Where Should Fifth Wheel Rails Be Positioned in bed of 2006 Ford F-250 Short Bed

Question:

How far forward from the tailgate should the hitch be placed if the trailers king pin is 52 inches from the corner of the trailers inside corner?

asked by: John G

Expert Reply:

The install location of a fifth wheel trailer is based on the rear axle of the truck and not the rear tailgate. The king pin needs to be centered or slightly forward of the rear axle to properly distribute the weight of the trailer.

Having it too far forward will interfere with the cab of the truck and too far back will unload the front axle to the point of making braking and handling dangerous.

For your 2006 Ford F-350 with the custom fifth wheel rail kit part # RP50082-58 the king pin center will be exactly 2-5/16 inches forward of the rear axle center. To accomplish that the rear edge of the rear rail will be exactly 32-1/4 inches from the rear edge of the truck bed floor.

expert reply by: Jameson C