hitch instalation

rhagfo wrote:

wirenutz wrote:
So I'm getting ready to install my hitch, and after careful measuring and marking, I put the rails in place without bolting them down just to see where the center of the hitch would be according to the directions for my year and make of truck, it looks to be about 2-3 inches behind the center of the axle, I would like to hear about where the center of your hitch is for/aft of the center line, and the difference in the ride quality either way, thanks

How a bout a little more information.
Truck;
Year
Make
Model
Bed length

Hitch;
Make
Model
Capacity


If the truck is a SB, that might be the reason for the layout being behind the axle.

I will say it's a one ton dodge, full size bed, and a hensley hitch, the instructions are set up so 1 of the bolts goes through the hat channel under the bed and penetrates the top of the frame, makes sense as in trying to slide a bunch of shims between the bed and the top of the frame might be a little tough to line up

I'm going against the grain here to say that 2" behind is no big deal. Yes it will take weight off the front axle of the truck, but not enough to be dangerous unless you've got a ridiculous unrealistic pin weight, like 10000lbs.

We have no problems hitching a 500lb tongue weight trailer to the rear receiver of the truck, 54" behind the axle. That 500lb tongue weight pulls more weight off the front wheels of the truck than a 5ver with a 4000lb pin weight 2" behind the rear axle. Not a single person here would have a moment's worry about going ahead and hitching up that 500lb tongue weight. Yet, it's a "freak out moment" to put a 5th wheel pin 2" behind the axle?

The hitch manufacturer gave you those measurements for a reason. Most likely those measurements are to avoid cross members and critical components on the truck's frame. If you can figure out where the rails will end up bolted underneath in the recommended location, you can measure 2" forward and see what's there.

Once you have located the hitch rails so hitch will be forward of the axle, be sure to check under bed of truck for any obstructions or cross members that may interfere with installation of bolts.

Could be you have wrong measurements for your truck. I have installed 2 hitches and my measurements were right on. However there was one item under the box that secured my emergency brake cable and I had to relocate the bracket.

you can find some good instructional videos at etrailer.com. I went there and found out exactly how to install a specific hitch into my specific truck. Very helpful if you have never done it before.

e-trailer videos

wirenutz wrote:
So I'm getting ready to install my hitch, and after careful measuring and marking, I put the rails in place without bolting them down just to see where the center of the hitch would be according to the directions for my year and make of truck, it looks to be about 2-3 inches behind the center of the axle, I would like to hear about where the center of your hitch is for/aft of the center line, and the difference in the ride quality either way, thanks

How a bout a little more information.
Truck;
Year
Make
Model
Bed length

Hitch;
Make
Model
Capacity


If the truck is a SB, that might be the reason for the layout being behind the axle.

no holes yet golden, hence the reason of just laying it in the back according to what the resse rail installation instruction's say for my truck, I think I may chuck the instruction's (kidding) and go with a 2" forward of the center line

I hope you have not drilled any holes yet.

The hitch must be at least over the rear axle, 1" forward is ideal, and 2.5" forward is acceptable.

The reason behind the rear axle is un-acceptable is the weight will be taking weight off the front axle, and this can be a problem on a bumpy road. As you go over a bump, with the pin weight ahead of the rear axle, the front tires accept about 1% - 3% of the weight. However if behind the rear axle, then it will take away 1% to 3% and also cause a unsetteling spring to the rear with each time extra pin weight is applied to the hitch.

I would take a roll of the blue painter's tape, and streach out about 20", so the roll hangs down near the center of the rear axle, and put the end near the top of the bed (will act like a plumb bob) to carefully mark the center of the axle (at least within a inch or so). (put about 1" of tape on each side of the truck bed) Then a string between the two sides, and you will have a great idea of the center of the rear axle.

Fred.

As far as I know, if you want the best handling rig, your hitch should be directly above, or 1-2 inches in front of the center of the axle.
Barney

Center of hitch should be over axle. Some prefer an inch or two in front of axle which is OK. If the center of the hitch is behind the axle, you start taking weight off of the front axles which isn't good. This affects handling and could contribute to an overweight condition on the rear axle.

Mine is directly over the axle. Coincidently when I weighed the truck with and without the trailer, the weight on the front axle was the same.

I did tow my fiver 20 miles once with the sliding hitch set back by mistake. I couldn't tell and difference in handling but I wouldn't recommend it.