Fifth wheel mount
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Fifth wheel mount
I need to mount a fifth wheel hitch in my p/u for our new to us trailer. The manufacturers web site says to have the end of the rails 13" from the end of the box which places the pin directly over the axle when the hitch is in the most forward position. Is this the correct placement? I would think it should be slightly forward of the axle.
#2
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I used to mount those for stock and horse trailers for a manufacturer in northern Iowa. The fifth wheel would be mounted to place the pin 6 inches in front of a line directly above the center of the axle.
Most of those pickups were either 4 x 4s or dually jobs. The 6 inches in front was pretty much a standard placement.
Most of those pickups were either 4 x 4s or dually jobs. The 6 inches in front was pretty much a standard placement.
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Since you said: "in the forward position", do you have a slider hitch? Also, who is the hitch manufacturer? Also, who is your tow vehicle manufacturer? Dodge and Ford have different specs depending on who makes the hitch. Some hitches are installed directly over the axle and some are 3 - 6 inches in front of the axle. I would go with what the manufacturer says about their hitch on your specific make of truck. If you do not install according to specs then should you have a problem down the road you may not get any assistance from the manufacturer of the either the truck or the hitch.
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I have a slider hitch from DSP (a small Canadian manufacturer)and am going by their website, the tow vehicle is a Ford shortbox. The seller offered to install it for me at his shop but didn't show up yesterday so I am having a hitch dealer do it this week. One problem with moving the rails forward was access to the front bolts, the fuel tank is in the way.
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With a shortbox truck you can run into turning problems like the front of the trailer hitting the rear of the cab if the hitch is too far forward, this happens mostly with fifth wheel campers.
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We installed the hitch yesterday and found why the shop wanted a stiff dollar. The rails are directly over the frame and little clearance, box cross members and the fuel tank presented challenges. Sure don't want to do that job again without a hoist.
I brought the trailer home and it towed very well. I did feel the weight on the hills. The only issue came backing the trailer into the driveway. The clip on mirrors I bought at the RV dealer are friggin' useless, too small to keep the axle in sight.
I brought the trailer home and it towed very well. I did feel the weight on the hills. The only issue came backing the trailer into the driveway. The clip on mirrors I bought at the RV dealer are friggin' useless, too small to keep the axle in sight.