5th Wheel Hitch Mounting Location

[DWyatt]

I have a ’00 2wd qc with the short bed. I had my 5th wheel hitch installed a couple days ago. It was raining when I pick it up so I didn’t take a look before heading home. Once home I checked it out. I assumed that is should be centered exactly over the axle. It is actually centered about 3 inches ahead of the axle. Is this correct?

Thanks.

 

[PHaller]

1 - 2 inches ahead of rear axle is the optimum location.
-Paul R. Haller-

 

[Eric_77]

I have two trucks with reverse king pin fifth wheels installed on is installed directly above axle other is installed 2" in front of axle. The one over axle overloads rear end (w/ loaded trailer) and does not trail as nicely as the one 2 inches in front. Backing is easier also. I Have long bed trucks with the short box I would think you would want hitch mounted less than 2" but definitely in front of axle.

 

[JohnB]

In front of the axle is best, but on a short bed truck you will need to slide the hitch (if you have a slider) for even moderate manuvering. If you don't have a slider your in trouble. Directly over the axle with a 13" extended pin box allows a very good turning radius, but not 90 degrees. Without sliding you will need to watch VERY close.

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01 2500,SB, Club Cab, 5spd,3. 54 LS, Bright White, Camel Leather. 01 Sunnybrook 27' 5ver--All Stock

 

[klenger]

JohnB:
How does your truck pull the 5th wheel? I have a 2001 5 speed on order (see sig) and am considering the Sunnybrook 27RKFS also. Do you like the trailer? Have you towed it in the mountains? If so, how is the performance when climbing? Have you noticed a gap between 3rd and 4th gear when climbing, and is it objectionable? I keep wondering if I should have gotten the 6 speed, but didn't for several reasons. Thanks.

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Ken Lenger
On Order - 2001. 5 2500 QC 4X4 SWB SLT, ETC/DDX 5 Speed, 3. 55 (no antispin), camper group, trailer folding mirrors, RBR CD/Radio, LT265/75R16E AT OWL tires, trailer tow group, Patroit Blue / Agate,
Replaces 98 Jeep Grand Cherokee V8 which is for sale.
Trailite 21' Travel Trailer, ~4000 lbs loaded.

 

[CWade]

The Reese style fifth wheel mounting plates wind up being ahead of the axle. The bolts on the rear plate should be through the flanges on both sides of the box channel under the bed. The rear two bolts on the front plate should be through the front flange of the forward box channel. I can e-mail you the directions if you like, but your installation sounds correct.

Charlie

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2001. 5 3500 Quad Cab 4X2
HO, 6 spd, 3. 55AS, Jacob's brake, patriot blue, 22K Reese 5th wheel,Reese digital brake controller, Isspro pyro & boost gauges, Snap-On tool box

 

[rickhans]

Does the same mounting location apply to a goose neck hitch? Should it be a couple of inches in front of the rear axle?

 

[Wiredawg]

I have a fith wheel hitch and had a goose neck hitch on my truck. Both were mounted a couple of inches in front of axle. I guess it helps distribute some of the weight to the front axle.

Wiredawg

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2000 4X4 SLT QC 8' bed; 6 spd, 3. 54 ; BD exhaust brake and 4" exhaust syst; TST PM2; Airlift Super Duty rear air bags; RS 9000 shocks; pyro/boost gauges in 2 gauge a-pillar mount; back preasure gauge mounted under dash; KN air filter; Brown's Welding brush/grill guard, rear bumper & headache rack; nerf bars and aluminum roll top rear cover, Warn front receiver and Hadley air horns, 20K Reese hitch,Mag-Hytec dif cover.