Why is a 5th Wheel Hitch is Installed Over or Forward of the Tow Vehicles Rear Axle
Question:
Why must the hitch be forward of the rear axle?
asked by: Ray P
Expert Reply:
When installing a fifth wheel hitch on a truck, the king pin will be centered over the rear axle or slightly forward of the rear axle. It will depend on the year, make, and model of vehicle and the size of the truck bed on where you will need to locate the fifth wheel hitch on your truck.
The reason the fifth wheel hitch is located at the rear axle or forward of the rear axle is that the pin weight of the fifth wheel is now pressing down between the cab and the rear axle, which will distribute the weight of the fifth wheel correctly over the rear axle of the truck, instead of behind the trucks wheelbase. This will allow the truck to carry a greater amount of weight and keeps the weight of the fifth wheel from raising the front of the truck so much that it causes handling and tire wear issues.
It also makes the fifth wheel easier to maneuver, like backing up or angle into parking spaces, since the hitch is closer to the turning wheels of the truck. It will also allow the fifth wheel to ride smoother.
I am including a link to a FAQ page on fifth wheels.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Dual Jaw - 16,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Fixed Fifth Wheel
- Aftermarket Below Bed Rails
- 4000 lbs Vertical Load
- 16000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Standard - Double Jaw
- 13-1/2 - 17 Inch Tall
- Reese
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Shop: B&W Companion Gooseneck-to-5th-Wheel Trailer Hitch Adapter - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs
- Shop: Gooseneck Hitch
- Shop: B&W Companion 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs
- Q&A: How to Pick Hitch Height Setting for B and W Companion Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Article: Fifth Wheel Trailer Hitch Information and Installation Tips
- Shop: B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w Slider for Ford Towing Prep Package - Dual Jaw - 20K
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Shop: Curt E16 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ S20 Slider - Slide Bar Jaw - 16,000 lbs
- Shop: B&W Custom Installation Kit w/ Base Rails for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches
- Shop: Reese Quick-Install Custom Installation Kit w/ Base Rails for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches
- Shop: B&W Patriot 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Dual Jaw - 18,000 lbs
- Video: Demco 5th Wheel Hitches Premier Series Above-Bed Base Rails Kit Installation - 2020 Chevrolet Silver
- Video: Fifth Wheel Trailer Hitch Installation - 2006 Dodge Ram - Curt
- Q&A: Reese Base Rail Compatibility With AirLift Airbags In A 2015 Ford F-350 Super Duty.
- Q&A: Will Curt Custom, No-Drill Fifth Wheel Bracket Kit, # C16420, Fit a 2006 Dodge Ram 2500 Short Bed
- Q&A: Can I Install Custom 5th Wheel Rails on 2011 Chevrolet Silverado with B&W Gooseneck Hitch
- Q&A: 5th Wheel Install Kit Recommendation for 2007 Dodge Ram 2500 Mega Cab With 6-Foot Bed
- Q&A: Curt Fifth Wheel Bracket and Rails for 2004 Ram 3500 With 6-1/2' Bed
- Search Results: c16420~204
- Video: B and W Companion 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch Replacement Base Review
- Video: B and W Turnoverball Underbed Gooseneck Trailer Hitch Installation - 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
- Search Results: b
- Search Results: b&w turnoverball
- Article: 5th Wheel Hitch Installation | The Ultimate DIY Guide
- Video: Review of B and W Fifth Wheel Installation Kit - BWRVR2506
- Video: B and W Companion 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch Assembly
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: companion fifth wheel trailer hitches
- Q&A: Fifth Wheel Hitch Install 2013 Ram-How to Tell If Truck has OEM Trailer Prep Package