5th wheel placement

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Jan 13, 2005 | 08:22 PM

Diesel Dug

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5th wheel placement

Hoping someone can give me measurements to correctly install my hitch. I had a 2003 F250 SD short bed and removed the 5th wheel hitch before I measured it. Now I want to install same hitch in new '05 F350 DRW SD short bed but not sure were to place back bed rail to get started. I have valley industries rails (one bolt at each rail end) and I know to measure from back edge of box where it drops off inward toward front of box. Just not sure where to place back rail. Any help with this measurement (critical so I dont take my back window out first corner) muchly appreciated.
Diesel Dug

Jan 14, 2005 | 06:49 AM

blackf3504dr

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From: Leesburg , Fl.

Desiel Dug , set the hitch in the truck exactly where you want it and measure to the back edge of the bed floor ( make sure you are clear of the shock mounts on the frame ). Most place it over or forward of the axle , I put mine a few inches behnd the axle to give me room for my bed mounted toolbox. You also might try Valley's web site , they may have the measurement there or a way to contact them .

Mar 10, 2005 | 12:02 PM

Bruce1026

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From: Huntsville, AL

The 5th wheel mount is normally placed 3" behind the rear axle looking at the cab. Go the the web site and get the installation on it . Some trucks require special mounting plates and doublers to the insure the full hitch rating and drilling your frame just anywhere could be a problem.

Mar 21, 2005 | 03:51 PM

muffett

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Suggest paying a hitch installer the $200 or so to both ensure it's in the right spot for the truck frame, and that you have a warrantee in case something gets bent.

Mar 22, 2005 | 04:22 AM

blackf3504dr

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From: Leesburg , Fl.

Quote:

Originally Posted by muffett

Suggest paying a hitch installer the $200 or so to both ensure it's in the right spot for the truck frame, and that you have a warrantee in case something gets bent.

There really isn't much you can screw up installing a fifth wheel hitch . It's pretty straight forward , I bought mine from a guy who was trading in his 5ver for a TT ( ?? ) at the RV dealer I worked for and installed it in my truck in a couple of hours ...... Oh , his truck was a Dodge but the brackets fit my Fords frame with no problem . I did mount it 3" further back than normal to give the bed mounted tool box a little more room when turning .

Mar 22, 2005 | 08:16 PM

Diesel Dug

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yea Black3504dr. Ive got a white 3504dr (2005 and lovin it). I also installed my reese 15K slider in a couple of hours and Im sure Ive got it in the right spot (2" ahead of axle) but you know how nervous Im gonna be turning that 1st corner worrying about the nose of the 5'r coming through the back window. I shouldnt worry so much though. This is the 3rd 5'r Ive owned and towed with 2 GMC, a Chevy and 2 SuperDutys. I'll find out May 24 weekend when I finally get to hitch up to this new truck for the first time (got the truck in Dec.). Cant wait to try the new integrated brake controller too

My back cross bar is 30" from the back of the bar to the back of the box. According to Reese instructions, Im back 2" farther than what they say so should be OK ?????

Mar 23, 2005 | 05:14 AM

CmprSpecial

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From: Northern Va

If it's a Reese, the installation instructions are available on their site www.reeseproducts.com

I would be careful installing the hitch counter to the instructions. Putting it too far back may effect handling with the trailer hooked up.