A fifth wheel is a hitch that allows the driver to connect a cargo attachment to the back of a large vehicle, like a tractor or truck. Today, the fifth wheel refers to the “U” shaped coupling component found on the back of the towing vehicle, be it a large transport, pickup truck, or semi-truck.
fifth wheel attachment, which is anchored in the bed of a pick-up truck.
The fifth wheel got its name from its original design. They were initially invented for horse-drawn carriages in the mid-1850s. Manufacturers (who at the time built the components by hand) placed a horizontal wheel on the cargo frame or “truck” that allowed the front axle to pivot on its own. This worked wonders for stability and maneuverability. In the early 1900s, a version was created for motor vehicles and the name itself simply carried forward.
Post time: Feb-11-2022