Where Should 5th Wheel King Pin Sit in Relation to Rear Axle Centerline of Tow Vehicle

Question

Question:

I have a 1997 f350 4x4 7.3 turbo diesel that I am trying to put in a 5th wheel hitch. Everything I see and read says the kingpin should be centered or forward of the rear axle. The universal install kit I have gives directions showing the center about a half inch behind the rear axle. Would that be a correct install on this vehicle?

asked by: Steven

0

Expert Reply:

The usual installation would place the fifth wheel king pin directly above or slightly ahead of the rear axle centerline. Placing the king pin behind the axle can lighten the load on the front axle, leading to reduced steering and braking response.

Who manufactured the universal install kit you have? I've never seen a universal kit that recommended installing the hitch with the king pin aft of the rear axle. You might want to check with the manufacturer for confirmation. If you'd care to reply with the manufacturer, I'd be happy to look into it for you.

expert reply by: Mike L

0

Answer 1

With any truck, the fifth wheel trailer's king pin should be positioned directly above or just slightly ahead of the rear axle centerline. The exact placement will depend on which installation kit you are using. If you were to place the king pin…

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Answer 2

The exact placement of the hitch will depend on which installation kit is used. Generally speaking, fifth wheel hitches are installed so that the king pin will fall either directly over the rear axle centerline or within a few inches forward of that…

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Answer 3

We've actually done a video of the B&W Patriot 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Dual Jaw - 18,000 lbs #BWRVK3270 that shows how the slider works; it's really just a lever on the base that releases and allows the hitch head to slide…

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Answer 4

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Answer 5

You will have to go with a sliding hitch to allow the trailer to make tight turns. For a trailer 8 feet wide the only bed length that's going to allow 90 degree turns without a slider is a stationary hitch. That being said you have two options.…

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Answer 6

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 7

According to Blue Ox, it'll take an experienced installer about 4 to 5 hours to complete the installation of their #BX1128 Base Plate Kit on a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The install isn't what I'd call super-difficult, but the installation…

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Answer 8

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 9

Hey Cindy, thanks for reaching out. We may have an extension that will work for you. It will help to know exactly how long of an extension you are needing as this will be one of the main deciding factors. Let me know how long you need it to be in the…

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Answer 10

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 11

Choosing the right height setting for your 5th wheel hitch is a combination of a few different variables. First of all you want your towing setup to be as level as possible. With your Montana High Country 340BH level you will want to measure from the…

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Answer 12

Hey Jerry, GM moved the placement of their puck systems starting with 2020 models so you are correct that the pucks would have the hitch not sit directly over the axle. GM did the math and made sure that this placement wouldn't adversely affect…

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Where Should 5th Wheel King Pin Sit in Relation to Rear Axle Centerline of Tow Vehicle

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