5th Wheel Rail Kit questions

[Michael Fowler]

I want to transfer the Valley Power Pull 20K two pivot 5th wheel hitch from my '86 F250 to my "new" 94 F250. Can I use the same rails and brackets, or do I need a new rail kit?

 

[Russ]

Michael, I don't think there is a frame difference. Should be able to swap it over.

 

[Michael Fowler]

There seems to be a difference in where the holes are punched in the frame. This truck originally had a different manufacturer's 5th wheel. I was hoping to use the same studs, as they were left in the frame.


Another question---Is there any advantage to mounting the hitch a few inched FORWARD of the rear axle?

 

[Double-S-Diesel]

If I recall the hitch should be 2 " forward of the axle.
I know when we put my 5er hitch in my obs the rails lined up right over the bed bolts.
it was also the same in my SD

 

[Russ]

Michael, I just measured my bed rails, the rear rail is 35" from the rear of the bed floor to the center of the rail. The front one is 57" to the center from the rear of the bed floor. I think the center of the hitch pin should be 2-4" in front the axle center line.

 

[RLDSL]

Another question---Is there any advantage to mounting the hitch a few inched FORWARD of the rear axle?

If you don't, you'll be doing a wheelie That offset forward is what distributes the weight between the drive and steer axle. If you center it on the drive axle, it will squat down and steering will be real light and squirrily