Manual slide 5th wheel

Aw, don't feel bad for asking, Laddie, it's why we're here. A sliding 5th wheel of any kind is kind of a thing of the past. As mentioned, big fleets generally haul the same trailers, and no need to slide. It's a greasy, dirty PITA anyway, and air slide rarely works, as it's not used much. Used to be, a slide was needed to get more weight on the steer, but I don't think that's an issue with todays trucks. What a fixed 5th wheel DOES require, is careful loading with heavy loads, and a rear suspension air gauge is paramount.

 

Every fixed 5th I ever seen ya just take the 4 bolts out each side, & move to whatever holes in the frame ya want.

Marlin spike helps to line up get the bolts started again..

 

ya you’ll have to unbolt and move to location of your choice

I bought a new trailer for cheap that had fixed wheels. It was built for hauling soda pop. Only 7’ tall as well. Worked fine for my purpose as all my skids weights were identical and never had to deal with cities or tight locations

 

This is another place where "fixed" can mean so many things. Like you mention, and my experience is similar, fixed simply means non sliding, but adjustable via bolts.
But I have seen single axle city units with "fixed" fifths that need a torch and new hucks to do anything with.
Some construction guys have their own version if fixed too. Those end dumps and windrow trailers require some special fix'n to their plates.

 

There we go. Nothing wrong with that.
Before you adjust it, take a trailer across a local scale. Your wheelbase and front axle position will tell you a lot. There had to be a reason the current position was bolted down in that spot.

 

Well, I wouldn't say easy, those bolts will take a lot to loosen. Looks like they wanted more weight on the steer, and that could be a good thing. I wouldn't mess with it, unless you are over on the steer.