Fifth Wheel Placement

bamamac · Aug 16, 2018

STexan said: ↑

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.
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Great advice!

snowwy · Aug 16, 2018

MACK E-6 said: ↑

Tankers and flatbeds usually have that too.
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Tanks and flats won't tear up the truck.

Steps and rgns will. And need to be positioned farther back.

JTAN · Aug 16, 2018

mover man said: ↑

Put it where your trailer barely hangs over the edge of the front drive. Then leave it alone!
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That's about how I set mine for most loads...center king pin at center of drives worked purty good ...but its gonna depend on weight as usual...

STexan · Aug 16, 2018

I think then main thing is 5th wheel pivot should be at least "slightly ahead" of dead center of two rear drive axles. Last thing you want is for ADDED cargo weight to REDUCE weight on steer axle which can potentially happen if behind center.

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