Fifth Wheel Trailer Hitch Location in a 2004 Dodge Ram Short Bed
Question:
Bought a 15kReese with a slider whn placing i put rear rail the recomended 26and5/16 ths from rear box edge..Should i have places this hitch further back just because its a short box. It makes for like 34-35 inches from rear of cab to pin.I just followed the instructions and been told maybe i should have placed the pin a little rear of axle.
asked by: Nick
Expert Reply:
You do not want to have the center of the king pin on the trailer behind the rear axle of the truck. It should always be directly above the center of the rear axle or a few inches in front of it. This is because the axle can hold the most weight and by placing the load behind it you will have steering issues and the truck will ride high in the front.
The 26-5/16 measurement on a short bed is correct. This places the king pin over the center of the rear axle when towing. The slider will travel 10 to 12 inches depending on if it is a square tube or round tube slider, to give you extra clearance when making tight turns.
If the measurement from the hitch center to the cab is 34 inches and you have a round tube slider, that makes for 46 inches to the cab. (You could also add the distance from the king pin center on the trailer back to the trailer overhang if you have an extended pin box.) Then, subtract 4 inches to allow for pitch and roll to get 42 inches, then multiply by 2 to get 84 inches. This is the widest trailer you can tow and still safely make 90 degree turns.
If this is not enough clearance for you then you will need to fit the trailer with a Sidewinder pin box. Sidewinders are specific to the pin box make and model number. Use the FAQ I have linked to determine if there is a Sidewinder that will fit.
If you do install a Sidewinder you will need to leave the slider hitch in the towing position and not slide it back. The Sidewinder moves the pivot point of the trailer back 22 inches. Add that to 34 inches and you have 56 inches, minus 4 brings it to 52. That would mean you could tow a trailer 104 inches wide.
