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Fitfh Wheel Install

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  #1  
Old 02-17-2009, 06:45 PM
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Default Fitfh Wheel Install

just wonderin how hard a fitfh wheel is to install. wife and i lookin at a camper and i am tryin to keep cost down a little bit. is it something me and a buddy can knock out in an afternoon, or something better left to the shop to do.................
 
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Old 02-17-2009, 06:53 PM
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i got auto 5th slider. mine was not bad but i mod it
 
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Old 02-17-2009, 10:34 PM
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If your runnin a regular length bed and not a short bed then go with the B&W Gooseneck Hitch with the 5th Wheel attachement. Easy to install, strong, safe and easy to use. Not to mention this way you have both a 5th wheel,and gooseneck hitch that both come out to leave a full truck bed.
 
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Old 03-06-2009, 01:41 PM
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In your signature you do not state if you have a short box or 8 ft box. A 5er hitch will work with eiither box, you will need a slider hitch for the short box. This is to prevent the 5er from hitting the cab in sharp 90 degree turns.
My hitch is a Reese 16K slider. The rails are located and then holes are drilled in the bed floor. You will need to make these large enough for the spacers that are inserted into the bed. Brackets are bolted on the side of the frame rail. Do not weld or drill on the frame should be mounting holes in the frame for the "L" brackets. Torque bolts to manufacture spec and then install hitch system. I remove mine every winter, do not want the hitch to rust from snow and ice. Should not be too hard, I would say about 2 to 3 hours for installation time.
Another idea would be to have the dealer provide free installation when you buy the 5er. I think with the economy and you are buying the 5er and hitch from the dealer. He would provide free installation on the hitch and provide a lessson on using and backing up the 5er. I know my dealer did this back in 2007 when I bought mine.
 
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Old 03-06-2009, 01:47 PM
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well, i talked to trailer place and it turns out trucks to high for the fifth wheel (trucks lifted) and we are looking into travel trailers. oh well, i guess i just gotta get a longer one now
 
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Old 03-06-2009, 02:03 PM
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How much lif it on your truck? You can always flip the trailer axles so it sits up higher.
 
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Old 03-06-2009, 02:37 PM
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Originally Posted by Red_Rattler
How much lif it on your truck? You can always flip the trailer axles so it sits up higher.
YEP I USED TO MANAGE A RV DEALERSHIP WE FLIPPED ALOT OF AXLES FOR LIFTED TRUCKS AND THEY MAKE A PORTABLE STEP THAT IS ADJUSTABLE FOR HEIGHT I WOULD NOT TAKE A TT OVER A 5VER GOOD LUCK
 
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Old 03-06-2009, 03:19 PM
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its got a 4 inch lift with 35's. i also have chrome side bars on the bed rail(the wife just LOVE'S them) that i don't want to part with. the guy at the place said it would just barely hit the bed, even without the rails. i didn't know you could flip the axels, that sounds like some work that someplace don't want to get into. prolly why they didn't sugest it. i won't be buying anything to soon anyhow. i need more cash flow in and less out, if you know what i mean.....
 
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Old 03-06-2009, 03:25 PM
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Flippin the axles is a simple process. You just mount the leaf springs on top of the axle instead of below it. If needed you can add lift blocks to get it even higher. Just remember that the higher it rides the higher your center of gravity is so it's more unstable. But this also applies to your truck if it's lifted.

Big tires and lifted trucks don't mix safely with towing.
 
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Old 04-06-2010, 11:19 AM
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If you buy a 5th wheel hitch for your truck it will come with detailed instructions Make sure you have a good sharp 1/2 inch drill bit and a tape measure. Keep in mind if you have a 8 or longer bed (I have a 10ft 6inch) keep the weight directly over the axle and you will do just fine. One more thing look in the frame rails before drilling and take the wife out to supper with the money that you saved. This gives you a reason to get more tools.
 
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