Where is a 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch Placed on a Short Bed Truck  

Question:

Expert Reply:

It depends on the year, make, and model of the truck as well as the installation kit being used. But generally the centerline of the hitch will be directly above or within a few inches forward of the center of the rear axle. This is where the truck can support the most weight. If behind the rear axle the trailer will be pushing down on the back of the truck causing the front of the truck to come up. And it also cannot carry as much weight behind the axle.

Short bed trucks will also need to use either a slider hitch such as # RP30075 for example, or a Sidewinder pin box, such as # RP34FR for example, with a fixed hitch. The slider allows the pivot point of the trailer to be moved back by as much as 12 inches on some hitches to allow you to make tight, low-speed turns without hitting the truck and trailer together.

A Sidewinder moves the pivot point of the trailer back 22 inches also for clearance reasons. Sidewinders offer a better ride compared to sliders and you will not have to get out of the truck to adjust a Sidewinder like you do with the slider. The down side is that Sidewinders only fit certain trailer pin boxes.

I have included some links on 5th wheel and Sidewinder information for you.

expert reply by: Michael H

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