Can Fifth Wheel Rails be Mounted Behind Rear Axle

Published 05/25/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Custom Fifth Wheel Installation Kit for Ford F150 - Carbide Finish

(40)

$264.94

Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Single Jaw - Above Bed - 18,000 lbs

(711)

$1795.00

Question:

Can i mount the rails behind the wheel wells or do they have to be centered. To get more clearance from the back of the cab to the camper I would slide the fifth wheel back not center of the wheel wells, Correct or wrong? I want to be able to make 90 degree turns.

asked by: James

Expert Reply:

Since the pin weight of a fifth wheel trailer is so high you have to have the weight of the trailer squarely above the rear axle in the bed of the truck or possible a few inches forward. Installing the rails behind this will cause all sorts of problems with handling and braking.

For a sliding hitch to use with these rails that allows turning clearance you would want the part # DM8550034 which will automatically slide back as your vehicle makes tight turns to give you clearance.

Check out the review video I attached for more info on it.

expert reply by: Jameson C