I just got back from a 2 week trip, and was my first time towing with new F-350 short bed and a new slider hitch. I realize the turning radius would be tighter, but I was just looking at the hitch, and realized it is about 6 inches forward of the center of the rear axle. The hitch is locked in tow position, but I thought the pin had to be right over center of the axle.
Any input? Also, this might be why I can't even see the hitch when i'm hooking up.
Your set up is not correct. Should be over axles. Im wodering if they may have put the left frame mount on the right, and mounted it backwards, and visa/versa for the right frame mount on the left.
Maybe a little more info on truck and the brand of hitch???
2006 F350 V10 4X4 SC SB SRW 4.30 22,500 GCWR
2011 Open Range 393RLS 14,250 GVWR
Pullrite Super Glide 18K
Super Duty, Super Cab, SuperGlide
rheo1 wrote: My forward rails are in fron of the wheel well, not even close to what your pic shows.
I do know that on some trucks it is not possible to mount the hitch over the axle, in that case a few inches forward of the axle is alright. IMO 6" is a bit much, but it may have had to be there for mounting hardware or something in the way. So while my hitch may be in the "preferred position" it might not be possible on all brands of truck with mounting hardware available. If it works for you don't monkey with it.
In normal travel mode the hitch pin should be centered directly over the rear axle. I suspect someone owes you some modifications. You will hit the cab if you continue driving it like this.
2005 Dutchmen 35SRV, Pergo, 5th Airborne, JT Strong Arm, Kodiak Disk Brakes, Backup camera
2006 Dodge CTD RAM QC 3500 LWB 4WD, Reese 16k, Airbags, Pacbrake, Britebox, 60g aux fuel tank
04 Harley Ultra, 05 CanAM 400MAX Quad
rheo1 wrote: My forward rails are in front of the wheel well, not even close to what your pic shows.
The way your hitch appears to be mounted from your description, it is useless to you as a slider, and could even be dangerous if you ever need to slide. The normal operating position should be over the rear axle or no more than an inch or so in front of the axle. If and/or when you need to turn sharply you would slide the hitch AWAY from the cab, or to the rear to give you more cab to RV clearance so you don't hit the cab in the turn. If the hitch, when slid back, does not give you that clearance it is useless and a waste of money.
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I agree with the others that it sounds like it's too far forward. I've always heard that the pin should be over the rear axle or forward just a little (1-2") depending on truck/hitch setup.
To get some more info on what your install should be like, go to the website for the hitch company. Oftentimes they'll have installation instructions you can download & you can read about the particulars there. May also want to call the hitch company to get their input. If it looks like the install isn't correct, you can then talk to the installer with the info you found out. This install just doesn't sound right. Good luck
2009 Cedar Creek 34sats
2007 Chev 3500HD D/A
1952 Wife
They've got the right and left rails reversed therby forcing forward mounting. Your movement should be centered over the axles while in tow mode and rearward when in tight turns. Take it back....it is dangerous.....Brian
I just installed my Reese 15K slider in my F-350 with the custom install mounts and it put it 4" in front the the rear axle I did call the company and they said this is right for the F-350.
2008 Ford F-350 DRW 6.4
2011 Heartland Bighorn 3185RL
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