Forum Discussion

meleavingsoon's avatar
meleavingsoon
Explorer
Jul 25, 2017

Hoping I can get some help with hitch placement measurements

Hey guys,

Back with a couple more questions concerning proper measurements. I am getting closer to being ready to place/install the 5th wheel hitch on our Freightliner FL60.

We are removing the old service body that is currently on the truck and will be either cutting the frame rails or adding to them at the rear of the truck....whichever is best.

The two dimensions I am hoping to learn are....

1. what is the measurement from the center of the kingpin to the rear of most typical truck bumpers? I want to cut (or add) to the rear of the frame rails and add a bumper set up of some sort with a receiver

2. what is the height from the ground to the top of the typical 5th wheel plate? I am trying to determine where the hitch will be placed on the frame rails...whether we will need to shim up or install below the frame rails.

I hope my questions make sense....thanks.
  • garyp4951's avatar
    garyp4951
    Explorer III
    Jul 25, 2017
    Edited 7/25

    My B&W is head is 47" from the bumper, and is over the axle, but is set back from the ball receiver 6".
    The height to the hitch plate is 53"
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    Jul 25, 2017
    My Freighliner MDT is:

    1. 46"
    2. 49" however....

    that's to the top of a Trailer Saver air hitch. After coupling it will drop 3"-4" depending on how much air pressure you use.

    Garyp's #2 is much higher. Is that too high?
  • Ivylog's avatar
    Ivylog
    Explorer III
    Jul 25, 2017
    A lot of variables...if you put 45 degrees corners on the bumper it can be further back. How far behind the rear axle are you putting the pin? Are you putting a bed on the truck?
  • meleavingsoon's avatar
    meleavingsoon
    Explorer
    Jul 25, 2017
    Thanks guys!

    I am using the Trailer Saver air hitch also. The tentative plan is to mount the hitch to a 1/2" thick pc. of steel which will then be installed on top of the frame rails.

    Currently our Teton trailer is sitting level on a concrete slab and there is 48" of distance from the concrete to the underside of the hitch plate.

    It does appear from the bolt pattern that I can adjust the kingpin ht. 3" either way if necessary. It looks to be installed in the center position.
  • meleavingsoon's avatar
    meleavingsoon
    Explorer
    Jul 25, 2017
    Ivylog wrote:
    A lot of variables...if you put 45 degrees corners on the bumper it can be further back. How far behind the rear axle are you putting the pin? Are you putting a bed on the truck?


    Thanks Ivylog....those are questions I am still thinking thru. I think I will ultimately install a flatbed.

    I know I will ultimately have to decide because they impact my decision. For now I am thinking I will locate the kingpin directly over the rear axle.

    I measured from the center of the kingpin and have 66" of clearance before touching the front of the trailer. I was also thinking I could take a 66" long stick and swing it around from the center of the hitch while sitting on the frame rails and always know what would work to clear the trailer.
  • Ivylog's avatar
    Ivylog
    Explorer III
    Jul 25, 2017
    If the front of the truck is down in relation to the trailer you need more than 66".
  • phillyg's avatar
    phillyg
    Explorer II
    Jul 25, 2017
    Go to the Escapees forums. They have a lot of folks using MDTs and can likely assist.
  • meleavingsoon's avatar
    meleavingsoon
    Explorer
    Jul 26, 2017
    phillyg wrote:
    Go to the Escapees forums. They have a lot of folks using MDTs and can likely assist.


    Yep...I am bugging them also :)
  • Dtank's avatar
    Dtank
    Explorer
    Jul 28, 2017
    phillyg wrote:
    Go to the Escapees forums. They have a lot of folks using MDTs and can likely assist.


    SKPs MDT Forum is excellent advice..;)

    :C

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