make a decision to go either way. 

What is a pintle hitch?

Before we get into what the hintle pitch does, let’s break down what it is exactly. This hitch system gets its name from the pintle, the hooking system that is attached to the truck or commercial vehicle framing. The lunette, which is the main ring the pintle hooks into, is attached to the trailer. Together, these parts create an extremely strong system that can handle a lot of weight while maintaining a large range of motion.

What are the benefits of a pintle hitch?

Because the pintle hitch has a wide range of motion and can carry such a heavy load, it’s ideal for uneven surfaces and off-road terrain. That’s why you’ll see farmers and even the military using pintle hitches on vehicles like agricultural and construction equipment. But, they’re also commonly used on dump trucks, equipment haulers and more. Finally, when it comes to tractor-trailers, it’s the class 5-8 trucks (medium- to heavy-duty towing) that will typically use a pintle hitch.

H4: When to use a pintle hitch

Pintle hitch pros:

• Extremely heavy towing capacity (up to 62,000 lbs)
• Large range of motion
• Ideal for off-roading or uneven terrain

Okay, how about the cons of a pintle hitch?

While pintle hitches have a lot of powerful and unique advantages, that doesn’t necessarily make them the best go-to, all-around hitch system. 

For starters, pintle hitches can’t be used with weight distribution systems that spread the weight more evenly or with sway systems. Sway systems not only stop the trailer from swaying when it shouldn’t, but provide a smoother ride with more control. And if you’ve heard anything about the pintle hitch, you’ve probably heard it’s loud. So just how noisy is a pintle hitch? Well, it can be quite loud, often with the pintle and hook doing a lot of bouncing and banging. Plus, the pintle hitch can create a less-than-comfortable ride for passengers. 

What is a 5th wheel hitch?

Mounted over, or just in front of, the axels in the bed of the truck, the horseshoe-shaped 5th wheel hitch uses a kingpin mechanism to attach to the towing load. It gets its name from the days of horse-drawn wagons when the ‘fifth wheel’ pivot mechanism allowed steering from side to side.

Because the trailer weight is positioned between the cab and the rear axle, the 5th wheel hitch allows for heavier loads and good turning.

What are the benefits of a 5th wheel hitch?

Known for its heavy-duty towing capacity, the 5th wheel is the typical ‘connection of choice’ for tractor trailers. Quite versatile, the 5th wheel hitch can carry different kinds of trailers weighing different amounts and with different distributions. This flexibility is key, allowing drivers to adjust the 5th wheel as needed. 

But, what also makes it ideal for semi-trucks is that it provides a lot of important control and comfort for the driver, like absorbing the shocks from bumpy roads while providing easier pivoting and an increased turning radius. These features make the 5th wheel hitch easier and practical to transport goods. 

When to use a 5th wheel hitch 

5th wheel hitch pros:

• Heavy towing capacity (between 16,000 to 30,000 lbs)
• Great maneuverability
• Comfortable to ride

And, the cons of a 5th wheel hitch?

While the 5th wheel gives drivers some important flexibility with their loads, as well as some important maneuverability and comfort, it does have some downsides to consider. 

Firstly, the 5th wheel hitch is quite heavy in itself, and that weight adds to your total weight overall, which you need to account for. Then there’s the fact that the 5th wheel is expensive — and you have to be sure you install it correctly and maintain it properly over time. 

What’s our final take on the pintle hitch vs the 5th wheel?

The pintle hitch is a great option for heavy-duty, specialty freight — meaning it’s not your everyday, garden-variety hitch system. 

The pintle hitch is best for those who specialize in heavy shipments, but also the experts who have to transport (heavy) specialty goods in and out of remote or difficult areas. Without a lot of comfort for the driver or typical control, it’s not something you really want to use unless you have to, anyway. Leave this one to the experts!

As for the 5th wheel hitch, this is your go-to, trusty hitch system. Adjustable, easy to maneuver and comfortable for the driver, just about every semi-truck driver can benefit from the help of a 5th wheel when transporting all kinds of goods. It’s a worthy investment for most that will pay off, especially with the right kind of maintenance and care. 
Have more questions about hitch systems and which would be best for your rig? Reach out to us via email or give us a call, and we can talk through your unique situation.