Moving fifth wheel plate

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by Dwight Goertzen, Feb 13, 2024.

  1. Dwight Goertzen

    Dwight Goertzen Bobtail Member

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    Hello I recently went to a fixed fith wheel plate on my truck...I mounted it too far forward and so when I'm loaded I'm about 1000 lbs. Heavy on my steers. I need to move it back and I'm wondering if anyone knows approximately how far I need to move it to move 1000 lbs. Back to my drives? I would like to know how many inches since I don't have a slider so notches don't tell me anyting. Thanx!
     
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  2. kemosabi49

    kemosabi49 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    I always had mine set just ahead of the mid point between the axles. YMMV.
     
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  3. SmallPackage

    SmallPackage Road Train Member

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    On a fixed plate position it with the pivot pins dead center of the tandems. If single axle put it about 4” forward of axle. This should be a good weight distribution in most applications.
     
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  4. Long FLD

    Long FLD Road Train Member

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    I’m roughly a foot ahead of center and I’m 11,700 loaded. That’s with a set back axle and 250” wheelbase.
     
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  5. AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

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    Its all going to depend on your wheelbase as to how much you'll need to adjust it.
     
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  6. SmallPackage

    SmallPackage Road Train Member

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    Keep in consideration that not all kingpin depths are equal so you don’t want to put it permanently to far forward of tandem center and not be able to hook a trailer that may have a deep pin. Landing gear arn’t always back bumper friendly either so clearance may need to be made for them on some trailers. Back in the day sliding fifth wheels had more to do with being able to hook and pull different trailers with various pin depths than it did to get weight on or off the steers. Back than you wanted steers light anyway due to manual steering and no brakes.
     
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  7. Dwight Goertzen

    Dwight Goertzen Bobtail Member

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    Ok so my wheel base if I remember is 250 and a setback axle...pulling hopper bottom hauling bulk commodities.
     
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  8. Diesel Dave

    Diesel Dave Last Few of the OUTLAWS

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    @Long FLD just gave you the correct answer/setting. Scroll back a few posts.
     
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  9. Long FLD

    Long FLD Road Train Member

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    If you’re hauling bulk I’d have it to where I’m about 12,500 or so on the steers when I’m loaded. Anything under 12k and you won’t be able to axle 80k gross, or whatever you’re allowed to gross where you run.
     
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  10. Dwight Goertzen

    Dwight Goertzen Bobtail Member

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    Ok thanx for the help!