Can a 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch be Centered Behind the Rear Axle on a Truck
Updated 03/11/2013 | Published 03/07/2013
Question:
My dealer has the center of my 5th wheel hitch behind my rear axle. They did this so he could sell me a trailer with out the revolution pin box. I have taken the trailer back and he is getting one with a Revolution pin box on it. What problems will I have with this hitch location.
asked by: Alvin
Expert Reply:
The dealer made a mistake, the center of the king pin should be either directly above the center of the rear axle or forward of the rear axle. The problem that you will run into is that when you have the pin weight behind the rear axle it will raise the front of the truck. This will have a negative impact on steering, braking, the head lights will point up. Also, the truck can carry the most weight directly above the rear axle. It cannot carry what it is capable of if the weight is centered behind the rear axle.
If you have a bed that is shorter than 6 feet long then you must have a Sidewinder or Revolution (they are the same). If you have a standard short bed (usually around 6-1/2 feet long) you may only need a slider 5th wheel hitch.
I have included a link to our FAQ on Sidewinders. There is a formula in the FAQ that will help you determine if a Sidewinder will be enough additional length to safely make 90 degree turns.
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Search Results: trailer suspension parts
- Article: Fifth Wheel Trailer Hitch Information and Installation Tips
- Shop: Goodyear Endurance ST205/75R14 Radial Tire w/ 14" Eagle Aluminum Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - LR D
- Shop: Goodyear Endurance ST235/80R16 Radial Tire w/ 16" Eagle Aluminum Wheel - 8 on 6-1/2 - LR E
- Video: MORryde Standard Frame Hanger X-Factor Crossmember Installation - 2014 Jayco Pinnacle Fifth Wheel
- Video: Trailer Tires Explained by the Manufacturer Lionshead Tires
- Shop: Aluminum Eagle Trailer Wheel - 16" x 6" Rim - 6 on 5-1/2 - Glossy Black
- Shop: MORryde X-Factor Crossmember for Standard Frame Hangers
- Shop: MORryde X-Factor Crossmember Adapter Kit for OEM Correct Track Hangers
- Shop: MORryde X-Factor Crossmember for LRE, RE, or TRE Leaf Spring Suspension
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Video: Review of RV Ride Control Trailer Suspension Parts - Alignment and Lift Kits - RR23QX
- Shop: Correct Track Trailer Alignment and Lift Kit - Tandem Axle
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Q&A: How To Determine If 5th Wheel Trailer Needs To Be Lifted While Towing With Lifted Truck
- Q&A: Lifting My 5th Wheel With Axles Under Leaf Springs
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Video: Review of Goodyear Trailer Tires and Wheels - Tire with Wheel - GY47QB
- Video: B&W Gooseneck Hitch Manufacturer Breakdown
- Video: How to Install the Curt In Bed Custom Wiring Harness on a 2024 GMC Sierra 2500
- Video: Review of the Replacement Base for B and W Companion Flatbed 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch
- Search Results: air ride suspension
- Search Results: 7 way trailer wiring harness
- Search Results: 7 blade trailer wiring
- Q&A: 5th Wheel Hitch With Maximum Height for Most Trailer-to-Truck Bed Rail Clearance
- Q&A: How to Reset Zero Point Calibration on Lippert Ground Control 3.0
- Q&A: Grease Maintenance Schedule For Lippert Ground Control 3.0
- Article: 4 Steps to Choosing Your 5th Wheel Pin Box
- Search Results: supersprings
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
on 5th Wheel Pin Box
