The fifth wheel is a connecting device between the semi-trailer and the tractor, which plays the role of connecting and steering. According to the finite element analysis technology, the fifth wheel model is established by CREO software, and import the established model into HyperWorks software, the static analysis and lightweight design of the structure are carried out by finite element simulation. Finally, the optimal solution of fifth wheel structure is obtained, The static performance of the optimized fifth wheel is verified, which proves that the optimized structure is reasonable and meets the requirements of strength and stiffness. After the optimization of fifth wheel for actual production test, the optimized fifth wheel to meet the requirements of national standards.