Recommended position for sliding 5th wheel

Depends on where the trailer kingpin is and how it's usually loaded.

You will find out when you scale it close to gross.

 

By default, I just keep them in the middle position and adjust forward or back as needed depending on the weight distribution of my loads. I almost never have to move it.

 

Every truck is different. Best is to wait until you get a heavy load then when you show 34,000 on the drives, ideally you will be around 12,000-12,300 on the steer. But in the mean time I'd set all the way forward or maybe 1 hole back from there. One of these holes will probably be your ideal maximum load position, anyway.

Assuming we're talking about a van or reefer, keeping the gap between trailer and cab as little as possible will help with fuel economy.

 

That doesn't mean much without knowing what the weight on the drives was at that same time and assuming you were heavy or light.

That may still be the position you want. 90% of the 5th wheels are near the front as they should be.

 

I'm glad with my old man tenure I don't have to deal with this any longer.

I pull light loads 97% of the time..
I just keep mine all the way back.
I can scale 45k that way and not have to move it.. only happens a cpl times a year.
We pull some Kentucky possum bellies with battery boxes on the front and if the 5th wheel is not all the way back the frame WILL rip the box apart.
Stickers all over the trailers with warnings and idiots still tear them to pieces.

I just leave mine back. That's not gonna be me.