hitch question

[Elliott & Vicky]

I have a Reese R20 5th wheel hitch. It is centered over my rear axle. When I was weighed by SmartWeigh, the results showed that when my unit was hitched, the each of the front wheels of the truck were unloaded about 150 pounds. According to Reese, I can turn the pivot beam around which moves the hitch point 1" forward. Any mathmaticians around that can tell me if this would make much of a difference?

[lwg]

Originally Posted by elliott-maine

I have a Reese R20 5th wheel hitch. It is centered over my rear axle. When I was weighed by SmartWeigh, the results showed that when my unit was hitched, the each of the front wheels of the truck were unloaded about 150 pounds. According to Reese, I can turn the pivot beam around which moves the hitch point 1" forward. Any mathmaticians around that can tell me if this would make much of a difference?

I had this same issue with my B&W hitch. When the Redwood as hitched up I lost about 50-100 lbs on the front axle. I shifted the hitch forward about 1-2" to it's closest point to the cab and it seems to have solved the problem. Subsequently it seems to ride better when hitched up, but that could be either real or imagined if I were being honest.

[hoosierguy]

Originally Posted by elliott-maine

I have a Reese R20 5th wheel hitch. It is centered over my rear axle. When I was weighed by SmartWeigh, the results showed that when my unit was hitched, the each of the front wheels of the truck were unloaded about 150 pounds. According to Reese, I can turn the pivot beam around which moves the hitch point 1" forward. Any mathmaticians around that can tell me if this would make much of a difference?

If your current hitch position is truly centered over the rear axle, the following calculation will yield how much additional weight will be on the front axel:

First measure the true spacing center to center between the front and rear axle in inches; be precise.

Then knowing the actual pin weight when the trailer is hooked onto the truck,

Front Axle Additional Weight = ( actual pin weight ) x ( 1 / ( axle spacing ) )

Example:
If axle spacing center to center between front and real axles is 144 inches,
and, actual pin weight = 4320 lbs

F.A.A.W. = (4320 lbs) x (1 / 144)

F.A.A.W. = 4320 / 144

F.A.A.W. = 30 lbs additional weight on front axles.

Actual rear axle weight = Actual Pin weight - F.A.A.W = 4320 - 30 = 4290 lbs.

Hope this helps.

[johnboytoo]

Now I've not seen EVERY hitch installation instructions, but what I've seen always says mount it slightly in front of the axle... from 1" to 2" to distribute the weight...
even sliders say that... but maybe it depends on the hitch AND the vehicle ???

[JerryL]

Originally Posted by lwg

I had this same issue with my B&W hitch. When the Redwood as hitched up I lost about 50-100 lbs on the front axle. I shifted the hitch forward about 1-2" to it's closest point to the cab and it seems to have solved the problem. Subsequently it seems to ride better when hitched up, but that could be either real or imagined if I were being honest.

I was always told that the hitch needs to be centered 2" toward the cab from the center of the axles. So, it seems to be true with all the talk I've heard through the years.

[atom ant]

I don't recall having a lot of choice - the rail kit pretty much goes where it goes unless you are drilling holes.

[Elliott & Vicky]

According to Reese, the measurement from the back of the bed to the back of the rear rail is exactly what they require.

[Elliott & Vicky]

Did the calculation. Due to my 169 inch axle spacing, it calculates to 22 pounds. not worth the effort. Thanks everyone.