Hitch pin location
I have a few questions based on the following setup. I have a '04 Dodge 3500 Quad Cab DRW truck. I have it setup to haul my TC, and my '87 Alpenlite 19. The Alpenlite weight is 5000 lbs, with pin weig...
Forum Discussion
Reddog1 wrote:
Snip...This is a separate issue from the pin weight. Like many things we encounter in life, things are done a certain way because they have always been done that way. I am sure there is a limit on how much weight you could put behind the axle, and I am sure each hitch is different. I am a little disappointed that the only input I get on the subject is don't do it, without any reason why.
Let's say I get my 5000 lb trailer pin weight to 500 lbs. What would be wrong with mounting a third rail in my truck bed that would allow me to put my hitch in front or behind the axle?
I seem to remember telling you early in the thread exactly why you shouldn't do it. If you mount or slide your hitch very far behind the rear axle you are going to unload the front axle of the truck just as a bumper pull does. This will reduce your steering ability and the stability of the vehicle. The trailer will have an increased ability to affect the direction of travel of the truck.
Mounting it in front of the axle very far will increase the likelihood of contact between the cab of the truck and the front of the trailer. In addition, you will make maneuvering more difficult because the trailer will react too slow to truck maneuvers.
Barney
