5th wheel hitch position? Forward, Rear or over back axle? - Diesel Forum

LabRat · 07-09-2007, 11:38 PM

I'm planning on a long trip with my brothers 5th wheel. I haven't installed a hitch yet or every towed one (only travel trailer) but now I'm not sure what relation to the rear axle the hitch should be installed. Forward, rear or over axle? Any suggestions? Thx

v_lombardi · 07-10-2007, 12:03 AM

for some general fiver rail installation info.....

go to
http://www.etrailer.com/pc-5WHI~6005.htm

click on
Typical Installation Instructions

scroll down to
FORD F-150 & F-250 THROUGH ‘96, ‘97 F-250 OVER 8500 GVW, F350 THROUGH ‘97 NOT SUPERDUTY. 1999 & NEWER F-250 & F-350 SUPERDUTY

vince

massidc · 07-10-2007, 01:19 AM

1-2" forward of center is usually adequate.

Flywheel · 07-10-2007, 01:29 AM

The benefit of a 5th wheel is the pin weight is between the truck axles - therefore addign some weight to the front axle = better ride and control...and maneuverability.

Keep in mind when selecting a location (although many are selected for you from the manufacturers recommendation) - that too far forward could cause impact with your truck cab at less then 90 degree bend (from centerline). so typically short bed trucks are set 1-2 inches in front of the axle and long beds can go up to 4-5 inches in front of the axle.

jarheadatunm · 07-10-2007, 01:35 AM

Your best bet is to buy the installation kit that has brackets which set the location for you. Also, like above mentioned, you will want a slider to negate the chance of crushing the cab if you have a shortbed. Good luck!

SmokeyWren · 07-10-2007, 11:34 AM

[ QUOTE ]
Your best bet is to buy the installation kit that has brackets which set the location for you.

[/ QUOTE ]

If his tow vehicle is the '97 F-350 longbed in his sig, then the really-good install brackets are not available for his truck.
http://www.reese-hitches.com/WD/dt_5...k_install.html

So for a '97 longbed, you have to do it the old fashioned way.

In a nutshell, when you get done the center of the kingpin will be 2" to 4" in front of the center of the rear axle.

Here are some hints for installing Reese/Drawtite style bedrails in your truck:

Use plumb bobs or something similar to mark the top of the side of the bed exactly on the center of the rear wheels. Then use a snap-line (chalk line) and snap a line across the floor of the bed that will be exactly on the center of the axle. Then snap another line across the floor of the bed 4" in front of the first line.

Assemble the 5er hitch in the uninstalled bedrails. Put the assembled hitch and bedrails in the bed. Move the hitch until you can look down through the center of the jaws where the kingpin will be and see the lines on the floor. Ignore where the bedrails go - you want the center of the kingpin to be centered over that line that's in front of the axle-center line. Depending on the hitch, the bedrails will probably NOT be centered on that line.

After you know the ideal location for the assembled hitch and bedrails, then use the plumbbob line to be sure the bolts and "ell" brackets under the bed can go exactly where they need to go without running into something immovable. You may need to adjust the bedrails an inch or so back towards the centerline of the axle, but don't get closer than 2" from the axle centerline. If there are already some holes in the frame that would be a good place to bolt the "ell" bracket(s), then maybe adjust the position of the hitch in the bed an inch or so to prevent extra frame drilling. But keep the centerline of the kingpin between 2" and 4" in front of the axle centerline, even if that means drilling more holes in the frame.

After you have the hitch and bedrails in exactly the right place to drill the holes in the floor, then mark where each of the 8 holes will be drilled. Remove the hitch assembly and drill only one of those holes. Then be sure everything still looks right under the bed for finishing the job - in all 4 corners of the bedrails - before drilling another hole. Drill the 4 outside corner holes first, then if everything still looks good, drill the other 4 holes. After each hole is drilled, doublecheck to be sure everything is still hunky dory.

After all 8 holes are drilled in the bed, put the hitch back in and put all 8 bolts in the bedrails. then go under the truck and add the "ell" brackets and washers and nuts. finger-tight the nuts or maybe tight enough that the brackets are going to be exactly where they are supposed to go. Then mark one place to drill the frame. Drill that hole in the frame and finger tighten the bolt through the bracket and frame before you drill the next hole in the frame.

Drilling holes into the frame is a real challenge. Be sure you have really-good drill bits that are really sharp. If you have to drill 8 holes in the frame, you'll really appreciate how tough your truck is made. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/warmsmile.gif[/img]

FloridaEd · 07-10-2007, 11:48 AM

This is one of those times that you might want to visit a local trailer shop, such as U-haul, and have them install the hitch. I took my hitch out of a previous truck and had a large U-haul shop in the next county put it in my truck... less than $100 as I recall

Good luck on the trip.

Florida Ed

Steve F. · 07-10-2007, 12:38 PM

[ QUOTE ]
This is one of those times that you might want to visit a local trailer shop, such as U-haul, and have them install the hitch. I took my hitch out of a previous truck and had a large U-haul shop in the next county put it in my truck... less than $100 as I recall

Good luck on the trip.

Florida Ed

[/ QUOTE ]

I am right down the street from you (lol kind of), for my info, what shop did you go to? I have to put a goose (under bed) in my 3500 (and hope soon new truck) and I just don't feel like installing anything any more. If you could/would PM me the info so not to take over this thread, thanks.

LabRat · 07-11-2007, 01:10 AM

I prefer to put an under-bed mount hitch in but there aren't many choices for this yr truck. I'm considering a B&W under bed mount gooseneck with Companion 5th wheel hitch. I planned to put in myself but some strings I've been reading got me to wondering how or if I should just have someone else do it. Kinda on a budget; not afraid of work but don't want a big hole in my bed in the wrong place either... If the instructions go thru the correct install location, I should be OK.

Flywheel · 07-11-2007, 02:11 AM

With regards to the B&W - I've done 3 so far: 2 fords and 1 chevy.

The Ford is easier and if you take your time, read the instructions a few times (download and read while the parts are enroute) prepare a bit you'll save money and enjoy doing it yourself.

B&W is a very straightforward install - and I have written up my how I do it in other posts - but I have been really impressed at the kists. Sure it's going to tak you longer to do, but really i recommend it.

Day one - order the parts and remove the heat shield.
Day two - get the hole saw and 1/2 drill bit from Home Depot - maybe install in-bed 6/7-way outlet. Measure and drill hole.
Day three - install hitch - finish up wiring.

I think that's the best way to do it - or drill the hole after seeing hte kit just to give you peace of mind.

ANyway - if you were here - I'd say come on over. The last time - we spent more timme removing the Chevy heat shield then installing the hitch - and the undercoating is still in my hair.....

LabRat · 07-11-2007, 10:50 PM

I know they make a version for overload spring but not sure if they will work iwth air bags. Any thoughts?

Steve F. · 07-11-2007, 11:30 PM

Flywheel... What is the deal on the drop hanger for the exhaust for the 08 when installing the B&W? Can you tell the exhaust is dropped?

IMO B&W is a great way to go, unless I am wrong I think they are the only people out there that has a 5th hitch that drops right in the goose hole, it is kind of up there on price, BUT looks to be well made and worth the cost.

Sorry to jump the thread.

Flywheel · 07-12-2007, 12:12 AM

I did an '07 Dually and sorry - I just can't remember putting that spacer in - I thought we did - but then I recall using a pry bar to free add some space. I do recall that the tailpipe looked proper when we were done - and I am pretty anal about that stuff - even if not my truck.

Steve F. · 07-12-2007, 01:08 AM

[ QUOTE ]
I did an '07 Dually and sorry - I just can't remember putting that spacer in - I thought we did - but then I recall using a pry bar to free add some space. I do recall that the tailpipe looked proper when we were done - and I am pretty anal about that stuff - even if not my truck.

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks for the reply... I thought the hanger was just for the 08, maybe it has alway been around, I thought it was something new for the new SD.