Not true on the Andersen , I’ve turned the pin adapter around on mine putting the kingpin just slightly forward of axle center. There is no unloading of the front axle . I’m towing with shortest of the three short beds with my Ram 3500 .There is no reason with these newer fifth wheels to have that adapter in the rear position , with the rounded front corners of these fifth wheels . Having that adapter the way I do puts the fifth wheel at the same measurement from the back of my cab as my Reese slider in the tow position.
Tools , I carry every tool that I need , just short of enough to be able to overhaul the motor :B I believe that’s adequate . Hydraulic jacks , small air compressor etc. I put three items in the bed of my truck besides the hitch , a propane tank in a milk crate, a Honda 2000 generator and the 6 gallon extended run tank that goes with it if I even take the generator , most trips I don’t . Then it’s only the propane tank for the small BBQ. Everything else in the basement of the fifth wheel , that includes a one man inflatable pontoon boat taken apart for a Montana trip.
You seem to insist that a short bed is a compromise, not even close in my case . I could of bought any truck I wanted , I don’t want or need a long bed . My third car garage when we built this house in 2000, I wanted it big , it’s 51 feet deep , I can get a long bed Crew cab truck in there if wanted , don’t want one .
15 or 25 years , if you want to go years towing then it’s just over 53 years. I am afraid that beats whatever years you been at it . Unless you started when you were what about 10 :) So I think I know what I want , and what I’m doing .
