Fiver Hitch Position - custom install?

[SteveAnsley]

What is the best position for placement of the 5th wheel hitch centerline relative to the rear axle centerline?



I'm fabricating a custom rail base utilizing an existing goose neck hitch and will not be bound be existing factory frame holes that I believe most instructions from manufacturers use for placement for ease of installation.

(FYI - I will not be drilling or welding to the frame)



Notes:

Truck: '98 Dodge 2500 QC longbed w/ 5 spd Cummins

Hitch: Husky 16k w/ 4-way tilt.

Trailer: Have not gotten there yet... it'll be approx 13k weight



1, 3, 5 inches before axle?

Dead center of axle?

Thoughts???

 

[Jefff929]

I believe the preferred position is centered on the axle or just forward.



If I were doing a custom install like you, I think I'd favor the 1" forward.

 

[surfbeetle]

I've always been told 1" forward of the axle. Don't want it too much forward or it can be too close to the rear of the cab and cut into your turning ability.

 

[steved]

Not sure it would matter... centered or an inch forward...

Remember, from what others have reported, the front axle is already very close to being overloaded. And if you center on the axle, you shouldn't be adding any extra weight to the front axle.

 

[jelag]

All the B&W turnover hitches I've installed on my trucks have about 4" offset... with a 20K lb trailer behind the truck it puts just about max weight on the front axles and a fair amount on the rear axle... with air bags on the truck we can level it... and it tows good as well...

I know that moving some of the weight to the front axle is important... this helps level the truck and improve towing... On all most all the web sights I've seen they suggest 2-4" forward...

 

[MLee]

steve, do you know what brand the parts are you are using? I have the colibert adapter with the free ride hitch and it is self locating, and it puts the hitch a couple inches in front of the pumkin. with this in place, there is a plastic piece that you use to locate the hole in the bed to drill from the top.

So is the hitch pieces the Reese that you mentioned?