Fifth wheel hitch install??

[JMarkos]

Is it ok to mount the hitch centered 2" in front of the axle? What is the acceptable distance in front of and behind the axle? It is a slidder so I am just woundering about down the highway placement. Thanks in advance

 

[T-Ricky]

On my 94 I mounted the hitch about 1. 5 inches fwd of the axle with no bad effects. This was to line up with some frame member in the bed. Still had to holesaw a hole large enough to get a socket through this bed frame member. One thing you will notice, if it's 2 inches fwd no load then once the trailer tongue weight flattens the springs it will be about 2. 5 inches ahead of the axle. Most hitch guides recommend over the axle to as much as 1 inch fwd. Never behind for high speed towing. My 00 is . 5 inches fwd of axle c/l and will slide 14 inches back. good luckGet a new drill bit for the frame holes.



Rick T.

 

[klenger]

2" forward should work fine. Mine is closer to 3-4" forward. I have a long bed.

 

[TowPro]

I have the Reese 20K classic. There is really one place it can go and hit the frame correct (while missing the rest of the stuff under there). It is around 1. 5-2" forward. Your best bet would be to call the manafacture of the hitch and see if they have a templet for your truck.



Mine was installed by the dealer in my 96, when I sold the 96 I pulled the hitch rails and made a cardboard template. Sure glad I did when I saw how tight the placment was.

Originally posted by JMarkos

Is it ok to mount the hitch centered 2" in front of the axle? What is the acceptable distance in front of and behind the axle? It is a slidder so I am just woundering about down the highway placement. Thanks in advance

 

[JMarkos]

Thanks for the help, I got it moved back to only about 1" in front so I think I should be ok, I hope. It's just that first hole that stresses me out.

 

[klenger]

The instructions for my Draw-tite hitch have you locate the hitch rails and drill from the top of the bed for the first hole. What I did instead was to located and attach both of the forward brackets on the frame, and then up through the bracket to mount the rails. Can't miss that way. Once the front holes are located, then you can drill from the top for the back ones. Good luck.

 

[Okie-Go]

I have never measured but I got lucky. On my long bed the 5er and gooseneck pull extremely well. Not at the same time of course.

 

[FParisi]

Sorry for the late reply, just getting caught up with my surfing this site My hitch is straight over the axle - done by the hitch installer when I bought my trailer at a high volume place in Tucson. Also I believe I saw it in the service manual for the diesel because of the engine wt. With my 12k 5er with 19% hitch wt it makes the axle wts pretty equal.

Frank