Should King Pin of Fifth Wheel Hitch Sit In Front or Behind Rear Axle

Updated 12/04/2018 | Published 12/03/2018

Question:

My installer put my rails in on my 2016 Dodge ram 2500 crew cab shortbed 6.7 liter hemi. The fifth wheel kingpin sits behind the axle about 4-6 inch is that ok? Its a hijacker 16k older slider unit. the truck looks level with the trailer hooked up to it. Weighs about 11,000 pounds dry weight. 36 foot overall

asked by: Josh K

Expert Reply:

Honestly that's not recommended at all and you have a dangerous setup. If anything you want the king pin ahead of the rear axle and not behind it as it can unweight the front axle of the truck which will negatively affect braking and steering. My guess is he put it behind the axle since you have a short bed truck and he thought maybe it would help with turning clearance. Do you know what rail kit was installed?

expert reply by: Jameson C