Hey Everyone,I am considering moving my 5th wheel hitch to another truck. The challenge with this truck (E450) is that it has a 10' flatbed.I cannot mount the hitch directly over the axle unless I cut almost 2' off of the bed. Not a good option.The obvious alternative is to move the hitch back far enough that the trailer clears the back end of the bed. I know that this is NOT ideal but I have little clue as to what the down side to this move other than reduced tow capacity. Given that I want to tow a 14k trailer with an E450 I am hopeful that the weight won't be an issue.What other concerns should I have?Thanks.S.

PNW_Steve wrote:Hey Everyone,I am considering moving my 5th wheel hitch to another truck. The challenge with this truck (E450) is that it has a 10' flatbed.I cannot mount the hitch directly over the axle unless I cut almost 2' off of the bed. Not a good option.The obvious alternative is to move the hitch back far enough that the trailer clears the back end of the bed. I know that this is NOT ideal but I have little clue as to what the down side to this move other than reduced tow capacity. Given that I want to tow a 14k trailer with an E450 I am hopeful that the weight won't be an issue.What other concerns should I have?Thanks.S.Been there, done that... 11 ft flat bed, 30,000 lb trailer, no problem. Makes the front slightly lighter but nowhere near as much as a bumper pull. takes off the front axle approx what a Diesel engine puts on extra over the gas and adds it to the rear. Makes for a puller in soft soil or snow. I have towed gooseneck/5th wheels with the hitches 9 inches forward to 2 foot behind the axle and heard all kinds of claims from experts who knew it all. Smile, shake your head and walk away. Trying to reason is a waste of time especially when on the clock and time is money.

Well, my thought would be that if it was no big deal you wouldn't see all the hitches mounted over the rear axle. Two feet behind the rear axle is a lot, IMO. And I always figured one of the things that makes a 5th wheel tow better than a bumper pull is the location of the hitch weight.

You can try it but I don't think you will enjoy the ride, it will likely porpoise and make the steering squirrely.

Ask your question on the Escapees HDT forum (and the MDT forum)The HDT folks have lots of experience with the hitch -for very heavy 5th wheel trailers- well behind the axle of 'singled' trucks (not tandem).It's pretty much SOP for them.Some (genuine) engineers over there may be able to do front axle weight calcs for you.Another issue:Don't rely on what others have done in OTHER states!Depending on where YOU live and *travel*, your flatbed *may* require you to stop at scales. Even a pickup with a flatbed is req'd to stop at scales in CA.Good luck with your project.:C

Towing a 5'er with a 10' flatbed truck? | Good Sam Community

25 Replies

Dtank
Explorer
Mar 19, 2017
Ask your question on the Escapees HDT forum (and the MDT forum)

The HDT folks have lots of experience with the hitch -for very heavy 5th wheel trailers- well behind the axle of 'singled' trucks (not tandem).
It's pretty much SOP for them.
Some (genuine) engineers over there may be able to do front axle weight calcs for you.

Another issue:
Don't rely on what others have done in OTHER states!
Depending on where YOU live and *travel*, your flatbed *may* require you to stop at scales.
Even a pickup with a flatbed is req'd to stop at scales in CA.

Good luck with your project.

:C
romore
Explorer II
Mar 19, 2017
You can try it but I don't think you will enjoy the ride, it will likely porpoise and make the steering squirrely.
fj12ryder
Explorer III
Mar 19, 2017
Well, my thought would be that if it was no big deal you wouldn't see all the hitches mounted over the rear axle. Two feet behind the rear axle is a lot, IMO.

And I always figured one of the things that makes a 5th wheel tow better than a bumper pull is the location of the hitch weight.
DSteiner51
Explorer
Mar 19, 2017
PNW_Steve wrote:
Hey Everyone,

I am considering moving my 5th wheel hitch to another truck. The challenge with this truck (E450) is that it has a 10' flatbed.

I cannot mount the hitch directly over the axle unless I cut almost 2' off of the bed. Not a good option.

The obvious alternative is to move the hitch back far enough that the trailer clears the back end of the bed. I know that this is NOT ideal but

I have little clue as to what the down side to this move other than reduced tow capacity. Given that I want to tow a 14k trailer with an E450 I am hopeful that the weight won't be an issue.

What other concerns should I have?

Thanks.

S.

Been there, done that... 11 ft flat bed, 30,000 lb trailer, no problem. Makes the front slightly lighter but nowhere near as much as a bumper pull. takes off the front axle approx what a Diesel engine puts on extra over the gas and adds it to the rear. Makes for a puller in soft soil or snow.

I have towed gooseneck/5th wheels with the hitches 9 inches forward to 2 foot behind the axle and heard all kinds of claims from experts who knew it all. Smile, shake your head and walk away. Trying to reason is a waste of time especially when on the clock and time is money.
dawzie
Explorer
Mar 19, 2017
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Towing a 5'er with a 10' flatbed truck?

25 Replies

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