5th wheel hitch

[Slow Six]

Where should the hitch be located? When I had the hitch installed they placed it right over the rear axle. There does not seem to be any weight on the front axle when trailer is loaded. I am thinking the hitch should be 3 to 4 inches in front of the rear axle. Any opinions or advice?

 

[rynosback]

I would think right over the axle is the place. Plus if you moved it 3-4 inches forward, your 5ver might hit the truck on a tight turn.

 

[NIsaacs]

Most custom fit (for the year and model) hitches only fit in one spot. If it was a universal fit some forward or aft movement might be available. I like mine ahead of center so that's where I mount them (all universal type) however, 3" ahead of center will only add a few pounds to the front axle, but some is better than none

Nick

 

[KRSmitty]

Mine is right over the axle.

 

[Hoefler]

Centered over the axle is common with short bed trucks for cab clearance, idealy for proper weight balance for the tow vehicle is 1"-4" ahead of axle. This will place weight on the steer axle and limit porpoising going down the road. My factory installed hitch is 2" ahead of axle.

 

[SnoKing]

Ahead of the axle is an old carry over from early gas trucks. Diesels are so heavy on the front axle that having it ahead of the axle to add weight to the front is a moot point now a days. 2" ahead might add 20-40 lbs to the front axle.

So don't worry about it. SNOKING

 

[Kirwin]

Keep in mind that if you add an aux fuel tank in the bed, you will also add weight to the front axle. That front axle is closer to GAWR than the rear. Need to be careful how much you add to it from the trailer.

 

[Slow Six]

Crawled under truck and had a look. Looks like I cannot move it ahead because of cross members etc. I will just leave it as is.