Forum Discussion

CrowsnestGuy's avatar
CrowsnestGuy
Explorer
Aug 22, 2017

5th Wheel Hitch Placement

Ok first the technical stuff...
Truck is a 2007 Silverado 2500HD 2WD Crew Cab long box, new body style,with air bags.

Hitch is a old DSP 12000# with the rails running front to back. The rails have 4 mounting holes (only 3 need to be used for installation) so where it is mounted is where it stays, no adjustments after install.

The trailer we have not purchased yet but we are looking for something between 20-24 feet long and hopefully the GVW will be under 8500# with pin weight around 1500-1800# We are also planning on pulling a 1500# boat behind the 5th wheel.

Now the question is, due to obstructions under the bed and on the frame , I can only mount the hitch in 2 location, one being 1-1/2 behind the centre of the rear axle, or 5 inches in front of the rear axle. Can I get away with it being behind the axle or should I mount it 5 inches forward?

Thanks for the help as new to 5th wheels....
  • azdryheat's avatar
    azdryheat
    Explorer
    Aug 22, 2017
    You never want the hitch pin behind the axle. Ideally the pin should be just in front of the axle. 5 inches might be too much. BTW do the rails mount to the frame some how? I hope so.
  • JIMNLIN's avatar
    JIMNLIN
    Explorer III
    Aug 22, 2017
    On long bed trucks I like 3" forward of the trucks rear axle for my tandem and triaxle GN and 5th wheel trailers.
  • CrowsnestGuy's avatar
    CrowsnestGuy
    Explorer
    Aug 22, 2017
    JIMNLIN wrote:
    On long bed trucks I like 3" forward of the trucks rear axle for my tandem and triaxle GN and 5th wheel trailers.


    Yes there are 3 brackets per side that mount to the frame per side. This is why my mounting positions are limited. If I go the 2 inches ahead of axle the bolts acually go thru the box cross members and will not allow me to use the brackets in that location.
  • Ivylog's avatar
    Ivylog
    Explorer III
    Aug 22, 2017
    On that long a truck, like mine, I mounted 2" behind and I often pull a 20K load. The longer the truck the further afield you can go, especially with that small a trailer.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Aug 22, 2017
    CrowsnestGuy wrote:
    Old-Biscuit wrote:
    This MIGHT help.....Chevy Installation

    DSP.....Canada's LAST hitch mfg.


    I do have this, and DSP is only hours from where I live, but when called they said these are recommendations only. But thank you


    5th wheel hitch S/B mounted directly Over center line of trucks rear axle OR forward of it

    Mounting behind rear axle is NOT recommended by ANY hitch mfg.
    (Sliding hitches are to be used in rearward position only for slow speed maneuvering)

    5" forward???
    That is a lot and might cause you issues with truck bumper hitting front of 5th wheel during maneuvering and tailgate will NOT be able to fully open.

    Plus that much forward could cause issues with back of truck cab???


    Lots of measurement need to be taken BEFORE installing

    Dead set on using that OLD DSP??
  • CrowsnestGuy's avatar
    CrowsnestGuy
    Explorer
    Aug 22, 2017
    Old-Biscuit wrote:
    CrowsnestGuy wrote:
    Old-Biscuit wrote:
    This MIGHT help.....Chevy Installation

    DSP.....Canada's LAST hitch mfg.


    I do have this, and DSP is only hours from where I live, but when called they said these are recommendations only. But thank you


    5th wheel hitch S/B mounted directly Over center line of trucks rear axle OR forward of it

    Mounting behind rear axle is NOT recommended by ANY hitch mfg.
    Sliding hitches are to used in rearward position only for slow speed maneuvering

    5" forward???
    That is a lot and might cause you issues with truck bumper hitting front of 5th wheel during maneuvering and tailgate will NOT be able to fully open.

    Plus that much forward could cause issues with back of truck cab???


    Lots of measurement need to be taken BEFORE installing

    Dead set on using that OLD DSP??


    No not dead set on using old but for the 4-5 times a year I do acually get out I guess I could not justify $1500 install for a hitch here in Canada, for a $5000 dollar 5th wheel. I guess if I had a $40,000 unit and full time in the unit I would step up and put on the best.
    Right know I run a business and rairly get away in summer as I have a landscape business, and have a 10' camper I throw on when I wanna go fishing. I am looking at some property in the mountains (80miles from where I live) where I can pop a 5th wheel in the summer for a camp when the kids wanna get away, so I went cheap.
  • Ivylog's avatar
    Ivylog
    Explorer III
    Aug 22, 2017
    I'll do the math for you: wheelbase of your truck is probably 180" divided by 1.5" is less than 1% so with a pin of 1800 lbs you will take less than 18 lbs off the front axle by putting it behind the rear axle...not enough to worry about.
  • CrowsnestGuy's avatar
    CrowsnestGuy
    Explorer
    Aug 22, 2017
    Ivylog wrote:
    I'll do the math for you: wheelbase probably 180" divided by 1.5" is less than 1% so with a pin of 1800 lbs you will take less than 18 lbs off the front axle by putting it behind the rear axle...not enough to worry about.


    Thank you

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