Forum Discussion

skyking897's avatar
skyking897
Explorer
Mar 17, 2017

Installing a 5th wheel hitch

After many years towing a TT we are making the jump to a 5th Wheel Trailer. I'm installing a Reese 30084 slider hitch in my F250 short box pickup. I've done a lot of searching but can't find an answer to my question. Directions give a measurement for rail placement (which I assume puts the king pin directly over the axle) but my question is what affect would it have on towing if it was mounted forward or rearward of that location?

PS I was a member here quite a few years ago and after we went seasonal, I kind of drifted away from here. Couldn't remember my username so had to register again.
  • Durb's avatar
    Durb
    Explorer
    Mar 17, 2017
    When I installed the rails on my truck with Curt truck specific frame brackets there was no room for for/aft adjustments. The instructions were very specific as to where it was to go in the bed. A couple of bolts were centered in a bed support with spacers. Not aligning them correctly would have made the install difficult at best. They must be centered over my axle as front wheel loading does not change with trailer on or trailer off.
  • MFL's avatar
    MFL
    Nomad II
    Mar 17, 2017
    Most hitch manufacturers will speak of axle CENTER. An inch ahead, or an inch behind axle center would not make much difference, as it is still over the axle. IMO, 1-2 inches ahead of axle CENTER, would be ideal. If you have a heavy diesel up front, you probably wouldn't notice any difference, while towing, being 1" behind axle CENTER.

    Jerry
  • mtofell1's avatar
    mtofell1
    Explorer
    Mar 17, 2017
    forward of axle = no problem unless you start to have cab clearance issues

    rearward of axle = not good! Lightening the front axle on your truck is not a good thing.

    Also, be careful regardless of where you put it that the arm to the king pin can damage your gate on a short box truck when the hitch is in the rear position. Ask me how I know :)

    If you don't get a notched out 5th wheel gate you'll probably need to come up with some way to hold your gate a few inches open when maneuvering with the slide in the rear position.
  • skyking897's avatar
    skyking897
    Explorer
    Mar 17, 2017
    Understand best to follow manufactures instructions, just curious about having hitch forward or rearward 1-2". Will it really affect steering and braking that much?
  • Dtank's avatar
    Dtank
    Explorer
    Mar 17, 2017
    Old-Biscuit wrote:


    Best to follow 'installation instructions' for rail kits/hitch as outlined for your specific year/model truck


    For help following the instructions.....

    Call the Reese Tech line - all the hitch mfgrs are very willing to assist by answering questions.

    :C
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Mar 17, 2017
    Forward...
    Some pin weight can be transferred to trucks front axle.
    Not a bad thing.
    (my hitch is 2" forward---adds 150# to front axle.)

    Rearward...
    Could unload trucks front axle...light steering
    This can negatively affect braking and steering performance.
    One of the reasons hitch in sliding position is too be used for 'maneuvering' and not when in traveling


    Best to follow 'installation instructions' for rail kits/hitch as outlined for your specific year/model truck

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