5th wheel hitch placement
Thread Starter
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 3,635
Likes: 3
From: Lansdale, PA
5th wheel hitch placement
I'm getting ready to put my 5th wheel hitch in my latest truck, and was wondering if there is any standard dimension ahead of the wheel centerline or if there was a preferred placement of the hitch ahead of the wheel centerline.
This is for my 2000 4door longbed psd srw auto 4x4 truck.
Thanks
This is for my 2000 4door longbed psd srw auto 4x4 truck.
Thanks
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 610
Likes: 0
From: Sequim. WA
%th Wheel Hitch
Follow the instructions. If you don't have the instruction then down load them online. If they are not available online then call the manufacturer. If the manufacturer is no longer in business or won't answer the phone then find instructions from some one else that makes a hitch like yours and follow it.
Surprisingly, the instructions will tell you exactly where to locate your hitch.
Surprisingly, the instructions will tell you exactly where to locate your hitch.
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 6,096
Likes: 26
From: Mesa AZ
Directly over the rear axle works well. You can move forward an inch or two if you have the clearance to the cab during sharp turns. The more forward you go the smaller your turning radius but the more weight on the front wheels. You also have to make sure you aren't so far forward that your rear bumper conflicts with the trailer during sharp turns, plus it is nice to be able to lower the tailgate and still hook up. I have the hitch pin about 1" forward of the axle on my pickups. My 450 has the hitch pin about 1 1/2" behind the axle but that is because the hauler bed is 9'-6" long so I can't be too far forward or the rear step bumper won't clear the trailer. That truck has a two stage air bag system on the rear suspension so I am still ahead of the centerline pivot point so it still tows fine. 
Last edited by Shake-N-Bake; Jan 8, 2013 at 04:17 PM. Reason: Edit for spelling (damn smart phone auto correct...)
Thread Starter
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 3,635
Likes: 3
From: Lansdale, PA
I have my other ones and my gooseneck about 2" ahead.
I was curious if having this long wheelbase I could get someone else's real life experience with where they put theirs, or wished they had put theirs.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,302
Likes: 1
From: Morehead, Ky.
I have an 8" bed and I will try to measure it for you.
From the front of the bed, to the first bolt in the front of the front rail, is 39" and to the front bolt in the second rail is 61"
Hope that helps.
From the front of the bed, to the first bolt in the front of the front rail, is 39" and to the front bolt in the second rail is 61"
Hope that helps.
Thread Starter
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 3,635
Likes: 3
From: Lansdale, PA
Ill compare that to my other one. Thanks.
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Thread Starter
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 3,635
Likes: 3
From: Lansdale, PA
Shake-n-Bake
Thanks. ill pay attention to that
My big trailer has an 8' overhang so I'm not worried about that one hitting.
Ill need to measure the neighbors camper. Although I have a slider hitch (used by shortbed guys to tow ahead of axle and then slide back for sharp turns and parking) that I may be able to setup ahead of axle to get good front axle weight, and still be able to tow the camper without hitting bumper.
Ill need to check it out I guess.
All good things to check out and take in consideration.
Thanks. ill pay attention to that
My big trailer has an 8' overhang so I'm not worried about that one hitting.
Ill need to measure the neighbors camper. Although I have a slider hitch (used by shortbed guys to tow ahead of axle and then slide back for sharp turns and parking) that I may be able to setup ahead of axle to get good front axle weight, and still be able to tow the camper without hitting bumper.
Ill need to check it out I guess.
All good things to check out and take in consideration.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 6,708
Likes: 5
From: Kiowa CO
The flat spots in my bed are too far out for my rails to sit in them. My hitch is a Reese brand so maybe other manufacturers have a wider spread of the rails that may fit into those flat spots.
It's a Van Gogh
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 7,812
Likes: 1,335
From: Elk Grove, CA
Towing ahead of the axle on mine would give my cab an embarassment of teenage hickeys.Maybe it depends on the trailer, distance from hitch pin to plane of front of trailer. I'd expect that distance to be an industry standard but maybe not. A long pin to corner length (or those nifty angled corner trailers) will allow a pin mounted further forward for better weight distribution. But pin forward of the axle would make the trailer wheels track even tighter into turns, not really a good thing.
Can't tell you the conventional wisdom, just my experience.
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
From: Central Point OR
The TR dealer placed my hitch 3 in ahead of center axle. It is a 01 long bed pulling a 26 foot 10,000 lb jaco. 2000 lbs are added to the 2500 lb to = 4500 lb tire weight. Abput the same as the front when loaded. It workes good and has about 4 in clearance when the gate is down. You must be close to square when hooking up with the gate down or you will buy new storage doors. ( I did that)