How Can the Reese Low- Profile Fifth Wheel Trailer Hitch Be Installed as Low as Possible

Question:

Can I mount this hitch to a 1/2inch steel plate that is a few inches below a wood flatbed deck? I would like to build a recessed steel box in my wood flatbed and want to know how many inches below the top of the wood deck I can go and still have clearance to tow a fifth wheel. I was thinking 4 inches below the top of the wood deck. My flatbed is 52inch off the ground when unloaded and this hitch is 9.5inch tall, meaning the 5th wheel plate will be 61.5inch off the ground if I mounted it flush with the top of the deck. I am worried this might be too high for a fifth wheel that sits level with its kingpin 49inch off the ground. That is why I would like to install this hitch a few inches below the wood deck to level out the trailer better. Would you recommend installing this hitch flush with my 52inch high bed or in a recessed box a few inches below?

asked by: Brian O

Expert Reply:

The Reese Low-Profile 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch # RP30054 is designed to be mounted directly onto your truck's frame. Or if not the frame some sort of strong steel support connected to the frame. So you would be best off installing it lower than your wooden deck and you should measure 9-1/2 inches up from your truck's frame to see if it will be low enough to work with your fifth wheel trailer.

You also have to take the clearance between the trailer and the deck into consideration. You'll want to make sure you have no less than 5 or 6 inches to make sure the trailer doesn't come into contact with the deck when traveling over uneven roads. See the red arrow in the diagram.

expert reply by: Charles S