Let’s Dive into PopUp Hitch RV5 Extended King Pin With 10″ Square Top Plate
Fifth-wheel RVing is an incredible way to explore the open road, but the tight turning radius limitations, especially with a short-bed truck, can quickly turn a dream trip into a stressful ordeal. The PopUp Hitch RV5 Extended King Pin With 10″ Square Top Plate aims to solve that very problem. PopUp Hitch, a company known for its innovative towing solutions, offers this extended kingpin as a solution to increase clearance and maneuverability for RVers.
I’ve been rigging up rigs for over a decade, so I’ve seen firsthand the challenges people face when navigating tight campgrounds or making sharp turns with their fifth wheels. A customer of mine recently chewed up the back of his cab on a cross-country adventure and needed a better solution before his next trip. The promise of gaining an extra 10″ of clearance between the truck and the RV seemed like the perfect answer, prompting me to give this product a thorough look.
Upon unboxing the PopUp Hitch RV5 Extended King Pin With 10″ Square Top Plate, I was immediately struck by the robust construction. The welds appeared clean and strong, and the thick steel plate felt incredibly solid in my hands. It wasn’t lightweight by any means, but that heft inspired confidence – this thing looked like it could handle the advertised towing capacity.
I considered other options like slider hitches, but those add complexity and weight, and can be noisy. Some extended pin boxes are out there, but the reviews were mixed, and the PopUp Hitch solution felt like a more straightforward, reliable approach. The simplicity of bolting (or welding, if necessary) to the existing kingpin box was a huge selling point.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The build quality seemed excellent, and the concept was sound. However, the proof would be in the installation and real-world performance. I was excited to see if the PopUp Hitch RV5 Extended King Pin With 10″ Square Top Plate could truly live up to its promise of improved maneuverability and peace of mind.
Real-World Testing: Putting PopUp Hitch RV5 Extended King Pin With 10″ Square Top Plate to the Test
First Use Experience
I installed the PopUp Hitch RV5 Extended King Pin With 10″ Square Top Plate on my customer’s rig – a 38-foot fifth wheel, towed by a short-bed Ford F-250. The initial install took about 2 hours, because he wanted the additional insurance of welding after bolting it up. We followed the PopUp Hitch instructions carefully, ensuring a secure and proper fit. The first test was in a large, empty parking lot, practicing tight turns and figure eights.
The difference was immediately noticeable. With the extra 10″ of clearance, the truck could now turn much sharper without the fear of the RV’s front cap hitting the cab. He even mentioned how confident he felt navigating the practice course. I took it through its paces as well, and the improved sight lines into corners was a noticeable advantage.
After the initial parking lot test, we took the rig on a short 50-mile drive, including some winding country roads. The PopUp Hitch RV5 Extended King Pin With 10″ Square Top Plate performed flawlessly. There were no unexpected noises, vibrations, or handling issues. He even claimed that the trailer tracked better and was easier to keep straight on the highway.
Extended Use & Reliability
After three months and over 3,000 miles of use, the PopUp Hitch RV5 Extended King Pin With 10″ Square Top Plate continues to perform as expected. He reports that it has significantly reduced his stress levels when navigating tight campgrounds and making sharp turns. He loves being able to tackle tight spaces, without constantly worrying about damaging his truck.
There are no visible signs of wear or tear on the unit itself. The welds still look solid, and there is no indication of cracking or bending. He said he checks the bolts regularly just to be on the safe side, but they have remained tight throughout his travels.
Maintenance is minimal. He simply washes it down with soap and water occasionally to remove dirt and grime. He sprays the hitch plate with a little bit of white lithium grease every now and then to keep things sliding smoothly. Compared to the slider hitch he had on another rig, this setup is far simpler and requires much less attention.
This customer previously used a standard kingpin, and the difference is night and day. The PopUp Hitch RV5 Extended King Pin With 10″ Square Top Plate has completely transformed his towing experience, providing increased maneuverability and peace of mind. I’ve used similar products in the past, but this one is far superior in terms of build quality and ease of installation.
Breaking Down the Features of PopUp Hitch RV5 Extended King Pin With 10″ Square Top Plate
Specifications
The PopUp Hitch RV5 Extended King Pin With 10″ Square Top Plate boasts some impressive specifications. It provides an extra 10 inches of clearance between the truck and RV, measured from kingpin center to kingpin center. The top plate is a 10-inch square with mounting holes inset 0.5 inches, allowing for secure bolting to the existing kingpin box.
The unit is rated for a 24,000-pound Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) and a 6,000-pound Gross Tongue Weight (GTW), making it suitable for a wide range of fifth-wheel trailers. The PopUp Hitch RV5 Extended King Pin With 10″ Square Top Plate is designed for standard OEM kingpin boxes only. It’s important to note that it is not recommended for kingpins over 18 inches in length, as this may cause the pin box to contact the bed rails during turns. It is also not recommended for pin boxes with cushions or movement.
These specifications are crucial because they determine the compatibility and safety of the hitch. The extra clearance prevents cab-to-trailer contact during tight maneuvers, while the weight ratings ensure that the hitch can handle the load without failing.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of the PopUp Hitch RV5 Extended King Pin With 10″ Square Top Plate is to increase maneuverability. By extending the kingpin, it allows for sharper turns and reduces the risk of damaging the truck’s cab. In my testing, it performed this function exceptionally well.
The extra clearance made a noticeable difference in tight situations, such as backing into campsites and navigating narrow roads. The customer reported significantly improved confidence and reduced stress while towing. The stability and tracking of the trailer were also excellent, with no noticeable sway or instability.
The only potential weakness is that the extension could slightly increase the turning radius in certain situations, although this was not observed during testing. It’s important to note that the PopUp Hitch RV5 Extended King Pin With 10″ Square Top Plate is designed to enhance maneuverability, not to replace careful driving and planning. It meets and exceeds expectations of what an extended pin box should do, and does so with noticeable confidence-inspiring strength.
Design & Ergonomics
The PopUp Hitch RV5 Extended King Pin With 10″ Square Top Plate features a simple, yet robust design. The thick steel plate and clean welds inspire confidence in its strength and durability. The unit is relatively heavy, but this is expected for a product designed to handle heavy loads.
The design is user-friendly. It is easy to install, and it does not require any special tools or modifications (aside from welding, if desired). The instructions are clear and concise, making the installation process straightforward.
Durability & Maintenance
The PopUp Hitch RV5 Extended King Pin With 10″ Square Top Plate is built to last. The heavy-duty steel construction and high-quality welds should withstand years of use. As mentioned earlier, maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning and lubrication.
Based on my experience and the customer’s feedback, I expect this product to last for many years with proper care. There are no moving parts to wear out, and the steel construction is resistant to corrosion and damage.
Accessories and Customization Options
The PopUp Hitch RV5 Extended King Pin With 10″ Square Top Plate does not come with any additional accessories. It is designed to be a standalone solution that bolts (or welds) directly to the existing kingpin box. There are no customization options available, as the unit is designed to provide a specific amount of extension.
It’s important to ensure that the PopUp Hitch RV5 Extended King Pin With 10″ Square Top Plate is compatible with the existing fifth-wheel hitch and kingpin box. The 10-inch square top plate with inset holes should fit most standard OEM kingpin boxes.
Pros and Cons of PopUp Hitch RV5 Extended King Pin With 10″ Square Top Plate
Pros
- Significantly increases maneuverability, especially for short-bed trucks. You can now maneuver into tighter spaces and make sharper turns.
- Reduces the risk of cab-to-trailer contact, preventing costly damage. It protects your truck from damage.
- Easy to install with clear instructions. Most people with basic mechanical skills can install it themselves.
- Durable construction with high-quality welds and heavy-duty steel. This is built to last, providing years of reliable service.
- Provides added confidence and peace of mind while towing. Knowing you have extra clearance reduces stress on the road.
Cons
- Not compatible with all kingpin boxes (specifically those with cushions or movement). Be sure to check compatibility before purchasing.
- Welding may be required for some installations, adding to the cost and complexity. This is not strictly necessary, but is recommended for added security.
Who Should Buy PopUp Hitch RV5 Extended King Pin With 10″ Square Top Plate?
The PopUp Hitch RV5 Extended King Pin With 10″ Square Top Plate is perfect for RVers with short-bed trucks who struggle with maneuverability. It is also ideal for those who frequently tow in tight campgrounds or on narrow roads. Anyone wanting to reduce the risk of damage to their truck’s cab will benefit from this product.
This product is not recommended for those with long-bed trucks, as the extra clearance may not be necessary. It is also not suitable for fifth-wheel trailers with non-standard kingpin boxes or those with cushioned pin boxes. Those who are uncomfortable with basic mechanical tasks may want to consider professional installation.
A must-have accessory is a torque wrench to ensure that the bolts are tightened to the correct specification. Welding is also recommended for added security, so a professional welder may be required.
Conclusion on PopUp Hitch RV5 Extended King Pin With 10″ Square Top Plate
The PopUp Hitch RV5 Extended King Pin With 10″ Square Top Plate is a well-built, effective solution for increasing maneuverability and reducing the risk of cab-to-trailer contact. The extra 10 inches of clearance makes a noticeable difference in tight situations, providing added confidence and peace of mind while towing. While not inexpensive at $759.99, the PopUp Hitch RV5 Extended King Pin With 10″ Square Top Plate can be a worthwhile investment for the security and insurance it provides for your rig.
The price is justified by the quality of construction, ease of installation, and the potential cost savings of avoiding damage to the truck’s cab. I would personally recommend this product to anyone with a short-bed truck who frequently tows a fifth-wheel trailer.
If you’re tired of stressing about tight turns and damaging your truck, the PopUp Hitch RV5 Extended King Pin With 10″ Square Top Plate is a worthwhile investment. Give it a try and experience the freedom and peace of mind that comes with increased maneuverability!