Fifth Wheel Placement

Behind the sleeper.

 

Assuming it has a typical fleet truck spec placement, I’d start at the far forward position. When you have very near 34,000 on the drives, full of fuel, make note of the steer weight with you seated. If it’s under say 12,400, I’d leave it alone.

In my new freightliner with big Detroit engine, I ran it far most position for a year and would see about 12,500. Never had any issues at scale houses, but I recently moved it back one hole and now see about 12,300. I think I’ll leave it there. Ride is not noticeably different.

The less gap you can achieve between cab and nose of a van or reefer, your mpg will improve somewhat.

 

For fuel economy, as far forward as you can legally scale the load and make the turn radius without tearing your fairings off.

It lessens the drag of air swooping in and bouncing off the trailer.

 

Put it where your trailer barely hangs over the edge of the front drive. Then leave it alone!

 

If you’re pulling a stepdeck or rgn, be mindful of the much narrower kingpin settings.