Best Location for King Pin On a 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 with 6.5 Bed
Question:
I’m planning on towing a heavy 5th wheel trailer on my dodge pickup. I’d like to know where the best place to mount my 5th wheel hitch? Would airbags or extra leaf springs help with the front end coming up? I’m also worried about the trailer hitting the cab when turning too tight a turn. Can I push the hitch back farther than directly over the axle?
asked by: Dave V
Expert Reply:
The best location to install the 5th wheel hitch will be determined by the 5th wheel install kit manufacturer because it's a mix between many variables such as proper weight distribution. That said, generally speaking this will be either directly over the rear axle or directly behind or in front. The Curt Semi-Custom Fifth Wheel Installation Kit part # C16422-204 which is what I recommend for a 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 will position the 5th wheel hitch so that the king pin sits about 1-1/2" forward of the axle center line. This kit is a custom fit so no drilling is required therefore the location of the rails cannot be changed nor do I recommend doing so.
For a 5th wheel hitch, the Curt E16 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch part # 16516 is an excellent option and it has a slider feature for turning so you won't have issues with cab clearance. Unfortunately, you cannot change the position of the 5th wheel rails to eliminate needing a slider hitch. Please note, you"ll also want the Curt 5th Wheel/Gooseneck Custom Wiring Harness part # C56070 to complete you setup.
In regards to air bags, the Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Air Helper Springs part # AL57365 will absolutely help to prevent the front end from raising.
Products Referenced in This Question
Curt E16 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ R16 Roller - Slide Bar Jaw - 16,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Sliding Fifth Wheel
- Above Bed Rails
- 4000 lbs Vertical Load
- 16000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Economy - Slide-Bar Jaw
- 15 - 17 Inch Tall
- 12 Inch Fore/Aft Travel
- CURT
more information >
Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Air Helper Springs - Rear Axle
- Vehicle Suspension
- Rear Axle Suspension Enhancement
- Air Springs
- Heavy Duty
- Air Lift
more information >
Curt 5th Wheel/Gooseneck Custom Wiring Harness w/ 7-Pole Connector - 7' Long
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Fifth Wheel and Gooseneck Wiring
- 7 Feet Long
- Custom Fit
- 7 Round - Blade
- CURT
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Custom Fifth Wheel Installation Kit for Dodge Ram - Carbide Finish
- Fifth Wheel Installation Kit
- Custom
- Above the Bed
- CURT
more information >
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