If you get your 5th wheel set properly it will be somewhat unusual to ever have to touch it again. If you get a truck where someone has slid the 5th wheel all the way forward or back and want to guesstimate where to set it start with it centered over your drives on most trucks. If you are driving a Volvo though you want it slid back of center as those trucks are very heavy on the front end.

 

Ok I have another question, I have this bottom feeling in the rear of the truck and I have posted on here and came to the conclusion that my ride height is set wrong but my manager tried to tell me another driver said that I had my trailer tandems all the way back, that was the cause but isnt that how you adjust your weight so youre not over or am I missing something? I was over on my tandems so I moved them.

 

When I'm hauling tradeshows (light) I try to keep the 5th wheel slid up all the way to minimize the gap between the trailer and tractor. It is supposed to help fuel mileage (I hear).

 

I've found that some trailers I pull have the kingpin further back and cause the trailer to be closer to the cab. This also causes the nose to swing out further on tight turns. This is about the only time I'll move the 5th wheel back and try to get the nose of the trailer even with the quarter flaps.

 

All the way back? As in, well past the 41 ft bridge which you're legally allowed? Don't get caught driving like that...

 

i keep my fifth wheel all the way back ...i do this b/c of all the personal items i carry with me ...but one thing no one has mentioned rgarding the 5th wheel position is that it directly changes over all vehicle length so a 5th all the way forward is going to make fitting in a tight spot easier ...also the further forward the faster he tuck turns.

 

there's also: besides weight reasons as stated--

setting the 5th wheel all the way back-- allows you to fit your Bike behind your cab as well as tool box etc...

the ride is generally smoother-- less bone jarring when you hit pot holes- with the 5th wheel back

I once had a trainee that weighted in excess of 500 lbs-- and we had to set the 5th wheel back to stay legal.

In winter-- setting your 5th wheel foward-- is safer -- helps lessen the possibility of power skid.

Noisy reefer or smelly livestock--- 5th wheel all the way back! or unhook! LOL.

Remember when sliding your 5th wheel-- to lower your landing gear- take some of the weight off- before sliding

if teeth: 200 lbs a tooth( generally)
if the 5 slot type: 500 lbs each slot

 

lets keep it simple shall we. sliding it forward puts more weight on the steers. sliding it back puts the weight on the drives.