Choosing TV and Hitch, Anderson Ultimate, B&W

Golden_HVAC wrote:
Hi,

One of the huge stability advantages of a fifth wheel is that the hitch is normally placed 1" in front of the rear axle. Then if the pickup hits a pot hole or speed bump (for example) and the hitch is lifted suddenly, it is forward of the rear axle, and will push down on the rear and front axles at the same time.

However if the hitch pin center is 'behind' the rear axle, and you hit a bump, then you have some weight on the rear axle, and some weight taken off the front axle, because the center of gravity is behind the rear axle.

While it is in-signiciant on a diesel truck, it will change the handling when the pivot point is behind the rear axle. Say the wheelbase is 138" long, and you have the hitch 1" in front of the rear axle. For each 138 pounds of hitch weight, 1 pound will go on the front axle, and 137 on the rear one. So 1,380 pounds would put about 10 pounds on the front axle. Removing 10 or 20 pounds due to the hitch pivot being 1" or 2" behind the rear axle probably also will not matter much. But it can change the handling.

As for the 'fancy' to" tires, forget about getting them. It would be a deal breaker for me too! The 20" tires have much less rubber between the rim and the road, so much less road vibrations and road shock is absorbed by the 'balloon tires'. Imangine a 1" deep pot hole. With a tire that has 24" rims and 1" between the rim and road surface, that pot hole will abuse that rim, and perhaps even dent it! But with 'balloon tires' that have 4" to 5" between the rim and the roadway, that will absorb that pot hole in stride, and keep going!

Good luck on your new purchase! Don't take any wooden nickles or 22" rims!

Fred.