How far forward of rear axle can I mount fifth wheel and be safe (not hitting trailer with rear corner of bedside) I realize 2 " forward on axle is ideal, but my installer says he has to mount it farther forward, for some reason. I have 2001 Dodge 3500. thanks to all.

 

I think, someone correct me if i'm wrong B&W is three inches foward of the axel.

 

Don't know why unless it's to clear the bed brace. If thats the case, it's only about a 1/2 inch and won't make a difference. Any more than that is wrong.

Bill

 

Measure the trailer from the pin to a corner. Each one will be a bit diffrent.

 

I have ALWAYS installed my hitches DIRECTLY centered over the axle, short box or long box and never had any problems. I mean you can move it forward as much as you want to increase the possibility of the trailer contacting the cab but I don't need that challenge.

 

Also it will increasethe possibility of truck hitting the trailer down section with the corner of the bed (tail light part).

Someone said the B&W was 3" ahead of axle I believe it is more like 4" ahead.

 

B & W is 5" This from the install directions.

Installation Instructions
Step 1: Marking and cutting the 4” hole in the truck bed
Begin by marking the location for the hole in the truck bed floor. Measure from the back end (tail gate end) of the truck bed floor by hooking a tape measure over the back of the truck box and mark the floor at the correct location. Next, mark the center between the wheel wells. This will be the center point for the 4” hole. This location is critical to the correct installation of this hitch, so measure, mark, and saw carefully. This location will place the ball 5” in front of the axle.
SHORT Bed Installation 44 3/8”
LONG Bed Installation 48 3/8”

 

Can anybody tell me if you can drill holes in the frame of a 2006 megacab for a 5th wheel hitch. I asked 2 hitch installers today they said i need a no drill hitch

 

its not recommended. also the frames are boxed, so even drilling through you will have a hard time getting bolts into the holes. take some fancy fishing

 

the distance ahead of the rear axle determines the weight distribution on the front and rear axle's busboy will get beater stability and ride if he moves it forward an inch or two 4" puts a little more weight on the front axle than i like because our trucks have a heavy engine up there already, some of the hidden type hitches have to be mounted that far forward to keep from hitting the rear axle housing under load, and on the 06 drilling the frame is the best way it will take a good fabricator half a day otherwise, dodge had all those pictures advertising the 06 with a 5th wheel pulling a tt they should make the frame design engineer install every 5th wheel hitch sold

 

Carl48 is correct on all points. Reese specifies 2" forward for better stability and riding comfort. If the hitch is located directly over the axle you will experience a looser steering front end and a lot of bouncing up front....depending on how heavy your 5-ver is.

 

I know 2 inches forward of the rear axle is the recommended position but like I said earlier I have always mounted mine directly over the axle and never had any problems. Has any one else actually tried this position? This is my fourth truck and its almost 8 years old.

 

Just curious....how much weight really gets transferred to the front axle when you're talking a few inches? I can't see 5" making that big of a difference....

As far as the original question, I'd say move it as far forward as you'd like, long as the trailer still clears. My B&W is 5" ahead of the axle, my old 5th wheel was an inch or 2, I didn't see much difference...

 

drilling doges hydroformed frame is a bad idea. you HAVE to get a hitch that clamps around the frame, not bolt through it.