Fifth wheel installation

[BWilson]

What is the best way to figure out where to locate a fifth wheel hitch in the bed. I have measured many, some are pretty close to being centered over the axle, some are up to 1 foot rearward, and some are up to 6 inches in front of the axle. What is the best location? Is it trailer dependent? Why for both questions?



Thanks for the help!



Brad

 

[Casey Balvert]

Most hitch manufacturers recommend two to four inches ahead of the rear axle centerline. This transfers a small amount of the weight to the front axle. To avoid handling problems, you should not install a hitch aft of the rear axle .



Casey

 

[JThiessen]

Hitch intall

Brad,

Most hitch installers will use a minimum distance from the front of the bed, in addition to checking where the pin is in relation to the centerline of the axle. As I'm sure you've read on here before, DO NOT install it behind the axle. My hitch ended up 5. 5" in front of the center of the axle, and I cant remember what the disatance to the front of the bed is (its calculated such that the side of your trailer won't hit the back of the cab). You should contact your manufacturer and they can fax/email you installation instructions. One other item to take into consideration with the 03's is positioning the bed rails such that your bolts and the frame brackets don't interfere with the hat sections under the bed (the stiffeners running across the bed).



Other things to look at:

If you can, back your truck up under the trailer. Check the clearance between you bumper and the trailer. When mine got installed 5. 5" forward, I sacrificed the ability to easily go between there, and I cant easily get into my basement compartments in the trailer.



The farther forward, the more the trailer wheels will "cut" the corner. Right over the axle gives you the optimum tracking. Also, the farther forward you go, the more weight the front axle will carry. But when we are talking only 6", its probably negligible.

 

[BWilson]

Thanks for the info. From what I have read, I will install it directly over the center of the axle, and if I will favor the front. I'll also pull a couple of quick measurements to duoble check the clearances you mentioned.



Thanks,

Brad

 

[CROW]

One thing you will want to check before drilling is to be sure the truck bed is aligned properly with the rest of the truck. Mine was about 3/4 of an inch off to the right side. Understand that having a bed out of alignment with the cab is not all that unusual. In one issue of the TDR, someone said that the best bet for mounting fifth wheel hitches on the Dodge/Cummins was over the axle centerline due to the weight of the Cummins motor. Good Luck with your install.

 

[CPG]

Thats one advantage of air lifts. If the bed is slightly higher on one side, inflation of the airlifts can correct this. I noticed this on my fifth wheel contact, as the friction surface on the fifth wheel face was uneven with the lube plate. Over a period of time the rear springs may sag on one side. This is usually on the driver's side due to the fuel tanks constant weight. This is where air lifts come in handy as your rig can always be kept level. Just my . 02 here.



Chuck Goode