Pivot Arm Position for B and W Companion Hitch for Ram Factory Rail Kit
Question:
I have two questions. I have a 2014 RAM 3500 with the factory trailer tow prep package. It has an 8 foot bed, A max trailer and equipment limit of 16,970 lbs and a max payload limit of 4,400 lbs. I recently purchased from you the BandW rvk3600 fifth wheel hitch. I am looking at the install instructions and they do not specify where to centerinch the pivot arms. I have heard both centered directly over the axle and 2inch forward of the axle. Your QandA says either way is ok.? What is the optimum location for an 8foot bed? I am leaving to pick up my first 5th wheel out of state and would like to have the hitch installed before I get there. The 5th wheel is a 2014 Montana Mountaineer 295 RKD. It is 35 feet long and it has an empty weight of 10,137 lbs and a max load capacity of 4008 lbs. Lets assume the trailer will weighs 14,145 lbs. with a hitch weight of around 2150 - 2200 lbs. Do I install the hitch centered over the axle or forward of the axle? Will it make any difference at all? With an 8 foot bed and a max turn front cap on the trailer I dont think turning clearance will be an issue. Also how much clearance should I have between the top of the bed rail and the underneath of the fifth wheel to allow for movement of the trailer. I was going to install the hitch at the 18inch height to start but will need to know what my clearance should be. Does anyone there have a recommendation to the starting height adjustment for my truck trailer combination?
asked by: Patrick T
Expert Reply:
Since you have a narrow nose trailer and a long bed 2014 Ram 3500 I'd go with the forward most position for the pivot arms as that spreads the weight of the trailer up to the front axles a bit more which will help with traction for braking and turning slightly. It wouldn't be drastically different that centered over the rear axle but every little bit helps.
You want 4 to 6 inches between the bed rails of the truck and the overhang of the truck.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch for Ram Towing Prep Package - Dual Jaw - 25,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Fixed Fifth Wheel
- OEM - Ram
- 6500 lbs Vertical Load
- 25000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Standard - Double Jaw
- 17 - 19 Inch Tall
- B and W
more information >
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