Question for you shortbed fifth wheel owners

[markelectric]

I need the measurement from the fromt of the bed to the center of the pin on the hitch in your setup. for those of you with sliders both measurements would be great.

I now have a second fifth wheel and an wanting to fab a second hitch setup. The 30ft Challenger will stay behind the dually dodge using a B&W companion. The latest is a 22 ft jayco and I would like it to be behind my 2001 CC SB. I have a older Reece fifth wheel hitch that was on a set of rails. The rails are long gone. The 2001 has a B&W turnover ball in it. My goal is to fab a adapter to utilize the B&W and mate it to the Reece.

I just need a starting measurement.

Thanks

[DmaxMaverick]

Setting the pin center is more simple than that. On HD trucks (2500HD/3500), the pin center should be 1" (one inch) forward of the axle center. More or less than that can/does restrict you to setting the pin center according to specific trailers or trailer loading. 1/2 ton and light 3/4 tons should be set according to actual weight, and can be as much as 4-5" forward.

Slider or not. The purpose of the slider is for maneuvering purposes ONLY. You should never be moving down the road with the hitch slid rearward. The amount of slide is dependent on the hitch mfg, but is usually 9" (Reese/Husky). Pin center position should be set with the hitch slid forward, and the rearward position should be disregarded during pin position setting. Doing it different than this WILL cause issues, sooner or later.

If you want the rail setup, you can get the rails as a kit (which is normally sold separate of the hitch, anyway). I suggest this approach, and I DO NOT recommend "adapting" the hitch to another securing method. Just get the rail kit, and do it right. They can be had from Reese or Husky. Husky is cheaper, but is a near exact clone of the Reese (no functional difference, and is as durable). Also, I've found the Husky mounting hardware to be more forgiving than the Reese (allows for more adjustment at the frame).

[markelectric]

There will NEVER be a set of those rails in any vehicle that I own if I can help it.

The way the head of this reece is made and the base of the B&W is made, the base to fit the B&W hitch and the reece head should be an easy matchup. I just needed a reference point to start.

[DmaxMaverick]

Then set the pin center at 1" forward of the axle. Rail/bed measurements may not be consistent, from truck to truck, hitch to hitch. Don't rely on any measurements you receive. You can do it easily with a long 2x4, plumb bob, and a tape measure (while parked on a level surface).

Just curious, but why no rails?

[markelectric]

Every truck I own seems like a shorter than short bed with the fuel tanks in the beds. Seems like I am always trying to slide or shoehorn something into the bed. I dont need any more limitations on the bed space, so NO rails.

The B&W hitches are a great start to keeping the bed floor clean. I just want to keep it that way.

I have heard that Curt or someone makes an adapter for what I want to do. I dont want to pay that price when I have a larger welder and a large pile of steel.

I dont anticipate this hitch to be used much as I think the smaller camper will probably be moved twice a year.

Thanks