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Liftgate, Upfit and Equipment Install

Fifth Wheel Plate Installation

Fifth wheel installation mounts and positions the coupling plate on a tractor or converted chassis, including mounting rails, plate positioning for weight distribution, and air and electrical connections to the trailer.

Position determines axle loading

Where the plate sits fore and aft determines how trailer weight distributes across the drive axles. Set it wrong and the unit is either light on the drives or overloaded on them, and both cause problems.

Sliding plates give adjustment range, which matters for a tractor that pulls varied trailer configurations.

  • Mounting rail installation and frame preparation
  • Plate positioning for axle load distribution
  • Fixed and sliding plate installation
  • Air line and electrical connection to trailer
  • Coupling operation verification

Pricing

What this typically costs

Ballpark range

$1,500 to $5,500

8 to 22 labor hours

Commercial damage varies widely, so this is a range rather than a quote. The number for your vehicle comes from assessing the actual damage.

Collision estimates for insurance claim walk-ins carry no charge. Systems estimates are $150 and diagnostics are $285 per hour, both credited against an authorized repair.

See the full rate card for labor rates, materials, parts markup and deposit policy.

FAQ

Fifth Wheel Plate Installation questions

Can a fifth wheel go on a straight truck?
On a suitable chassis with the capacity, yes. It is a conversion and needs a capacity assessment first.
Fixed or sliding plate?
Sliding if you pull varied trailer lengths and need to manage axle loading. Fixed is simpler and adequate if the configuration is consistent.
Do you handle the air and electrical?
Yes, the full connection to the trailer including glad hands and the trailer cable.

Fifth Wheel Plate Installation for Irvine fleets

Bring the vehicle to our Yorba Linda facility and we will assess it, document the damage, and give you a real number.

Request Service(714) 909-1844
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