More 5th wheel hitch questions

[robkathybat]

My hitch still clunks a little, but I'm OK with it since I've inspected my hitch and am convinced there is no way that the trailer will pull out of the hitch with the jaw closed and the pin in the handle (see my previous post). During my inspection I discovered that the dealer that installed my hitch, may not have set the hitch up correctly. While referring to Appendix B page 16 it does not appear they changed the springs from the factory position. My head does not tip down. Hooking up is a minor challenge since your supposed to come in 1/2 to 1 in below, sometimes I have to jump out and re-position the head so that it points down, the springs the way they are don't really hold it in any position. I think if I change the springs around they will hold it down. The second point and much more important is the orientation also on page 16 it appears the center section should be offset slightly behind the center-line of the rear axle. I have a Dodge so I can see where the axle is looking down through the hole for the goose neck. I just wanted to pass this by everyone to see if I am reading the pdf correctly, and no I am not taking it back to the dealer, they had their chance to make it right. I don't have a high opinion of dealers.

[piper guy]

Rob - yes, the plate on the hitch should slope towards the rear of the truck with a spring load. If the two side springs are not installed correctly it won't be that way. First time I took mine apart for maintenance I inadvertently put those springs in wrong and had a h#%* of a time hitching. I normally position the Pinbox slide plate about an inch below the height of the hitch plate and 98 % of the time it is a solid hitch on the first backin.

Can't comment on hitch placement, my Ford had no other options where the pucks are.

Hope this helps.

[mhs4771]

I used Reese Frame Brackets designed for my GM's frame, so the Rails are mounted exactly where Reese wants them, which puts the Kin Pin centered over the axle.
That setup keeps the weight on the front axle of the TV within 20 to 40 pounds towing or solo.

[rob_fla]

My GMC is the same way, the rail brackets are installed according to the hitch manufacturers dimensions and my front wheel weight changes very little when hitched up.
I thought I made a mistake in the location of the rails so I double checked, they are right where they should be.

[robkathybat]

OK so i took the head off and simply rotated the body around on the rails. Still fits in the slots and now the bar the head sits on is slightly behind the rear axle. I haven't weighed my rig yet, will do so in future, so I won't know if the front is loaded more. I do know I am now in compliance with what Reese thinks is the correct orientation for their hitch. Oh by the way the springs now hold the head pointed down.

[piper guy]

Rob ~ my hitch is same way, slightly behind axle center