Best position for 5th wheel plate?

[Ultratravler]

I am mounting a new 5th wheel plate in my F350 and am wondering what the best position is to mount it. Some say inline with the axle, others say just ahead of the axle. What do you think? Thanks for any suggestions.

Dave

[Edd505]

Mines dead center above the axle.

[goducks]

It won't make any difference. I've had mine in all 3 positions (B&W Patriot) and never noticed anything.

[Redbird7]

Most hitch brackets are made to go in one spot. I never suggest putting them in a different spot. Too many things to go wrong on these new trucks. Wire and sensors are always in the way it seems. I would use the new frame bracket that allows you to attack more bolts to the frame. The last Super 5th I installed was solid to the frame. No holes to drill in the frame.

[17 Oaks]

Just had it done and the installer told me Ford has the brackets under the bed to bolt in to already. It looks to be about over the axle or just in front by a little...

[Onefastdaddy]

I would imagine the location is a balance. There is likely no fixed spot in anyone's case that meets the truck vendors, trailer vendors and clearance requirements exactly.
Balance the clearance requirements, weight distribution on the truck frame, height between the bed and the bottom of the trailer cab and so on.
I think before signing the papers you should back your truck up to the thing and see it firsthand. We bought a sliding hitch as we have a short bed and found so far even doing u-turns in a tight space we haven't needed to slide our hitch once. We are slightly behind the rear axle maybe an inch or two but the front is still plenty set thanks to the big diesel engine up front. It tows like a dream. (Eagle HT 26.5 with an F250 4-door).

[jtw]

What does the hitch manufacturer say, when i installed mine it had different locations for chevy and ford.

[norty1]

Follow the hitch makers directions.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[NVGun40]

Depending on the make, model and year series (I say series because manufacturers will often stay with the same design for several years with very slight changes to the body). 5th wheel hitches are almost also directly above the centerline and as much as two inches forward of the centerline of the axle.
Someone already stated, many Fords come with brackets, many Dodge's have the bracket locations marked, etc. Usually, when you purchase your hitch, the mounting hardware is identified by vehicle make, model and year.

[17 Oaks]

Originally Posted by NVGun40

Depending on the make, model and year series (I say series because manufacturers will often stay with the same design for several years with very slight changes to the body). 5th wheel hitches are almost also directly above the centerline and as much as two inches forward of the centerline of the axle.
Someone already stated, many Fords come with brackets, many Dodge's have the bracket locations marked, etc. Usually, when you purchase your hitch, the mounting hardware is identified by vehicle make, model and year.

Concur

Given the choice I would use the mounting points (if present) on the truck that were placed there by the manuf.