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5th wheel hitch issues

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  • #16
    The hitch is a 20K fixed. Just hooked up the trailer to go back to the dealer tomorrow. With the height adjustment on the hitch moved up two bolt holes and what do you know, I cleared the third brake light by almost two inches. The bottom of the trailer above the truck bed is level (not nose high) at about six inches or so above the truck sides. Still going to the dealer tomorrow, at the very least they owe me for the brake light.
    Gundealer
    2022 F250 and 2023 337RLS

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    • #17
      gundealer You can't measure "level" at the truck. You have to get on a level surface and measure from frame to ground at front and back of trailer. I've read of some that have survived at 2" high at front of trailer, but I sure want to get closer to prefect level if at all possible.

      Like Cate&Rob I have a manual slider in a Dodge short bed but in 13 years of pulling 5th wheels I've never had to use the slider. Also, I don't think I've ever got past 45 degrees on a turn. Any more than that is sure tough on the already flimsy suspension on these trailers. The manual slider assembly is relatively inexpensive and not difficult to activate.
      2020 Reflection 273MK
      2005 Dodge Ram 2500 CTD

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      • #18
        Agreed. The dealer is now talking about installing a Pullrite 3100. At this point I'm ready to get on with the gettin on.
        Gundealer
        2022 F250 and 2023 337RLS

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        • #19
          gundealer Before you leave, verify that they lock out the Turning Point pin box. Otherwise, bad bad bad things can happen. Also Verify the wedge fit and jaw closing.
          Joseph
          Tow
          Vehicle: 2024 GMC K3500 Denali Ultimate Diesel
          Coach: 303RLS Delivered March 5, 2021
          South of Houston Texas

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          • #20
            Good point. Will do. Thanks
            Gundealer
            2022 F250 and 2023 337RLS

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            • #21
              First let me say that I appreciate all the comments from everyone. Secondly, since I am retired I have way too much time on my hands. LOL. I will stop beating a dead horse after this comment. Here goes. The picture on the Grand Design website of a shortbed pickup doing a 90 with a trailer is a GMC. This is somewhat important in that the GMC's have the longest inside bed length of the shortbeds of 69.92 inches. Lets say 70. The F150 has 67.1. Lets say 67. Assuming the fixed hitches are mounted over the axles that would give the GMC the extra 1 1/2 inches that I would need to clear the third brake light. Also by the looks of it the trailer doing the 90 is a Reflection series not a Reflection 150 series. How can this be. Now, to remedy this problem my dealer wants to replace my pullrite 20K fixed hitch which I'm getting to like, with a Pullrite 3100 12K slider, putting new holes in my bed.. This means that I will have to lock down the 90 degree turning point part of the Lippert design. Or, I could just leave well enough alone and remove the third brake light while towing ( 4 screws) to Florida then mount the brake light. It would give me something to do over the winter.LOL Bottom line, I guess I'm just looking for a little truth in advertising.
              Gundealer
              2022 F250 and 2023 337RLS

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              • #22
                gundealer

                Just as a point of clarification . . . the trailer in the video is a Reflection 150 Series. There is no regular Reflection with only one slide on the left side.

                Rob
                Cate & Rob
                (with Border Collies Molly & Angel + Kitties Hazel & Elsie)
                2015 Reflection 303RLS
                2022 F350 Diesel CC SB SRW Lariat
                Bayham, Ontario, Canada

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                • #23
                  I stand corrected. My Reflection 150 has 150 stickers all over it. Thats what I get for assuming.
                  Gundealer
                  2022 F250 and 2023 337RLS

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                  • #24
                    In scouring the internet on 5th wheel hitch rail placement it seems that anywhere from right over the axle going forward is optimal for centering the hitch. I understand that the further forward the better for weight distribution etc. Does anyone have any opinions on this as I am considering remounting the rails so the hitch is dead center over the axle.It would be a matter of 2 inches to clear the back window brake light. For me a slider is not an option.
                    Last edited by gundealer; 09-15-2021, 05:09 AM.
                    Gundealer
                    2022 F250 and 2023 337RLS

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                    • #25
                      Is there any adjustment in the hitch? Can you turn the base 180 degrees and turn the connection plate 180 degrees to move the hitch back towards the tailgate? The Reese that I have has this option of the pin being 2" ahead of center or on center of the axel.

                      Brian
                      Brian & Michelle
                      2018 Reflection 29RS
                      2022 Chevy 3500HD

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                      • #26
                        I don't think so Brian, good point though, I will check it. Thanks
                        Gundealer
                        2022 F250 and 2023 337RLS

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                        • #27
                          gundealer

                          Relocating the rails to gain 2” seems like a lot of work. Those 2” will quickly disappear at the first campsite where the truck is going uphill from the trailer. Maneuvering the trailer (particularly backing) over uneven ground, completely changes the space between the cab and the front of the 5th wheel trailer.

                          Rob
                          Cate & Rob
                          (with Border Collies Molly & Angel + Kitties Hazel & Elsie)
                          2015 Reflection 303RLS
                          2022 F350 Diesel CC SB SRW Lariat
                          Bayham, Ontario, Canada

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                          • #28
                            I agree Rob. I have not yet crawled under the truck to see if it is even possible or just how much trouble it would be.
                            Gundealer
                            2022 F250 and 2023 337RLS

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                            • #29
                              Originally posted by gundealer View Post
                              I agree Rob. I have not yet crawled under the truck to see if it is even possible or just how much trouble it would be.
                              A lot will depend on what type of attachment was used between the rails and the truck frame. The better installations use brackets specific to a certain truck and these define the only position possible. Some installers use "universal" brackets which are not specific to any model and there is more flexibility on how these are installed. If your installation is the latter . . . it would be worth some careful measuring to see if the rails are in the right place to start with.

                              Rob
                              Cate & Rob
                              (with Border Collies Molly & Angel + Kitties Hazel & Elsie)
                              2015 Reflection 303RLS
                              2022 F350 Diesel CC SB SRW Lariat
                              Bayham, Ontario, Canada

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                              • #30
                                I have zero experience with these but haven't seen it mentioned in any other of the posts. gundealer , have you considered a king pin extension? I just googled it and got multiple hits. One claimed to gain 10" of clearance between trailer nose and truck cab.
                                John
                                2018 Momentum 395M
                                2018 Ram 3500 Dually
                                Every day is a Saturday, but with no lawn to mow.

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